Upcoming changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders

On 20 April 2026, we will introduce changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas.

These changes are designed to provide clarity about what work is allowed under open work visas, helping migrants to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Clear and consistent visa conditions reduce uncertainty and support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers.

An open work visa lets you work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer. An employer-specific work visa, like the Accredited Employer Work Visa, links you to one employer and a set role. Employer-specific work visas will not be impacted by these changes.

We recognise that not all migrants are familiar with New Zealand's employment laws or business rules, and that changes to visa conditions can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Our focus is on education and helping people clearly understand their visa conditions.

These changes do not apply to Student Visa holders.

Two new types of employment conditions

From Monday 20 April 2026, open work visas will now include 1 of 2 employment conditions.

1. Open work visas allowing any work

Some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business.

This employment condition applies to the following visas:

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New  Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Post Study Work Visa
• Partner of a New  Zealander Residence Visa
• Partner of a Military Work Visa

2. Open work visas requiring work for an employer

Other open work visa holders must work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services. We consider a contract for services as employment.

This employment condition applies to the following visas:

• Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
• Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
• Asylum Seeker Work Visa
• All working holiday visas

Conditions that apply to all open work visas

Regardless of the specific employment condition, if you have an open work visa you must meet the conditions of your visa and comply with New Zealand's employment and business laws.

On any open work visa, you cannot employ other people-either directly, or indirectly through a business you operate as an owner (including where the business is the named employer).

If you have an open work visa you cannot provide commercial sexual services, or run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services.

Transitional arrangements and support

If you have an open work visa and have been doing work that is not permitted under your visa (excluding providing commercial sexual services), you may continue until your visa expires.

This gives you time to understand your visa conditions and take any steps needed, such as adjusting work or business arrangements, before applying for your next open work visa.

You must meet the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category for any future visa applications.

Check your visa conditions on our website to understand what work is permitted under your visa.

Visas for working in New Zealand

Working holiday visas

The main purpose of a working holiday visa is to allow visitors to holiday in New Zealand. If you are in New Zealand on a working holiday visa you can also do temporary work to support your stay.

If you have a working holiday visa any work you do must be for an employer, as an employee under an employment agreement or a contract for services.

You cannot operate a business on a working holiday visa.

More information

If you have questions or concerns about your visa conditions you can contact us for further information.

Contact us