Big Changes to Open Work Visa Conditions from 20 April 2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes to employment conditions for people on open work visas, coming into effect on Monday, 20 April 2026. These updates are designed to clarify what work activities are permitted under different open work visa types and to support both migrant workers and employers.

What an Open Work Visa Means

An open work visa currently allows visa holders to work in New Zealand without needing a specific job offer, employer or location restriction, unlike employer-specific visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Immigration NZ’s recent update confirms and refines how those rights apply.

Two Distinct Employment Conditions (From 20 April 2026)

From 20 April, open work visas will fall into two categories of permitted work:

Open Work Visas Allowing Any Work

These visas let holders work for an employer, operate as a sole trader, or own and operate their own business giving maximum flexibility. This includes the ability to be self-employed.

Visas in this category include:

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa

• Partner of a Student Work Visa

• Partner of a Student Work Visa (scholarship categories)

• Post-Study Work Visas

• Partner of a New Zealander Residence Visa

• Partner of a Military Work Visa (Self-employment and business ownership are permitted under these visa types.) 

Open Work Visas Requiring Employer Work

Some open work visas will continue to require work for an employer only, either under a formal employment agreement or a “contract for services” (which INZ treats as employment). Business ownership or sole trading is not permitted under these visas.

This applies to visas such as:

• Working Holiday Visas

• Visas for victims of trafficking or serious exploitation

• Asylum seeker work visas (These remain employer-based and cannot be used to operate a business.) 

Conditions That Still Apply to All Open Work Visa Holders

Regardless of which category your visa sits in:

✔ You must meet your visa’s conditions and relevant employment or business laws in New Zealand.

✔ You cannot employ other people directly or indirectly through a business you own on an open work visa.

✔ Certain activities for example, commercial sexual services remain explicitly prohibited.

Transitional Arrangements and Compliance Focus

INZ recognises that migrants and employers may find shifting visa conditions challenging. If you are currently doing work that won’t be permitted under the updated rules (for example, self-employment under a visa that will now require employer work), you can continue until your visa expires. This provides time to plan your next steps, whether that’s adjusting work arrangements or preparing for your next visa application.

INZ has emphasised education and clarity around visa conditions so migrants and employers better understand rights and responsibilities under New Zealand employment law.

Pohutakawa Tree in Bloom in New Zealand

What This Means for Candidates and Employers

For Migrant Workers

• You now have clear rules about what open work visa holders can and cannot do.

• If you hold (or apply for) a visa that allows any work, you can pursue contracting, freelance work, sole trading or business ownership.

• If your open work visa requires employer work, you still enjoy flexibility across employers but cannot be self-employed.

• Always check your specific visa conditions using Immigration NZ tools or talk with a specialist.

For Employers

• These changes provide certainty about work rights for migrants you are considering hiring.

• Understand that not all open work visa holders will have the same permissions — especially around self-employment or contracting.

• Always confirm a candidate’s visa conditions before agreeing arrangements.

  
  

For more information visit:

Upcoming changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders :: Immigration New Zealand