Employment conditions for people with open work visas have come into effect from today, 20 April 2026. Open work visas will now include two new types of employment conditions.
Employer-specific work visas will not be impacted by these changes and these changes also do not apply to Student Visa holders.
Releasing the details today, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says 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.
Under 1 of two employment conditions, 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 i) Worker Work Visa, ii) Student Work Visa, iii) New Zealander Work Visa and iv) Military Work Visa.
- Post Study Work Visa, and
- Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New Zealand Scholarship funded by the MFAT
The other employment condition is open work visa holders must work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services.
This employment condition applies to the following visas:
- Victims of i) Domestic Violence Work Visa, and ii) Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- Asylum Seeker Work Visa, and
- All working holiday visas
According to MBIE. 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.
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. You must meet the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category for any future visa applications.
Those who are in New Zealand on a working holiday visa must work for an employer as an employee and cannot operate a business.
