New Zealand’s Open Work Visa Overhaul: What You Need to Know About the Game-Changing Changes Set to Impact Migrants, Employers, and Businesses from April 2026 Onwards

Published on
February 28, 2026

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New Zealand is introducing significant changes to its open work visa conditions starting from April 2026, aiming to provide clearer guidelines for migrant workers and ensure safer, more transparent employment practices. These updates are designed to distinguish between different types of work allowed under open work visas, clarifying what is permitted and preventing potential exploitation. By setting specific conditions for various visa categories, the government aims to create a more compliant and fair environment for both migrants and employers, ensuring that workers’ rights are respected while promoting lawful business operations across the country.

Starting from April 20, 2026, new employment conditions will be implemented for open work visa holders in New Zealand, as announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on February 24, 2026. These changes aim to enhance clarity around the types of work permitted under open work visas, ensuring migrants have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. The new rules are also designed to promote fair and compliant employment practices.

Overview of the Changes

An open work visa currently allows individuals to work for nearly any employer in New Zealand, across a variety of roles and locations, without the need for a job offer upfront. This contrasts with employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which ties migrants to a particular employer and role. Importantly, the upcoming changes will only affect open work visas and will not impact employer-specific visa categories.

Two Types of Employment Conditions for Open Work Visa Holders

From April 20, open work visas will have two distinct types of employment conditions, allowing for greater clarity.

1. Open Work Visas Allowing Any Type of Work

Some visa holders will be permitted to engage in any form of work in New Zealand, including:

• Working for an employer
• Sole trading
• Owning and operating a business

This broader condition will apply to the following visa categories:

• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Partner of a Student Work Visa
• Post Study Work Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
• Partner of a Military Work Visa

2. Open Work Visas Requiring Employment for an Employer

For other open work visa holders, the requirement will be to work for an employer only, under either:

• An employment agreement or
• A contract for services (which INZ considers equivalent to employment)

These visa holders will not be allowed to own or operate a business. The condition will apply to the following visa categories:

• Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
• Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
• Asylum Seeker Work Visa
• All Working Holiday Visa categories

Universal Conditions for Open Work Visa Holders

Regardless of the specific open work visa category, all visa holders must adhere to New Zealand’s employment and business laws. Additionally, the following conditions will apply to all open work visa holders:

• Visa holders are prohibited from employing others, whether directly or through a business they own.
• Commercial sexual services are strictly prohibited for open work visa holders, meaning they cannot provide such services or invest in or operate a business that offers them.

These new rules will not affect student visa holders.

Transitional Provisions for Existing Visa Holders

For those who currently hold an open work visa and are engaged in work that will no longer be allowed under the new conditions (excluding commercial sexual services), they will be permitted to continue working until their visa expires. This transitional provision is designed to give visa holders time to adjust to the new conditions and make necessary changes before applying for a new visa. However, future visa applications must comply with the new employment conditions tied to the approved visa category.

Clarification for Working Holiday Visa Holders

INZ has clarified that the primary purpose of a working holiday visa is tourism. While holders are allowed to undertake temporary work to support their stay, from April 20, all such work must be under an employment agreement or a contract for services. Operating a business will no longer be allowed under a working holiday visa.

Purpose of the Changes

These adjustments are part of a broader effort by INZ to enhance transparency and compliance within the migration system. The changes aim to create safer working conditions for both migrants and employers while ensuring that employment practices are in line with New Zealand’s labour laws. The government emphasizes that these new rules will provide clearer guidelines for both migrants and employers, contributing to fairer, more compliant workplaces across the country.