New Zealand To Change Employment Rules For Open Work Visas From April 20

The government of New Zealand has announced new employment conditions for holders of open work visas, with the changes set to take effect from April 20, 2026.

Immigration authorities disclosed the update on the official website, stating that the move was aimed at clarifying permitted work activities and strengthening compliance with labour and business laws.

According to the authorities, the new framework was designed to provide migrants with clearer guidance on their rights and obligations while reducing uncertainty for employers across the country.

Officials noted that clearer and more consistent visa conditions would promote safer, fairer and more transparent employment practices within the labour market.

“On 20 April 2026, we will introduce changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas. 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,” the immigration authorities said.

An open work visa in New Zealand allows migrants to work for almost any employer, in any role or location, without first securing a job offer.

This differs from employer-specific visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which ties the visa holder to a specific employer and role.

Two Employment Categories Introduced
Under the revised framework, open work visas will be grouped into two employment condition categories.

The first category permits visa holders to undertake any lawful form of work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, operating as a sole trader, or owning and running a business.

Visa types under this category include the 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, the Post Study Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, and Partner of a Military Work Visa, among related categories.

The second category restricts visa holders to working exclusively for an employer. Under this condition, migrants must work either as employees under an employment agreement or under a contract for services, which authorities classify as employment. They will not be permitted to operate their own businesses.

This employer-only category applies to visas granted to victims of domestic violence, victims of people trafficking, holders of the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa, asylum seekers and all working holiday visa holders.

Immigration authorities emphasised that, regardless of category, all open work visa holders must comply with the conditions of their visas as well as New Zealand’s employment and business laws.

Authorities stressed that open work visa holders are not permitted to employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they own or operate. They are also prohibited from providing commercial sexual services or from running or investing in businesses linked to such services.

The government said the changes were part of ongoing efforts to improve clarity, strengthen compliance and ensure fair labour standards for both migrants and employers.