New Zealand Open Work Visa Conditions Changed from 20 April 2026

21 April 2026 Important changes to the employment conditions attached to New Zealand open work visas came into effect on 20 April 2026. The changes clarify the types of work open work visa holders can undertake and introduce two different categories of employment conditions, depending on the visa held. For migrants already working, self-employed or operating a business in New Zealand, understanding which condition applies to their visa is important. What is an Open Work Visa? An open work visa generally allows a person to work in New Zealand without being tied to a particular employer, job or location. This differs from an employer-specific visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which links the visa holder to a specified employer and employment conditions. The April 2026 changes do not affect employer-specific work visas or Student Visa holders. Two Types of Open Work Visa Conditions From 20 April 2026, open work visas fall into one of two employment condition categories. 1. Open Work Visas Allowing Any Work Visa holders in this category may: • Work for an employer • Work as a sole trader • Own and operate a business This condition applies to: • 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 Work 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. This condition applies to: • 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 For Working Holiday Visa holders in particular, the changes mean they cannot operate a business while holding the visa. Important Restrictions for All Open Work Visa Holders Regardless of which employment condition applies, open work visa holders must comply with their individual visa conditions and New Zealand employment and business laws. Importantly, an open work visa holder cannot employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they operate as an owner. Other restrictions also apply, including restrictions relating to commercial sexual services. Transitional Arrangements for Existing Visa Holders There are transitional arrangements for some existing open work visa holders. If a person was already undertaking work that would not be permitted under the new conditions, they may generally continue that work until their current visa expires, subject to the exclusions specified by Immigration New Zealand. However, when applying for a future open work visa, the visa holder will need to comply with the employment conditions applying to the relevant visa category. This makes it important for existing visa holders to understand how the changes may affect their employment, contracting or business arrangements before their next visa application. What Should Open Work Visa Holders Do? Open work visa holders should check the conditions attached to their current visa and consider whether their existing work arrangements comply with the applicable conditions. This may be particularly important if you: • Operate or intend to operate your own business • Work as a sole trader or contractor • Hold a Working Holiday Visa • Are approaching the expiry of your current open work visa • Are planning to apply for another New Zealand work visa Need Advice About Your New Zealand Work Visa? Visa conditions can have significant consequences for both current employment arrangements and future immigration applications. IR Legal assists individuals, families and businesses with New Zealand immigration and employment matters, including work visas, partnership visas, employer accreditation, AEWV matters and immigration compliance. If you are unsure how the new open work visa conditions affect you, obtaining advice before changing your employment or business arrangements can help you understand your options. 📞 Australia: 1800 720 720 📞 New Zealand: +64 27 566 1155 Email: admin@irlegal.lawyer 🌐 www.irlegal.lawyer