New Zealand Immigration Update: Changes to Employment Conditions for Open Work Visa Holders

24 February 2026 Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders, effective 20 April 2026. These reforms are designed to provide greater clarity about what work is permitted under open work visas, helping migrants better understand their rights and responsibilities while promoting fair, compliant employment practices across New Zealand. What Is Changing? An open work visa allows a migrant to work for almost any employer, in any job, and in any location in New Zealand without needing a job offer. These changes introduce two distinct types of employment conditions for open work visa holders. Importantly, employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, are not affected by these changes. Student visa holders are also not impacted. Two New Employment Conditions 1. Open Work Visas Allowing Any Work Some visa holders will be permitted to: - Work for an employer - Sole trade - Own and operate a business This condition will apply 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 only, either: - Under an employment agreement; or - Under a contract for services (which is treated as employment). 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 Conditions That Apply to All Open Work Visas Regardless of the specific employment condition: - Visa holders must comply with New Zealand employment and business laws. - Open work visa holders cannot employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they operate. - Visa holders cannot provide commercial sexual services or operate, invest in, or manage a business that provides commercial sexual services. Transitional Arrangements Open work visa holders currently undertaking work that will no longer be permitted (excluding commercial sexual services) may continue that work until their visa expires. This transitional period allows individuals time to: - Understand their updated visa conditions - Adjust business or employment arrangements - Prepare for future visa applications For any future visa application, migrants must meet the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category. Working Holiday Visa Clarification The primary purpose of a Working Holiday Visa remains tourism. While temporary work is permitted to support a stay in New Zealand: - Work must be performed for an employer - Work must be under an employment agreement or contract for services - Working holiday visa holders cannot operate a business How IR Legal Can Assist Changes to visa conditions can create uncertainty for migrants and employers alike. Understanding what work is permitted under your specific visa is critical to maintaining compliance and protecting future immigration status. IR Legal’s New Zealand immigration team can provide tailored advice on: - Open work visa conditions - Business and employment compliance - Transition planning - Future visa applications If you are unsure how these changes affect you or your organisation, we encourage you to seek professional advice. 📞 Australia: 1800 720 720 📞 New Zealand: +64 27 566 1155 Email: admin@irlegal.lawyer 🌐 www.irlegal.lawyer