New Zealand to Implement New Work Conditions for Open Visa Holders from April 2026

New Zealand has announced it will revise the employment conditions for migrants holding open work visas, with the new rules set to take effect on April 20, 2026. The changes are designed to provide clearer guidance on permissible work activities and enhance compliance with the country’s labour and business regulations.

According to information published on the New Zealand immigration website and reported by Harmattan news  on Tuesday, the adjustments aim to reduce ambiguity for both migrants and employers. Authorities stated that more consistent visa conditions will contribute to a fairer and more transparent labour market.

“On 20 April 2026, we will introduce changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas,” the immigration authorities confirmed. They acknowledged that navigating new rules can be challenging and emphasised that the focus will be on educating migrants about their rights and responsibilities. The changes will not affect current Student Visa holders.

Unlike employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, an open work visa typically allows holders to work for nearly any employer, in any role, without a prior job offer.

Under the new framework, open work visas will be divided into two distinct categories based on employment conditions.

The first category permits visa holders to engage in any lawful form of work in New Zealand. This includes traditional employment, operating as a sole trader, or owning and running a business. Visas falling under this condition include the Post Study Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, and Partner of a Worker Work Visa, among others.

The second category restricts visa holders to working for an employer only. Individuals in this group must work under an employment agreement or a contract for services and are not permitted to run their own businesses. This 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.

Prohibited Activities

Regardless of their visa category, all open work visa holders remain subject to New Zealand’s employment and business laws. Authorities clarified that these visa holders are not permitted to employ other people, either directly or through a business they own.

Furthermore, they are explicitly prohibited from providing commercial sexual services or from investing in or operating businesses connected to such services.