Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, on April 20, 2026, it will introduce changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas.
These changes are designed to provide clarity about what work is allowed under open work visas, helping migrants to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
An open work visa allows the holder to work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer. An employer-specific work visa, like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), links the holder to one employer and a set role. Employer-specific work visas will not be impacted by these changes.
Two new types of employment conditions
From April 20, 2026, open work visas will now include one of two employment conditions.
Open work visas allowing any work
Some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business.
This employment condition applies to the following visas:
- 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
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. We consider a contract for services as employment.
This employment condition applies to the following visas:
- 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, open work visa holders must meet the conditions of their visa and comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws.
Holders of any open work visa cannot employ other people—either directly, or indirectly through a business they operate as an owner (including where the business is the named employer).
Open work visa holders cannot provide commercial sexual services, or run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services.
Transitional arrangements and support
Open work visa holders who have been doing work that is not permitted under their visa (excluding providing commercial sexual services) may continue until their visa expires.
They must meet the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category for any future visa applications.
Working holiday visas
The main purpose of a working holiday visa is to allow visitors to holiday in New Zealand. Those in New Zealand on a working holiday visa can also do temporary work to support their stay.
Any work done by working holiday visa holders must be for an employer, as an employee under an employment agreement or a contract for services. Working holiday visa holders cannot operate a business.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.