Updates from INZ - Open Work Visa Changes in April 2026

Changes from April 2026 – What You Should Know
Immigration New Zealand has announced that from 20 April 2026, updated employment conditions will apply to open work visa holders. These changes are designed to clarify what type of work is permitted under different open visa categories and to improve compliance with New Zealand’s employment and business laws.
As licensed immigration advisers, we are sharing this update as a public service. We are not Immigration New Zealand, but we assist migrants in understanding their visa conditions and making informed decisions.

Why These Changes Are Being Introduced
Open work visas have traditionally provided flexibility. However, not all visa holders clearly understand whether they can operate a business, work as a contractor, or only work for an employer.
The new structure introduces clearer categories so migrants can better understand:

• What type of work is allowed
• Whether business activity is permitted
• What restrictions apply to their visa

Greater clarity helps reduce accidental breaches of visa conditions and supports fair and lawful workplaces.

Two Types of Employment Conditions
From 20 April 2026, open work visas will include one of two employment conditions.

1. Open Work Visas Allowing Any Work
Some visa holders will be permitted to:

• Work for any employer
• Work as a sole trader
• Own and operate a business

This category generally includes partner-based work visas and the Post Study Work Visa. These visa holders have broader work rights, provided they comply with New Zealand’s employment and tax laws.

2. Open Work Visas Requiring Work for an Employer
Other open work visa holders must work only for an employer. This means:

• Work must be under an employment agreement, or
• Under a contract for services (which is still treated as employment).

These visa holders cannot operate a business or employ others. This group includes working holiday visa holders and certain protection-related visas.
Employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, are not affected by these changes. Student Visa holders are also not impacted.

Conditions That Apply to All Open Work Visas
Regardless of the category, all open work visa holders:

• Must comply with New Zealand employment and business laws
• Cannot employ other people, directly or indirectly through a business they own
• Cannot provide commercial sexual services
• Cannot run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services

It is important to note that even where business activity is allowed, employing staff is not permitted under an open work visa.

Transitional Arrangements
If you currently hold an open work visa and are undertaking work that may not be permitted under the new conditions (excluding restricted industries), you may continue that work until your visa expires.
However, when applying for a future visa, you must meet the employment conditions attached to the approved visa category. Planning ahead is strongly recommended.

Working Holiday Visa Holders
The primary purpose of a working holiday visa remains tourism. Work is permitted only to support your stay.
Working holiday visa holders:

• Must work for an employer
• Cannot operate a business
• Must have an employment agreement or contract for services

Read the Official Update
For full details, you can read the official announcement here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders

Need Advice About Your Visa?
Understanding the exact employment condition attached to your visa is critical, particularly if you are self-employed, contracting, or considering starting a business.
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If you are unsure how these changes affect your situation, consider booking an appointment with us for personalised advice by clicking on the button below.

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