New employment conditions for open work visa holders will come into effect on April 20, 2026, under changes announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on February 24, 2026. For more clarity, check the official media release.The updated rules aim to clarify what types of work are permitted under open work visas, with authorities saying clearer conditions will help migrants better understand their rights and responsibilities while supporting fair and compliant employment practices. 
What is changing?
An open work visa presently permits individuals to take up employment with nearly any employer, across various roles and locations in New Zealand, without the need for a prior job offer. This differs from employer-sponsored permits, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which restrict a migrant to a designated employer and position. Importantly, the upcoming changes will not apply to employer-specific visas.From April 20, open work visas will include one of two clearly defined employment conditions. Read more: Bangladesh reopens travel door for Indians with tourist visa resumption
Open work visas allowing any work
Some visa holders that will be able to undertake any form of work in New Zealand, include:Working for an employerSole tradingOwning and operating a businessThis broader condition will apply to holders of:Partner of a Worker Work VisaPartner of a Student Work VisaPost Study Work VisaPartner of a New Zealander Work VisaPartner of a Military Work Visa
Open work visas requiring work for an employer
Other open work visa holders must work for an employer only, either under:An employment agreement, orA contract for services (which INZ considers employment)These visa holders will not be allowed to operate their own businesses.
This condition will apply to:
Victims of Domestic Violence Work VisaVictims of People Trafficking Work VisaMigrant Exploitation Protection Work VisaAsylum Seeker Work VisaAll Working Holiday Visa categories
Conditions that will apply to all open work visa holders
Regardless of category, all open work visa holders must comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws and meet the specific conditions attached to their visa.INZ has clarified that open work visa holders:Cannot employ other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they ownCannot provide commercial sexual servicesCannot run or invest in a business providing commercial sexual servicesThe new rules do not apply to student visa holders.
Transitional arrangements
Those who are currently holding an open work visa who are engaged in work that will not be permitted under the new structure, except for commercial sexual services, may continue that work until their visa expires.This transitional measure is intended to give visa holders time to understand their updated conditions and make necessary adjustments before applying for a new visa. However, it needs to be noted that any future applications must comply with the employment conditions that will be linked to the approved visa category. Read more: Not just cheetahs: 5 lesser-known wildlife species thriving in Kuno
Working holiday visa clarification
INZ reiterated that the primary purpose of a working holiday visa is tourism. While holders may undertake temporary work to support their stay, from April 20, all such work must be for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services.Operating a business will not be permitted under a working holiday visa.The changes are part of what authorities describe as a broader effort to ensure clarity, compliance, and safer working arrangements for migrants and employers across New Zealand.