Changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders‍

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.

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On 20 April 2026, open work visa employment conditions were changed to either:

• allow visa holders to do any work, including self-employment, sole trading or business ownership
• only allow visa holders to work for any employer under an employment agreement or a contract for services.

These changes were made to ensure visa conditions align with the intent of each visa category, as well as the definitions of employer and employee under immigration rules. They also help prevent unintended breaches of immigration rules.

Open work visa holders cannot employ other people, either directly or through a business they own or operate, provide sexual services or operate or invest in a business of prostitution.

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The two new types of employment conditions

1. 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.

2. 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.

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