Open Work Visa Employment Conditions Changing from 20 April 2026
From 20 April 2026, INZ is introducing two clearer employment conditions for open work visa holders to better define what work is permitted, helping migrants understand their rights and responsibilities.
Key points
- ✓Some open work visa holders will be able to work for any employer, sole trade, or own and operate a business.
- ✓Other open work visa holders must work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services.
- ✓Working holiday visa holders cannot operate a business — employment only.
- ✓Employer-specific visas like AEWV are not affected by these changes.
From Monday 20 April 2026, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is introducing two clearer employment conditions for people holding open work visas.
An open work visa lets you work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer.
Under the new conditions, some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand — including working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business.
Other open work visa holders will be restricted to working for an employer only, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services.
If you hold a working holiday visa, the same employer-only rule applies — you cannot operate a business on a working holiday visa.
Employer-specific work visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), are not impacted by these changes.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
Not sure how this affects you?
Our licensed advisers in Auckland can assess your specific situation.