New Zealand will introduce new rules for open work visas starting April 20, 2026, as part of an effort to simplify and clarify work conditions for migrants. The changes are aimed at reducing confusion about what visa holders are allowed to do and improving overall compliance with local employment and business laws. Authorities say the focus is on making visa conditions easier to understand while ensuring both migrants and employers clearly know their rights and responsibilities.
The new framework will not affect Student Visa holders, and employer-specific work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa will remain unchanged. Under the revised system, open work visas will fall into two categories. Some visa holders will be allowed to work freely in any job or location, including employment, self-employment, or business ownership. This applies to groups such as partners of workers, partners of students, post-study work visa holders, and partners of New Zealanders or military personnel.
The second category will require visa holders to work only for an employer or under a formal service contract, treating such arrangements as employment. This applies to individuals holding visas such as those for victims of domestic violence, victims of trafficking, migrant exploitation protection, asylum seekers, and all working holiday visa holders. Across all open work visas, strict rules will remain in place, including restrictions on employing others through a personal business and prohibitions on involvement in commercial sexual services.
Migrants already working under conditions that may not fully align with the updated rules will be allowed to continue until their current visa expires, giving them time to adjust before applying for renewals under the new system. Working holiday visa holders, in particular, will continue to be allowed to work only under employment agreements or service contracts, with self-employment and business activities not permitted. The overall goal of these changes is to bring greater clarity, consistency, and structure to New Zealand’s open work visa system while ensuring fair and transparent work practices.
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