Immigration New Zealand has announced stricter employment conditions for open work visa holders, effective April 20, 2026. The new rules will divide open work visas into two distinct categories with different employment permissions, replacing the current system that allows almost unrestricted work across New Zealand.
New Zealand Open Work Visa Categories from April 2026
Immigration New Zealand announced the changes on February 24, 2026, stating the updated rules aim to clarify permitted work types and help migrants better understand their employment rights and responsibilities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | April 20, 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | Open work visa holders only |
| Key Change | Two-tier employment condition system |
| Transitional Period | Until current visa expires |
Full Employment Rights Category
Certain open work visa holders will retain broad employment permissions, including working for employers, sole trading, and owning businesses. This category includes:
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa holders
- Partner of a Student Work Visa holders
- Post Study Work Visa holders
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa holders
- Partner of a Military Work Visa holders
Employer-Only Category
Other open work visa categories will be restricted to working for employers only, either under employment agreements or service contracts. These visa holders cannot operate their own businesses:
- Working Holiday Visa holders (all categories)
- Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa holders
- Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa holders
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa holders
- Asylum Seeker Work Visa holders
For Indian travelers considering New Zealand opportunities, our comprehensive visa guides provide detailed information about various visa pathways and requirements.
Universal Restrictions Apply to All Categories
Regardless of category, all open work visa holders face specific prohibitions under the new rules. No open work visa holder can employ other people, either directly or through a business they own. Additionally, all holders are banned from providing commercial sexual services or investing in businesses that provide such services.
Employer-specific visas, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, remain unaffected by these changes as they already tie migrants to particular employers and roles.
Transitional Arrangements for Current Visa Holders
Current open work visa holders engaged in work that will be prohibited under the new structure can continue their activities until their visa expires, except for commercial sexual services. This transitional measure gives visa holders time to understand the updated conditions and make necessary adjustments.
Future visa applications must comply with the new employment conditions linked to specific visa categories. Use our Visa Eligibility Quiz to understand which New Zealand visa category best suits your employment goals.
Indian passport holders planning New Zealand migration should factor these employment restrictions into their visa selection process, particularly those considering business ventures or self-employment opportunities.
Source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
FAQ
Q: Can I still operate my own business on an open work visa after April 20, 2026? A: Only certain open work visa categories will allow business operations, including Partner of a Worker/Student/New Zealander visas and Post Study Work Visa holders. Working Holiday Visa holders and other categories must work for employers only.
Q: What happens if I’m currently running a business on an open work visa? A: You can continue your current business until your visa expires, except for commercial sexual services. Future visa applications must comply with the new employment conditions.
Q: Are employer-specific visas affected by these changes? A: No, employer-specific visas like the Accredited Employer Work Visa are not affected by these new rules. The changes only apply to open work visas.
Q: Can I employ other people with an open work visa under the new rules? A: No, all open work visa holders are prohibited from employing other people, either directly or indirectly through a business they own.