Two Clear Categories for Open Work Visas
Immigration New Zealand has announced major changes to open work visa conditions, which will take effect from 20 April 2026. Officials say the new rules are designed to clearly define what type of work different visa holders can do and to reduce confusion for both migrants and employers. The move will also tighten rules around self-employment and business activity, especially for working holiday makers.
Under the updated policy, open work visas in New Zealand will be divided into two main categories. The first category will give visa holders broad flexibility: they will be allowed to work for any employer, become self-employed or even run their own business. This group includes popular visa types such as the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a Student Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa and Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa.
The second category will be more restricted. Visa holders in this group will only be allowed to work for an employer and must have an employment agreement or a contract for services in place. They will not be permitted to operate their own business or work as independent contractors. The rule will apply to visas such as the Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa, Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa, Asylum Seeker Work Visa and all Working Holiday Visas.
Working Holiday Visa Rules Tightened
One of the biggest changes affects people on Working Holiday Visas. From April 2026, working holiday makers will be required to work only for an employer. They will no longer be able to run a business, work as freelancers or provide services independently. This represents a clear shift away from the more flexible work arrangements that some travellers have used in the past.
Immigration New Zealand has stressed that the core purpose of the Working Holiday Visa remains “travel first, work second”. The tightened rules are meant to make sure that the visa is used mainly for casual employment to support travel, rather than as a back door to long-term self-employment or business operations in the country.
Regardless of which category they fall into, all open work visa holders will have to follow New Zealand’s employment and business laws. This means they must work for employers who meet legal standards, pay proper wages and follow health and safety rules. Even visa holders who are allowed to be self-employed must respect tax, licensing and compliance requirements.
Common Rules for All Open Work Visa Holders
Importantly, Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that open work visa holders will not be allowed to employ other people, even if they own a business. This restriction is intended to limit the scale of business activity that can be carried out under an open work visa and to keep the focus on individual work rights rather than full business migration.
Authorities have also repeated that all visa holders are prohibited from providing or investing in commercial sexual services. This ban applies across all visa types and is part of wider rules aimed at preventing exploitation and protecting vulnerable individuals.
For people already in New Zealand on open work visas, there will be a transition period. Visa holders who are currently working in roles that may not meet the new conditions can continue in their existing arrangements until their present visa expires. They will not be forced to change jobs immediately when the rules take effect in April 2026.
Transition Period and What Current Visa Holders Should Know
However, once they apply for a new visa after that date, they will have to meet the updated conditions linked to their specific visa category. For example, a working holiday maker who wants to extend their stay or apply for another open work visa will need to make sure they are shifting into a visa type that allows self-employment, if that is their goal.
Immigration New Zealand says these changes are aimed at setting clearer boundaries around open work rights and improving overall compliance with immigration rules. By separating visas into “employer only” and “employer or self-employed” groups, the government hopes to make it easier for migrants, employers and advisers to understand what is allowed and to avoid unintentional breaches.
Migrants who are planning to go to New Zealand on open work visas after April 2026 should take the time to understand which category their visa will fall into and what kind of work it will allow. Those who intend to start a business or work as freelancers will need to choose a visa that supports self-employment, while others may prefer the employer-linked options.
What Migrants and Employers Should Do Next?
Employers, meanwhile, should review how they use open work visa holders in their workforce and ensure that contracts and job roles are aligned with the new rules. Clear documentation, correct job descriptions and proper record-keeping will be important to show that staff are working within the conditions of their visas.
As the implementation date approaches, more detailed guidance is expected from Immigration New Zealand. Until then, migrants and employers are being advised to stay informed, seek professional advice where needed and factor the upcoming rule changes into their future plans.
