Immigration New Zealand introduced that on 20 April 2026, there will probably be modifications to employment situations for folks with open work visas.
An open work visa permits you to work for nearly any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without having to supply Immigration New Zealand with a job provide in the course of the utility course of. These new modifications in April goal to supply migrants with extra readability about what work is allowed underneath open work visas.
From 20 April 2026, open work visas will embody 1 of two new employment situations:
- Open work visas permitting any work
Some open work visa holders will be capable to undertake any work in New Zealand. This consists of working for an employer, sole buying and selling, or proudly owning and working a enterprise.
This employment situation will apply to the next visa classes:
- Companion of a Employee Work Visa.
- Companion of a Pupil Work Visa.
- Publish Examine Work Visa.
- Companion of a New Zealander Work Visa.
- Companion of a Navy Work Visa.
- Companion of a Pupil Work Visa (supported by a New Zealand scholarship funded by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Commerce)
- Open work visas requiring work for an employer
Different open work visa holders should work for an employer and have both an employment settlement or a contract for companies. Immigration New Zealand will contemplate a contract for companies as employment.
This employment situation will apply to the next visa classes:
- Victims of Home Violence Work Visa.
- Victims of Folks Trafficking Work Visa.
- Migrant Exploitation Safety Work Visa.
- Asylum Seeker Work Visa.
- All Working Vacation Visas.
There are additionally situations which apply to all open work visas, corresponding to complying with the opposite situations listed on the visa and following New Zealand’s employment legal guidelines.
On any open work visa, you can’t make use of different folks—both immediately, or not directly by a enterprise you use as an proprietor (together with the place the enterprise is the named employer).
When you have an open work visa you can’t present industrial sexual companies, or run or spend money on a enterprise that gives industrial sexual companies.
Nevertheless, it’s price noting that these with employer-specific work visas, such because the Accredited Employer Work Visa, is not going to be affected by these modifications. These modifications additionally is not going to apply to Pupil Visa holders.
If you need additional details about these modifications, please contact Richard Small and our pleasant group at Pacific Authorized.
