OPEN WORK VISA CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED TODAY 20 APRIL 2026 "Changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders Published 24 February 2026 Changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas came into effect from 20 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide clarity about what work is allowed under open work visas, helping migrants to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Clear and consistent visa conditions reduce uncertainty and support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers. An open work visa lets you work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer. An employer-specific work visa, like the Accredited Employer Work Visa, links you to one employer and a set role. Employer-specific work visas will not be impacted by these changes. We recognise that not all migrants are familiar with New Zealand’s employment laws or business rules, and that changes to visa conditions can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Our focus is on education and helping people clearly understand their visa conditions. These changes do not apply to Student Visa holders. Two new types of employment conditions From Monday 20 April 2026, open work visas include 1 of 2 employment conditions. 1. Open work visas allowing any work Some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business. This employment condition applies to the following visas: Partner of a Worker Work Visa Partner of a Student Work Visa Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Post Study Work Visa Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Partner of a Military Work Visa 2. Open work visas requiring work for an employer Other open work visa holders must work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services. We consider a contract for services as employment.

I have uploaded the April 2026 Immigration Seminar replay for you to watch. Our Immigration advisors explains how the process works and talks about the different Visa pathways and also addresses some of the changes that is coming in August 2026. You can also access it in the Classroom under the Immigration advisor section. After watching this seminar I would recommend that you book a FREE initial call with them so that you can make sure of the correct immigration pathway for you to persue.

In late 2026, we are introducing a new visa for graduates of vocational study and will extend post study work visa eligibility for some graduate diplomas. These changes will help international graduates take the next step from study into work. ✅ A new Short‑term Graduate Work Visa will give eligible graduates up to six months of open work rights — time to look for a job, gain local experience, and explore longer‑term work options. ✅ More graduates will be eligible for a Post‑Study Work Visa of up to 12 months, with eligibility extended to students completing a Level 7 Graduate Diploma, provided they also hold a Bachelor’s degree. Find out more about these visas and start planning your study journey at: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-and-updated-post-study-work-visa-options/

The weekly Immigration Advicor Newsletter has been uploaded. https://www.skool.com/newlifenz/classroom/2582cfc5?md=2fba943c80ae4c8abe60f3828ef09dc8

Information from our Licensed Immigration Advisors - The recently announced SMC updates bring with them the option to apply for residence without any NZ experience, if you complete a masters degree in NZ and have a skilled job offer in hand. This process is already being sold as a fast-track to residence by some out there, and so we wanted to explore how that might work in practice and what you might want to consider if this is part of your NZ plan.