On 20 April 2026, we will be making changes to employment conditions for open work visas.
Open work visas will have employment conditions that either:
- allow visa holders to do any work, including self-employment, sole trading or business ownership
- only allow visa holders to work for any employer under an employment agreement or a contract for services.
Open work visa holders cannot employ other people, either directly or through a business they own or operate, provide sexual services or operate or invest in a business of prostitution.
These changes ensure visa conditions align with the intent of each visa category, as well as the definitions of employer and employee under immigration rules. They also help prevent unintended breaches of immigration rules.
These changes do not apply to visas that only allow someone to work for a specific employer, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Visit our website for more information, including which visas receive which condition, and guidance for current visa holders.
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