Open work visa for former PSWV holders
Information for former holders of a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) about the 'special direction' open work visa granted from 30 March 2023.
Working in New Zealand
- Getting a job
- Qualifications for work
- Skilled work
- Starting a business: Entrepreneur Work Visa
- Work rights
- How long can you work in New Zealand for
- How long you can stay on an AEWV
- Applying for your AEWV balance
- Pay rates for existing Essential Skills Work Visas
- Qualifications eligible for a Post Study Work Visa
- Employing overseas entertainers
- List of ANZSCO occupations treated as an exception
- Open work visa for former PSWV holders
- Check if an employer is accredited
- Wage rate requirements for visas
The special direction open work visas were issued after 17:00 Thursday, 30 March 2023 (NZDT). You can check your visa record using the Visa Verification Service.
Overview
Check the following information about the special direction open work visa for former PSWV (open or employer-assisted) visa holders:
- eligibility criteria
- visa options for partners and dependents
- viewing and updating your visa record
- updating contact details and travel documents
- checking New Zealand travel updates.
Background
The Minister of Immigration is granting a 12-month open work visa by special direction to people who held a PSWV (open or employer-assisted) but were unable to use it due to the New Zealand border closing in March 2020.
Open work visa to be granted to offshore students impacted by COVID-19
Eligibility criteria
Check the eligibility criteria for the special direction open work visa for your situation.
You are not eligible for the visa if you enter New Zealand before 30 March 2023 on another visa.
If you held a PSWV
You meet the criteria if you held a PSWV on 19 March 2020 and you:
- were not in New Zealand on 19 March 2020
- are not currently in New Zealand
- do not hold another valid New Zealand visa.
If you were granted a PSWV
You meet the criteria if you were granted a PSWV between 19 March 2020 and 10 August 2020 (inclusive) and you:
- were outside New Zealand
- are not currently in New Zealand
- do not hold another valid New Zealand visa.
Options if you are not eligible
If you are not eligible for the special direction open work visa, you can apply for a New Zealand work visa if you get an acceptable job offer.
Visas that allow you to work in New Zealand
Visa options for partners and dependents
Your partner and dependents can apply for relationship-based visas. These include:
- visitor or work visas for partners
- visitor or student visas for children.
Before travelling to New Zealand
Before you arrange your travel you need to know about the following.
Visa conditions
Travel dates and entry
Eligible visa holders can enter New Zealand:
- between 30 March 2023 and 29 September 2023 (inclusive)
- leave New Zealand multiple times, after your first entry and while your visa is valid.
Length of stay
The special direction open work visa is valid for 12 months from the date you first arrive in New Zealand.
Work rights
The open work visa allows you to work:
- for any employer
- in any role except restricted jobs
- for 12 months from the date you first arrive on the open work visa in New Zealand.
Restricted jobs are where you are:
- providing commercial sexual services
- operating a New Zealand business of prostitution, or
- investing in a New Zealand business of prostitution.
The restriction applies to this open work visa and all temporary visas.
Other visa conditions on your visa record
Check other conditions and details on your visa record.
You can access your visa record after 17:00 Thursday, 30 March 2023 (NZDT).
Costs
There is no cost for the open work visa.
You may have to pay to update your passport or other travel documents if they are due to expire or have expired.
Updating contact details and documents
Before you travel, check that the following are up to date and not expiring:
- contact details
- travel documents.
Do you have a new passport?
If you have a new or updated passport, you must apply to have your visa transferred to your new passport before you travel to New Zealand.
Transferring my visa to a new passport
Check New Zealand travel updates
Before you travel, check the latest New Zealand government’s COVID-19 and other travel updates.