Immigration and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that New Zealand will fast-track residency for overseas secondary teachers to address the nation’s educational workforce shortages, particularly in regions and subjects like Science, Technology, and Mathematics, aiming to elevate educational standards and alleviate teacher deficits.

A Pathway to Permanent Residency for Secondary Teachers

In a significant update, starting May 2024, secondary school teachers are set to receive a major boost in their journey toward making New Zealand their home. The government’s revision of the Green List classifications will see secondary teachers move to Tier 1 status. It’s a gateway to the Straight to Residence visa, opening up for those with full-time teaching offers in New Zealand—even for applicants from abroad.

There are some critical prerequisites to be noted.

• Applicants must be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and
• hold a valid provisional or full teaching licence and
• They have either a job offer or current employment with a minimum earning requirement set at the median wage of $31.61 per hour.

For educators keen to start their New Zealand teaching journey without delay, the AEWV temporary work visa remains an alternative, featuring a slightly lower wage threshold of $29.66 per hour, allowing for an earlier start.

What About Primary and ECE Teachers?

The narrative continues positively for primary and early childhood education (ECE) teachers, who find themselves in Tier 2 of the Green List. This classification means that after dedicating two years to full-time teaching in New Zealand, they can apply for residency under the Green List Work to Residence pathway, further emphasising New Zealand’s commitment to attracting and retaining top teaching talent.

Sources from here.