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Foreign teachers with job offers from New Zealand employers can now apply directly for residency. Primary teachers were previously on the Work to Residence pathway, so this change allows them to apply for residency straight away as soon as they have a job offer.
New Zealand is enhancing its competitiveness for overseas talent by introducing the Straight to Residence pathway for primary teachers. The Government of New Zealand announced that primary teachers will be added to the straight to residence pathway on the Green List from March 26, 2025.
Starting March 26, the streamlined process will allow eligible primary teachers with a job offer to apply for residency. They will be permitted to apply for residence without initially working for two years, as long as they receive an employment offer from a recognized employer.
New Zealand initially opened up the Straight to Residence pathway for secondary teachers and now the same flexibility has been extended to primary teachers.
From May 1, 2024, secondary school teachers are now on the Straight to Residence pathway on the Green List of in-demand roles. Eligible overseas secondary school teachers can now apply for residence from outside New Zealand when they have an offer of employment with an accredited employer, and without needing to work for 2 years in New Zealand first.
The move aims to simplify the residency application process for eligible overseas secondary and primary school teachers, eliminating the need for work experience in New Zealand. These changes will help to address primary teacher shortages across the country, particularly in Auckland and Northland.
Green List roles are in demand in New Zealand. If your role is listed, and you have the qualifications, registration or experience required, you may be able to get residence immediately or after 2 years of working here.
Foreign workers need to see the Green List to see if their role is Tier 1 for a Straight to Residence Visa or Tier 2 for a Work to Residence Visa, and what qualifications, registration or experience they need to apply.
One can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa, if they currently work, or have a job offer, from an accredited employer, and their role is on Tier 1 of the Green List. With this visa you can live, work and study in New Zealand.
One can apply for the Work to Residence Visa if they currently work for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand role for 24 months.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-new-zealand-offers-fast-track-residency-to-foreign-teachers-without-in-country-work-experience-3769318/
