Primary Teachers Fast Tracked for New Zealand Residence

Primary school teachers will be added to the Green List Straight to Residence Pathway, effective from 26 March 2025.  Eligible primary and intermediate school teachers with job offers from accredited employers can now apply for residence immediately, removing the previous two-year work requirement.

Photo by Chris Sisarich

The change to include primary school teachers in the Straight to Residence pathway reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in New Zealand and address acute teacher shortage.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford recognises the need for the new policy, saying, “To attract skilled teachers from offshore to help address this, we are making New Zealand a competitive destination for overseas talent by moving primary teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway”.

Last year secondary school teachers were fast-tracked allowing them to apply for residence under the Straight to Residence policy resulting in 480 new teachers entering New Zealand classrooms. 

Eligible teachers may be entitled to a NZ$10,000 Overseas Relocation Grant to help with moving expenses to New Zealand.

For more information to find out if you are eligible to apply for residence as a primary teacher, contact emma@blueskymigration.com