To address workforce shortages, the New Zealand government has introduced a new initiative allowing overseas secondary school teachers to apply for residency from abroad, without the need for prior work experience in the country.
This move comes as a welcome relief for many educators around the globe, especially those specializing in subjects like Science, Technology, and Mathematics, where shortages have been particularly acute.
Under the new Straight to Residence pathway, eligible overseas secondary school teachers can fast-track their journey to residency, bypassing the traditional requirement of gaining work experience within New Zealand first.
How to Apply for New Zealand Residency
- Overseas teachers will require an offer of employment from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
- Applicants are not required to spend two years working in the country beforehand.
This streamlined process not only offers improved certainty but also prioritizes the needs of the education sector, ensuring that schools have access to the talent they require to provide quality education to students across the nation.
If you’re currently working or have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand, and your role falls under Tier 1 of the Green List of in-demand occupations, you’re eligible to apply for the Straight to Residence pathway visa. Whether you’re already in New Zealand on a work visa or planning to apply from overseas, the pathway to residency has never been clearer.
