Does the teaching profession in New Zealand fall under the green list for immigration purposes?
Yes, teaching professions in New Zealand are included on the Green List, though your pathway depends on the type of teaching you do. Primary, intermediate, and secondary school teachers fall under Tier 1, allowing a Straight to Residence Visa. Early childhood education roles fall under Tier 2, needing two years.
Yes, you are on New Zealand's Green List if you teach, but which tier you fall into changes your pathway significantly. School-level teaching gets you the fastest route, while early childhood and some specialized roles take a slightly longer path to residence.
Green List Tiers For Teaching Professions
| Teaching Role | Green List Tier | Residence Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Primary, intermediate, and secondary school teachers | Tier 1 | Straight to Residence Visa with an eligible full-time job offer |
| Early Childhood Education and certain specialized teaching roles | Tier 2 | Work to Residence, after two years of full-time employment in New Zealand |
Requirements You Must Still Meet
- You need registration and a practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand before your pathway can proceed.
- Your job offer must meet or exceed the median wage requirement set by Immigration New Zealand.
- An accredited employer must be the one offering you the full-time role for the Tier 1 pathway to apply.
My Advice
Get your registration and practising certificate application moving with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand as early as possible, since that credential, not just your job offer, is often the slowest step standing between you and starting your Green List residence pathway.
Planning to settle in NZ after your master's?
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