Fast-Track Residency for Primary Educators

Calling all primary school teachers! Exciting news from Immigration New Zealand.

The government has announced that primary school teachers are now on the "Straight to Residence" pathway! This means a significantly faster and clearer route to residency for qualified educators who are ready to make a difference in New Zealand classrooms.

What does this mean?

This change, effective from 26 March 2025, recognizes the vital role primary teachers play in shaping the future of Aotearoa. By adding primary teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway, the government is:

• Addressing critical skill shortages: New Zealand needs passionate and skilled primary teachers.
• Simplifying the immigration process: The Straight to Residence pathway offers a more direct and streamlined route to residency compared to other visa options.
• Attracting top talent: This move makes New Zealand an even more attractive destination for qualified teachers from around the world.

Straight to Residence and the Green List Explained:

• Straight to Residence Pathway: This offers a direct route to New Zealand permanent residency for individuals in highly skilled roles that New Zealand desperately needs. It's faster and more certain than many other visa options.
• The Green List: This list pinpoints the skills that are in high demand in New Zealand. It has two categories: Straight to Residence (immediate residency) and Work to Residence (pathway to residency after a period of work). 

We are thrilled to see the government recognizing the essential contributions of educators. This change will not only benefit individual teachers and their families but will also strengthen New Zealand's education system as a whole.

If you are a teacher considering a move to New Zealand, now is the time to explore your options! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the process and contact our Immigration Expert Hetish Lochan at [email protected] or 03 441 2743.