New Residency Pathway for Secondary School Teachers in New Zealand

In a move that significantly impacts secondary school teachers, the New Zealand government has announced a shift from the Green List Work to Residence pathway to the Straight to Residence (STR) pathway. This change is poised to offer a more direct route to residency for eligible teachers.
 
For teachers already working in New Zealand, this update brings a welcome opportunity. If eligible, they can now apply for the STR visa, potentially streamlining their journey to securing permanent residency. This is a significant development for those who have been contributing to the education sector and are looking to make New Zealand their long-term home.
 
Additionally, the change extends to overseas secondary school teachers who are considering a move to New Zealand. Starting in May, those who are eligible and have an offer of employment from an accredited employer will be able to apply for residence directly from offshore. This opens up a more straightforward path for skilled educators to join the New Zealand workforce and community.
 
It's important to note that this change is specific to secondary school teachers. Other teaching roles will continue to be processed under the Green List Work to Residence pathway, ensuring that the unique needs of each educational sector are met.
 
For those interested in taking advantage of this new pathway, it's crucial to stay informed about the application process and eligibility criteria, which will be detailed in May. This adjustment in the residency pathway is a significant step forward for secondary school teachers looking to build their futures in New Zealand.

Source: INZ website