Teaching in New Zealand
Qualified teachers are in high demand across New Zealand. As a Green List occupation, teaching offers a clear pathway to both a work visa and permanent residence.
Green List
Priority Occupation
2 yrs
To Residence
95%
Visa Approval Rate
Licensed
Immigration Advisers (LAI)
Why Teachers Choose New Zealand
New Zealand has a significant shortage of qualified teachers across primary, secondary, and early childhood education. This shortage means faster visa processing, strong employment options, and a direct pathway to residency.
Green List Occupation
Primary and secondary school teachers are on the New Zealand Green List, allowing eligible teachers to apply for residence after 2 years of teaching in New Zealand — without needing to meet the Skilled Migrant points threshold.
Teacher Shortage Nationwide
Teaching vacancies exist across all levels of education and in all regions of New Zealand. Regional schools outside Auckland may offer additional immigration advantages.
Competitive Pay
New Zealand teachers are employed on a collective agreement with structured pay scales. Most qualified teachers earn well above the AEWV median wage threshold.
Pathway to Residency
After 2 years working as a registered teacher in New Zealand, you can apply for residence under the Green List Work to Residence pathway. Some specialist roles may qualify for Straight to Residence.
All School Levels
The Green List covers primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and in some cases early childhood education teachers. We advise on which category best applies to your qualifications.
Family Friendly
New Zealand’s education system and lifestyle make it an excellent choice for teachers with families. Your partner may work and your children can study at a New Zealand state school.
What You Need to Qualify
To teach in a New Zealand school you must be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (Teaching Council). This is required before you can apply for a work visa.
Teaching Council Registration
You must obtain a practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Council assesses your overseas teaching qualifications, English language ability, and fitness to teach.
Recognised Teaching Qualification
Your teaching degree or diploma must be equivalent to a New Zealand teaching qualification. The Teaching Council assesses this as part of your registration application.
English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English proficiency — typically an IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no band below 7.0, or equivalent.
Job Offer from Accredited Employer
You need a job offer from a New Zealand school that holds AEWV accreditation. Most New Zealand schools are accredited or can become accredited quickly.
Medical Certificate
Required for most AEWV applicants. Must be completed by an INZ-approved physician and submitted with your application.
Police Certificate
A character certificate from your home country and any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Working with children requires additional checks.
How We Help You Get Here
We guide teachers through every stage — from Teaching Council registration advice through to visa approval, arrival, and residence planning.
Free Assessment
We review your teaching qualifications, English test results, and Teaching Council eligibility — and identify the fastest pathway to a New Zealand work visa and residence.
Teaching Council Registration Support
We advise on the Teaching Council registration process and help you understand what documents are required. We coordinate timelines with your employer to avoid delays.
Employer Accreditation & Job Check
We assist your school employer with AEWV accreditation and the job check application — ensuring these are in place before your Teaching Council registration is finalised.
Visa Application Lodgement
We prepare and lodge your AEWV application with all required documents and manage all correspondence with INZ throughout the processing period.
Residence Planning
We track your eligibility for the Green List residence pathway from day one and ensure your residence application is ready to lodge as soon as you meet the 2-year threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be registered with the Teaching Council before applying for a visa?
Yes. INZ requires evidence of Teaching Council registration (or at minimum a Letter of Authority to Teach) as part of your AEWV application. We advise on how to run both processes in parallel to minimise total wait time.
How long does Teaching Council registration take?
Teaching Council registration typically takes 3 to 6 months from when you submit a complete application. Starting early is critical. We advise on the process from the outset.
Is teaching on the Green List?
Yes. Primary and secondary school teachers are on the New Zealand Green List as Work to Residence occupations. After 2 years of teaching in a qualifying role you can apply for residence. Some specialist secondary teachers may qualify for Straight to Residence.
Can I teach at a private school?
Yes, but private schools must still be registered with the New Zealand Ministry of Education and your employer must hold AEWV accreditation. Teaching at a private school counts toward your Green List residence qualification as long as your role meets the criteria.
What if my teaching qualifications are not recognised?
If the Teaching Council does not recognise your overseas qualifications as equivalent, you may need to complete additional study or practical training. We advise on this at the assessment stage — before you invest time and money in the process.
Can my partner work while I am teaching in New Zealand?
Yes. As an AEWV holder, your partner is typically eligible for an open work visa allowing them to work for any employer in New Zealand. We manage partner and family visa applications alongside yours.
Ready to Teach in New Zealand?
Our licensed advisers have helped teachers from around the world navigate Teaching Council registration and the AEWV process. Get a free assessment today.
