New Zealand introduces simplified Straight-to-Residence pathway for overseas STEM teachers

New Zealand has just included a major policy change which allows Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) school teachers to qualify for the Straight to Residence pathway under the Green List of in-demand occupations.

The change becomes effective as from May 2024.

In this pathway, anybody can apply for the Straight-to-Residence Visa from within New Zealand if they hold a valid work visa, or from abroad.

ThePressNG learnt that the visa allows holders to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and includes the option to add partners and dependent children under the age of 24 to their applications.

This change was necessitated by the country having a high demand for overseas teachers, especially those qualified in STEM.

Previously, overseas secondary school teachers had to engage in the Green List Work-to-Residence program, which necessitated securing a job in New Zealand, plus working for two years before they could apply for residency. The new Straight to Residence pathway is now offering a simplified and accelerated process, with several advantages to prospective teachers.

Here are some of the benefits of this program:

In considering the eligibility for this visa, applicants must be 55 years of age or younger. The financial cost for processing this visa starts at NZD $4290, which covers administrative and processing fees.

Also, the processing time for the visa is relatively quick, with applications typically completed within three months. To  qualify for the Straight to Residence visa, overseas secondary school teachers must meet these  criteria:

The New Zealand education system continues to experience chronic shortages, especially in certain regions and in STEM subjects.

By offering a more streamlined residency pathway, the government aims to attract a larger pool of qualified secondary school teachers from abroad, thereby addressing these shortages in the short to medium term.

Applications for the visa can be made here upon securing a job. Here are some job sites with direct links to teaching jobs in New Zealand to get started: