New Zealand fast tracks residency for international teachers

By Doan Hung March 9, 2025 | 04:31 pm PT

University of Otago, New Zealand. Photo courtesy of the school

Foreign primary school teachers in New Zealand may apply for residency right after receiving their job offers without having to work for two years first, according to the country's immigration ministry.

The new policy would take effect starting March 26, New Zealand Immigration announced on its official website. Foreign primary school teachers must work for at least 30 hours a week and sign contracts lasting at least 12 months to apply for residency.

The decision came as New Zealand is gripped by a severe shortage of primary school teachers. The country's Ministry of Education last month anticipated a shortage of 1,250 teachers this year, including 750 at primary school levels and 500 at secondary school levels.

New Zealand's minister of immigration Erica Stanford said a teacher's shortage would not only affect students, but also other school staffs, RNZ reported.

In order to become a teacher in New Zealand, international students must graduate from a recognized teacher education program, and achieve an IELTS score of at least 6.5.