School Teachers Tier 1 Green List in NZ: What It Means for You

If you’re a South African teacher wondering if New Zealand is a realistic next step, this is your green light. The New Zealand government has placed school teachers on the Tier 1 Green List, meaning you may now be eligible to apply for residence from day one. Yes, really. The school teachers’ Tier 1 Green List NZ status gives qualified educators a direct pathway to build a life in Aotearoa, without having to jump through years of temporary visa hoops.

In this blog, we break down how the process works, what you need to qualify, and which teaching roles are included. If you’re serious about making the move, keep reading—then reach out to us for a consultation.

All Teachers Added to the Straight to Residence Pathway in NZ

Here’s the big news: primary, intermediate, and secondary school teachers are officially on Tier 1 of the Green List. That means if you’ve secured a full-time teaching role in New Zealand that pays at least the median wage, you can apply for the residence pathway in NZ called the Straight to Residence Visa—even from offshore.

For early childhood education (ECE) teachers, the pathway is still available, but you’ll need to work in a full-time ECE teaching role for at least two years in New Zealand before you can apply for residence under the Green List Work to Residence category.

So, what does this actually mean? Simply put, qualified teachers are now considered “critical” to New Zealand’s growth. And the immigration system has been redesigned to reflect that, making the road to permanent residence far less complicated.

Eligibility Requirements for Teachers

To be eligible under the Green List Straight to Residence pathway, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements for teachers:

• A full-time job offer from a New Zealand school (must pay at or above the current median wage)
• Registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
• A valid practising certificate (usually provisional to start)

Sound like a lot? It is—New Zealand takes education seriously. But each step is doable, and if you plan ahead, there’s no reason it should hold you back. Plus, if you’re working with Tri-Nations Migration, we can guide you through the paperwork so you’re not navigating this alone.

NZ Teaching Registration and Practising Certificate

Here’s where it gets real. Before you apply for a visa, you’ll need to be both registered and certified by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Yes, even before you land the job.

Let’s break down the NZ teaching registration process:

• First, you apply for registration through the Teaching Council. This proves that you’re qualified to teach in New Zealand—even if your training was done overseas.
• Then, you apply for a Tōmua Provisional Practising Certificate. This allows you to begin teaching while you complete an induction and mentoring programme in NZ.

Most South African teachers will start here and later progress to a Full Practising Certificate after some in-classroom experience in New Zealand.

Expect to provide transcripts, proof of teaching service, assessments, and a police clearance. You’ll likely also need an IQA (International Qualification Assessment) through NZQA, which takes a few weeks and costs around NZ$746. Yes, it’s a lot—but once you’re certified, you’re in a strong position to secure work and eventually residence.

Visa Options for Overseas Teachers

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

This is your starting point if you’re not immediately eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. It allows you to live and work in NZ as long as you have a job offer from an accredited school and meet the requirements (like holding your practising certificate). This visa is renewable and can eventually lead to residence via the Green List Work to Residence category.

2. Green List Straight to Residence Visa

If you’re a primary, intermediate, or secondary school teacher and you’ve got everything lined up—including the median wage salary and teaching registration—you can skip the work visa and apply directly for residence. This is a major time-saver and one of the biggest advantages of being on the school teachers Tier 1 Green List in NZ.

There’s also the Skilled Migrant Category as a possible alternative, but it often takes longer and has more moving parts, especially for overseas-trained teachers who haven’t yet earned a Full Practising Certificate.

Thinking About Moving? Here’s What to Do Next.

It’s clear that New Zealand is actively welcoming overseas teachers, especially those from countries like South Africa. If you’ve got the skills, experience, and drive to make the move, now’s the time to take the next step.

Tri-Nations Migration can help you:

• Assess your eligibility
• Navigate the NZ teaching registration and IQA process
• Secure the right visa pathway
• Get clarity on the residence pathway in NZ that’s best for you

Don’t let the paperwork slow you down. Let us handle the red tape so you can focus on planning your next chapter.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us at Tri-Nations Migration today for a personalised consultation about your New Zealand Visa application.