Teach children aged 5–12 in Years 1–8 in New Zealand primary schools.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Primary School Teacher visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
Primary School Teachers are in shortage across many New Zealand regions, particularly in rural, provincial, and lower-decile urban schools. NZ primary schools (Years 1–8, ages 5–12) follow a broad integrated curriculum where one classroom teacher typically delivers literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education. This approach differs from specialist-subject teaching common in other countries and requires adaptable, generalist educators. Teaching Council of Aotearoa NZ (TCANZ) registration is mandatory before teaching in NZ schools. Green List Tier 2 status allows qualified primary teachers to obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa and apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence after two years. The Ministry of Education actively facilitates international teacher recruitment.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Primary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241213) is Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence. Qualified primary teachers work in NZ for 2 years on an AEWV, then apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
NZ primary teachers are employed under the Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement. Salary ranges from NZ$50,000 (beginning teachers) to NZ$84,000 (top of the main scale). Team leaders, deputy principals, and principals earn NZ$90,000–NZ$140,000+.
NZ primary teaching is generalist — you deliver all core subjects to your class. If you have a specialist background (music, te reo Māori, ESOL, physical education), this is valued but you'll still be a classroom teacher delivering the full NZ curriculum.
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