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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence

Secondary School Teacher
Immigration to New Zealand

Teach subject-specific content to students aged 13–18 in NZ secondary schools.

ANZSCO Code
241411
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Education
NZ Salary Range
NZ$55,000 – NZ$90,000
Visa Pathway
Work to Residence

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

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.

Secondary School Teachers are in significant shortage across New Zealand, particularly in STEM subjects (science, technology, mathematics), Māori language, and te reo subjects. The NZ Ministry of Education actively recruits overseas teachers. Green List Tier 2 status means teachers can work in NZ on an AEWV and apply for residence after two years of teaching in a registered school.

NZ Salary Range for Secondary School Teacher

NZ$55,000 – NZ$90,000
Experienced teachers progress along the Practising Teacher Criteria scale. Management roles (Head of Department) pay NZ$85k–NZ$100k.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for Secondary School Teacher

AEWV

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • TCANZ registration
  • Job offer from state/integrated NZ school

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–24 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ teaching
  • TCANZ full registration
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 Skill Level 1 — Bachelor's degree or higher
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 1 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or subject degree + Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching
  • Minimum 2 years teaching experience

Registration / Licensing: Full registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCANZ). Overseas teachers assessed for equivalency.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Secondary School Teacher

1
Check your teaching qualification meets TCANZ requirements
2
Apply for TCANZ registration (may require additional NZ study if not equivalent)
3
Apply for teaching positions in NZ schools (Ministry of Education job portal)
4
Work for 2 years
5
Apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence

Is Secondary School Teacher on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Is Secondary Teacher on the NZ Green List?

Yes. Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411) is Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence. You work in NZ for 2 years on a work visa, then apply for SMC residence.

Which subjects are most in demand?

Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Technology (Digital Technologies), Te Reo Māori, and English. STEM teachers are most in-demand.

Do I need NZ teacher registration?

Yes. Teaching Council of Aotearoa NZ (TCANZ) registration is required to teach in registered schools.

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