Primary teachers to get fast-tracked residency in NZ

New Zealand Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford highlighted that they are making it easier for primary teachers coming to New Zealand to apply for residency faster.

Stanford says from late next month teachers with a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand will be able to apply for residency without first working for two years.

This follows a warning from the Ministry of Education that schools could be short by 1,250 teachers this year, which will impact students and other staffs as well.

She says to attract skilled teachers from offshore, they are making New Zealand a competitive destination for overseas talent by moving primary teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway.

The Immigration Minister says from the 26th of March, the streamlined process will allow eligible primary and intermediate teachers - and Maori medium equivalents - with a job offer to apply for residence.

She adds that last year the government shifted secondary school teachers to the Straight to Residency pathway, resulting in 480 new teachers.