Four steps to complete: Step 4

Obtain a work permit (does not apply to Australian citizens or permanent residents)

• The final step is to obtain a work permit from Immigration New Zealand.  Currently for both early childhood and secondary teachers, you only have to produce evidence of registration and a letter of a job offer in order to get a work visa.  The visa allows you to enter New Zealand where a work permit will be issued.
• From 30 July 2007 primary teachers (with a minimum of three years relevant teaching experience) are listed on the Immediate Skill Shortage list and therefore will have a similar immigration status to early childhood and secondary teachers.  Check Immigration New Zealand's website for the latest details.

Immigration New Zealand's website can provide information on other options such as:

• residency
• work to residency
• working holiday visas

Note 1:  Work permits for more than 12 months and residency applications will require medical information in support of the application. More stringent conditions apply to applicants coming from high-risk TB areas. (Details can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.)

Note 2:  A new police clearance will be required if the clearance submitted to both Immigration NZ and the Teachers Council is now more than 6 months old.

Note 3:  A work permit will not be issued unless a job offer has been received and “employer supplementary form NZIS 1113” included with the application form.

If there's something else you'd like to know, or need help with, you're welcome to email TeachNZ.