In August 2021 the Government announced that 300 overseas qualified teachers who were not eligible to come to New Zealand under current border rules, could enter the country to work for eligible early learning services, schools and kura.
Last Updated: 03 May 2022
Border exceptions for teachers
Update: April 2022
All 300 teacher border exceptions have now been allocated
As a small number of applications may be withdrawn, a waitlist has been set up for those schools and early learning services who have an urgent need and a credible pathway to get the teacher into New Zealand prior to July 2022. For example, they have a teacher in mind for a current vacancy and this teacher has a Teaching Council registration.
If you have any questions on the waitlisting process, please contact Border.Exceptions@education.govt.nz
A new Accredited Employer Work Visa will replace the Border Exception
We recommend exploring the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). From 23 May 2022, employers can apply for accreditation to be able to hire migrant teachers and the visa will be available from 4 July 2022.
More information can be found on Hiring migrants on the Accredited Employer Work Visa | Immigration New Zealand.