Information for Overseas Applicants

NZQA aims to process standard applications within 7 weeks. However there can be delays and it isnot unusual for the process to take up to 12 weeks. A fast track application will be processed inaround 4 weeks.We recommend that you attach a covering letter to your application which requests that NZQA sendsa copy of your assessment report to the New Zealand Teachers Council.Stage 3 – Applying to the New Zealand Teachers CouncilYou should apply to the Teachers Council at the same time as you apply to NZQA.Applicants who have not previously been registered in New Zealand need to complete a TC0 formwhich can be downloaded from: http://www.teacherscouncil.govt.nz/pubres/forms/index.stmAgain you are asked to supply various documents to support your application. Please see the guidewhich is included with the application form.You will see that the Teachers Council requires a copy of your NZQA assessment report. If you havenot yet received your NZQA report you should write your NZQA Application Number in Section C onthe TC0 form.The Teachers Council charges a fee of NZ$302.57.Applications are normally processed within 8 weeks. This will typically coincide with the approval ofyour NZQA application and so you should expect confirmation of your Teacher Registrationapproximately 2 weeks after your NZQA assessment has been processed.Stage 4 – Work visa applicationPlease refer to the Immigration New Zealand website – www.immigration.govt.nzTo work in New Zealand all teachers must hold a valid Work Visa / Permit and/or a ResidencyPermit.Normally applicants will need to have an offer of employment in New Zealand before they will begranted a work visa or residency. However, it may be possible to obtain a work visa or residency onthe basis of your spouse or partner’s residency, or if you otherwise meet the requirements ofImmigration New Zealand.If you are between 18 and 30 years old you may qualify for a Working Holiday Visa. The applicationprocess is much more straightforward than for a general work visa and applications can be madeonline. Further information is available here:http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/If you are not eligible for a Working Holiday Visa or a visa/residency under another Immigrationcategory then there are two Work Visa policies that most teachers will be able to apply under; theWork to Residence policy and the Essential Skills policy.