Want to teach in a country that cares about inclusivity, diversity, and education for everyone?
If you’re a Special Education Teacher (not elsewhere classified or NEC), New Zealand needs your skills. The Work to Residence (WTR) visa now welcomes teachers on the Green List giving you a chance to live, work, and create a future in Aotearoa.
But what if your job doesn’t fit into standard categories? What if your qualifications or job title are a bit different — can you still apply?
This guide is for you. It shows how Special Education Teachers (NEC) — those who teach students with special learning or behavioral needs outside main categories — can get residency through the Green List pathway.
What a Special Education Teacher (NEC) Does
Special Education Teachers (NEC) are key to helping children and young people with physical, sensory, emotional, or intellectual challenges. Unlike teachers in specific areas (like teachers of the hearing or sight impaired), NEC teachers work with many learning needs and often in regular classrooms, special schools, or community spaces.
In New Zealand, your skills play a part in creating a fairer education system — one where every student gets the help they need.
Green List Pathway: A Straight Path to Residence
The New Zealand Green List spots jobs that the country lacks and offers quick residency for qualified professionals.
Special Education Teachers (NEC) are on Tier 2 of the Green List. This means that after you work in New Zealand for two years with an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you can ask for residence under the Work to Residence group.
This pathway gives you a stable job, future security, and a chance to bring your family to New Zealand with you.
👉Find out more about the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a Special Education Teacher (NEC) under the Green List, you must meet specific qualifications, job experience, and pay requirements.
1. Qualifications
You’ll need:
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Special or Inclusive Education; or
- A teaching qualification that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recognizes.
- You must register with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCANZ) to work as a teacher.
2. Work Experience
Most employers look for teachers who have at least two years’ post-qualification experience in special or inclusive education settings. They value familiarity with:
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Behavioral support programs
- Teamwork with educational psychologists social workers, or therapists
Your teaching background doesn’t need to be in one place — New Zealand appreciates varied teaching experiences.
3. Pay Requirements
To get residence through the Green List, you need to earn at least the median wage.
Pay might be higher based on area, job, and background — for example, lead teachers or specialist coordinators make NZD $80,000–$100,000+ a year.
Popular Cities for Special Education Teachers
New Zealand needs special education professionals in cities and rural areas alike.
Teachers often find good jobs in:
- Auckland – big inclusive education programs and special schools.
- Wellington – forward-thinking learning support plans and Ministry of Education centers.
- Christchurch – growing community-based learning support and rehab centers.
- Hamilton and Tauranga – expanding regional education networks with strong teacher backing.
Why Pick New Zealand for Your Teaching Job?
People around the world know New Zealand’s education system for its inclusive philosophy and focus on learners. Teachers here enjoy a good balance between work and life, up-to-date teaching tools, and support from the community.
Here’s what makes it so attractive:
- Top-notch education standards and ongoing professional growth
- Family-friendly setting that balances work and personal life
- Straight path to residency for Green List experts
- Chance to help change education for students with extra needs
When you pick New Zealand, you’re not just boosting your career — you’re helping build a society that includes everyone.
Job and Living Options for Special Education Teachers
If you’re a Special Education Teacher (NEC), you have two main visa choices to think about:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – lets you work in NZ for an accredited employer who offers you a job in your field.
- Work to Residence Visa (Green List Pathway) – after two years of eligible work, you can move to residence.
👉 Find out more about New Zealand Work to Residence Visas
Some people might also qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa if they meet points-based standards like qualifications and income.
How Ezy Immigration Can Help You Succeed
At Ezy Immigration, we help you move and without stress. If you’re not sure your skills fit or you want to start your visa process, our skilled advisers help you from start to finish.
We help with:
- Free eligibility checks to confirm your visa choices.
- Linking you to our recruitment partners to get job offers.
- Redoing your CV and cover letter to meet New Zealand rules.
- Getting you ready for interviews to increase your chances of being hired.
- Talking to employers for job tokens or job checks.
- Complete visa help for you and your family.
👉Set up your free eligibility talk today
Our goal? To support you as you teach, live, and grow in New Zealand — feeling sure of yourself and at ease.
Begin Your Adventure Now
If you’re a Special Education Teacher (NEC) eager to shape the futures of New Zealand’s students, this is your chance to take action.
Kick off your Work to Residence path with experts who get both your job and immigration aims.
👉 Book your no-cost eligibility check today with Ezy Immigration and learn how we can help you teach and settle in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, New Zealand’s Green List includes them showing the country lacks enough qualified special education teachers.
“NEC” stands for “Not Elsewhere Classified”. It refers to teachers who help students with various learning or behavioral needs that don’t fit into standard groups.
Yes. Teachers on the Green List can apply to become residents after working for two years under the Work to Residence Visa.
You must have a recognized teaching degree and register with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand to teach.
Ezy Immigration offers free checks to see if you qualify, helps you find jobs, supports you with your CV, and handles the entire visa application process to make your move easier.
