Moving to Canada can sometimes take a long time, but people with important jobs like teaching have a better chance. People with skills that a country needs, like doctors, dentists, and teachers, often have an easier time getting their visa approved. Canada is looking for skilled workers, and teachers are in demand. This means that for those wanting to teach in Canada, there’s a good chance you can make it happen with an even shorter waiting period than others.
Teaching in Canada: Key Requirements for Foreign Teachers (NOC 4031/41220 and 4032/41221)
You will need to acquire several vital documentation, particularly regarding your qualifications, in order to move to Canada as a teacher.
Education
Qualified Degree, Diploma, or Certificate. A bachelor’s degree in Education and a provincial certificate is required for teaching jobs in Canada. Obtaining certification can be a slow process, so it’s best to start before your arrival in Canada if possible.
If you hold a foreign credential, you must first determine whether it is recognized in Canada. If your degree, diploma, or certificate is recognized, you may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which certifies that it is legitimate and meets Canadian criteria.
Work Experience
One year of continuous full-time teaching experience: This is often required, especially for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
Relevant teaching experience: Even if you don’t meet the exact one-year requirement, relevant experience can boost your application.
Language Proficiency
English or French: You must demonstrate proficiency in at least one of Canada’s official languages.
Language tests: Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF.
Minimum language scores: These vary depending on the immigration program.
Proof of Funds
- Financial support: You need to show you can support yourself and your family (if applicable) when you arrive in Canada.
- Amount required: The exact amount depends on your family size.
Medical Exam
You’ll need to undergo a medical exam by a designated panel physician to assure you are in good health to immigrate to Canada.
Other factors are sometimes considered to assess eligibility for teaching jobs in Canada. For instance, the applicant may need:
- Issue date of a police background clearance certificate or successful criminal record checks
- Positive references from current or previous employment in the field of education
- Supervised student teaching may also be required. For secondary teaching jobs in Canada, it is recommended to complete a major in one teachable subject, and a minor in another teachable subject. These include languages, sciences, social studies, and business.
Are Teachers Considered Skilled Workers?
Yes! By definition, a Federal Skilled Worker is a person with suitable education, work experience, age, and language abilities under one of Canada’s official languages and who are selected under the Express Entry Immigration system to apply for permanent residence.
Express Entry for Teachers
A great option for those seeking immigration to Canada as a teacher should look into applying for Express Entry. This is one of the most common ways to move to Canada as a teacher which is under the Skilled Worker Stream, which is a federal program managed by Express Entry.
Important to know:
- Score 67/100 points on Federal Skilled Worker Program selection factor to be eligible to apply.
- Once you are eligible, create an Express Entry Profile: This profile will include your age, high level of education, work experience outside of Canada, language skills and other important factors.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) This will be your overall score in the pool of other candidates. Target to obtain a high score.
- Job offer: Receiving a valid job offer will add to your chances.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some Canadian provinces have their own programs for teachers. Getting nominated by a province can help you get more points in Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for Teachers
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a pathway to permanent residency in Canada by allowing provinces and territories to nominate skilled foreign workers who can contribute to their local economy.
How it Works
- Identify a Province: Research different provinces to find one with a teacher shortage or a PNP stream that aligns with your qualifications and experience. (See list of popular provinces for teachers below).
- Meet Provincial Requirements: Each province has specific criteria, which may include education, work experience, language proficiency, and sometimes a job offer. Be sure to do research on each province to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Get Nominated: If you meet the requirements, the province will nominate you for permanent residency.
- Apply for Federal Approval: Once nominated, you apply for permanent residency through the federal government.
What Are the Benefits of Applying to Be a Teacher in Canada Through PNP?
- Faster Processing: PNPs often have faster processing times compared to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- Job Opportunities: Some PNPs require a job offer, increasing your chances of employment upon arrival.
- Specific Needs: Provinces often target specific occupations, including teaching, to address labor shortages.
Popular Provinces for Teachers in Canada
Several provinces have demonstrated a need for teachers and offer PNP streams specifically for educators. Some of the most popular include:
- British Columbia: Offers various streams for skilled workers, including those in education.
- Alberta: Has a strong economy and often requires skilled workers, including teachers.
- Manitoba: Offers opportunities for teachers in both urban and rural areas.
- Saskatchewan: Experiences teacher shortages in certain regions.
- Ontario: While highly competitive, Ontario has a large education sector.
Reasons You Could Be Denied Entry
Certain applicants will most likely be denied immediately. Ensure none of these discrepancies get in your way before moving forward.
- Possession of a human/international rights violation
- A criminal history
- DUI convictions, whether because of alcohol or drugs, will most likely get you turned down
- Ties or past links to organized crime
- Showing certain, especially contagious, health conditions
- Lack of proof of, or not enough financial security
- Discrepancies on your applications
- Anyone not complying with Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or IRPA
- Anyone found to be in relation to an inadmissible person
Teaching Jobs in Canada
There are many teaching jobs available for immigrants looking to move to Canada. Thankfully, Canada values educators which can make it easier for them to move to Canada for teaching. You can research teaching jobs online before applying to move to Canada. Here are some online job databases:
Resources for Teacher Jobs in Canada
If you are trying to search for a site to apply to become a teacher in Canada, here are some of the most used sites to visit:
How to Become a Teacher in Canada
Are you already in Canada but want to become a teacher? There are several requirements and qualifications needed to qualify to teach in Canada. The Ontario College of Teachers provided these requirements. “To be certified, teachers must:
- have completed a minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable postsecondary institution
- have successfully completed a four semester teacher education program
- apply to the College for certification and pay the annual membership and registration fees
- have successfully completed the sexual abuse prevention program.”
Are You Interested in Migrating to Canada as a Teacher in 2025?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
