How to Immigrate to Canada as a Teacher: A Simple Guide

By Michael Niren October 29, 2012 (Updated January 14, 2025) 6 min. read
teacher immigrate to canada

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

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:

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:

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

What Are the Benefits of Applying to Be a Teacher in Canada Through PNP?

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:

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.

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:

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.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out this FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

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