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Teachers are in-demand positions in Canada, and they are on the NOC list to apply for the Express Entry. The third-best education system in the world has always tried to bring skilled teachers to Canada. You will know how teachers can immigrate to Canada as a teacher through this detailed guide. The answer to all of your questions is here. 

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Immigrate to Canada as a Teacher

Which immigrants are qualified to teach in Canada?

In each Canadian province, there is an organization responsible for issuing a certificate to teachers. If you want to teach in this particular province, you have to get that certificate from the organization. 

For instance, the Teacher Regulation Branch is the organization responsible in the British Columbia province. Immigrant teachers need a certificate from it to teach. It is their responsibility to find out who is eligible to teach in British Columbia. 

The following factors are required from people who want to teach in a Canadian education center: 

  • Have an educational certificate approved by Canadian standards. 
  • Have a three-year university degree 
  • English and French language fluency 
  • Eligible for a Provincial teaching certificate
  • Have at least two years of work experience 
  • A clear academic record

In case the Canadian authorities do not accept your education certificate, you may not teach in Canada. You would better ensure it before taking any action. 

If you are determined to become a teacher in Canada, the accessible solution is to enroll in MA or BA program at a Canadian university. Ensure that the government and related educational organizations approve the university or college. 

The below list is the Canadian teacher registration board:  

Québec  

Ministère de l’Éducation

Prince Edward Island

Department of Education

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Department of Education

Ontario

Ontario College of Teachers

Yukon

Yukon Education Teacher Certification Unit

Nunavut

Nunavut Educators’ Certification

Nova Scotia

Department of Education

Northwest Territory

Department of Education

Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Education

New Brunswick

Department of Education

Manitoba

Department of Education and Literacy

British Columbia

Ministry of Education

Alberta

Alberta Education, Professional Standard

Province/Territory

Teacher Registration Board

You need a Teaching Certificate to teach in Canada. Some university programs do not qualify you to teach after completing. Applicants might have to take a training course or receive another certificate. It’s up to the province you live in and the rules. 

Are there job positions that do not need a teaching certificate?

Applicants definitely need a teaching certificate to teach in a Canadian school. 

However, there are a few teaching positions that do not need a teaching certificate. The followings are some examples:  

  • English or French second language teachers
  • University lecturers
  • Community teachers
  • Tutors
  • Private school teachers
  • Early childhood daycare teachers;
  • Music teachers
  • Education assistants
  • Private language instructors
  • Montessori teachers
  • International language teachers
  • Adult continuing education teacher

The above positions do not need a teaching certificate. But they might have to fulfill other conditions to be eligible for teaching. 

The place they want to work in could have other requirements as well. 

What are the supporting documents for teachers immigrating to Canada?

Teachers who want to immigrate to Canada need some supporting documents during the application process. They are to prove the applicant is eligible for the claims and has a true purpose for a visit. 

The list of documents is up to the applicant and his/her conditions. The country they apply from is also a determining factor. 

Canadian embassies have a checklist of documents that people applying to them need to prepare. 

Here is a general list of documents that teachers have to gather. You would better get familiar with them and begin collecting them ASAP, as some of them take a while to collect. 

Birth certificate or proof of identity 

Teaching certificate

You need to get it from the Canadian province you want to teach in. Bear in mind that the certificate you get from this province might not be accepted with the other one. 

Educational certificate and transcripts 

You have to prepare a verified copy of them to translate by a certified translator. The stamp of the translation office is required. 

If you have completed a course in Canada, provide that as well. 

Clean record certificate 

You can get it from the Canadian Mounted Police force. Applicants have to submit fingerprints, and a recent new photo is required. 

Language fluency test result 

You need TEF test results for French and IELTS or CELPIP for English. If you do not know which test is required, look at the language of the province you want to move to. 

Infographic How to immigrate to Canada as a teacher

Immigration programs for teachers moving to Canada 

Below are the immigration programs teachers can use to immigrate to Canada as a teacher. 

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Federal skilled worker programs and Provincial Nominee Program are similar to each other to a large extent. But the difference is that the Federal government controls the first one, and the local provinces control the second. 

Provinces pick the candidates by the required skilled workers, requirements, and determining factors. 

Each province has its own requirements. While one might be looking for skilled teachers, the other one might be looking for doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. 

The provinces have their official website of immigration. Visit them and find out what jobs or skills are required and what are the eligibility principles. 

The decision with the province to pick which applicants with what conditions. A common list of requirements is as follows; 

  • Work skills
  • Language abilities
  • Police clearance
  • Certain level of education (graduates and above)
  • Training or work experience
  • Canadian connections
  • Proof of funds

Some of the available PNPs are as follows: 

  • Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
  • Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
  • Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
  • Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPN)
  • New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
  • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
  • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

You apply for the PNP to the provincial authorities. The decision is often with the federal government or the province to accept it or not. They will inform you of the decision and further application stages to take. 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry) 

Express Entry is the online immigration program introduced by the Canadian government to bring skilled workers to the country. It leads to PR directly and has so many candidates around the world. 

Applicants who have a job required in Canada can submit an application and immigrate permanently to Canada. 

There are different subcategories with the Express Entry. One of them is the skilled worker program. Teaching is a required skill on the NOC list of Express Entry. So they are eligible to immigrate to Canada as a teacher through this route. 

There are a few eligibility principles with the Federal skilled worker program that teachers need to comply with. If they don’t, it is unlikely that they will get invited to apply for PR. 

You can see the factors below and determine if you can meet them or not: 

Job skills

Your career must be on the NOC list, which is the required occupation in Canada. Teaching is one of them, and the NOC number code is 4032, 4413, and 4031. 

 Work Experience

Teachers and other listed occupations on the NOC need to have work experience. At least one year of full-time is required, and three years of part-time.  

Your teaching experience needs to be achieved in the past 10 years, not longer than it. 

Education

The least educational qualification for teachers is as follows: 

  • Secondary or post-secondary school diploma, 
  • Completed credential (for foreign education);
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) 

To summarize, you need a BA degree to be eligible for FSWP. The point is that the other applicants have two or more certificates. It increases their score, and the competition becomes tough for you. 

Language proficiency skills

The approved language tests for Express Entry are as follows; 

  • CELPIP
  • IELTS
  • TEF Canada
  • TCF Canada

You need a 7 in each score to get the score. IELTS is a preferred test as there are thousands of sources to study and learn, and the available centers are everywhere. Eleven in Iran, a country in the Middle East under sanctions, there are IELTS centers in major cities. 

The result of your language tests is valid for two years. They must be valid at the time of application. If not, take a new one and submit the results. 

Proof of having enough Funds

Teachers need to prove that they have enough money to cover their expenses in Canada. It can be proved through bank statements or bank balances received from banks. 

You need about 1.000 dollars to live in the country for one month without rent. It increases the number of families. 

In the following cases, you do not need to show proof of funds: 

  • Can work legally in Canada 
  • Have a job offer from a Canadian employer 

The least required point for FSWP is 67 out of 100 points. The above factors points are as follows: 

Education

25 points

Language abilities

28 points

Work Experience

15 points

Age

12 points

Employment

10 points

Adaptability

10 points

How should teachers apply through the Express Entry to immigrate to Canada?

The application process for teachers immigrating to Canada is up to the country they live in and their conditions. Also, there is a difference between the PNP and the Express Entry application. 

You can get familiar with the Express Entry and FSWP application down below: 

Step 1. Determine if you are eligible to apply as a teacher in Canada or not

Not everyone can work in Canada as a teacher. As explained above, you must fulfill a few conditions to teach in the country. 

Canada has the third-best education system in the world. So they are a bit strict and cautious with attracting teachers. They hire the best and train them well to educate the next generation. 

The one essential requirement is to have a valid certificate. Canadian authorities must approve it. Also, getting a teaching certificate from the province is a must. 

Do your research and find out if you have permission to teach in Canada or not. 

Step 2. Pick the appropriate immigration route for teachers in Canada

There are two immigration ways you can pick to immigrate to Canada as a teacher: PNP and FSWP. This article explains them in the above section. 

Read the details and see which one is appropriate for you and suits your conditions. 

There are eligibility principles with each application method. You would better figure out which one you comply with. 

It takes time to prepare the requirements for each of the immigration routes as well. Knowledge is power becomes completely true here. You should gather as much information as you can and know the details to submit a perfect application. 

Step 3. Gather the supporting documents 

Teachers, and every applicant needs to submit a list of supporting documents to prove they are qualified. 

You can see a general list of them in the above section to get familiar with them. The list of requirements could vary by the immigration route you pick. To know more about them, go through the right sidebar and the related article for that immigration method. 

Bear in mind that when you get accepted in the Express Entry, you only have 60 days to submit the required documents. So you would better prepare some of them that do not have an expiry date. If some are going to be expired, plan to replace them, such as your IELTS score. 

Step 4. Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website

You need to create a profile on the IRCC website for the express entry. Any Canadian application process needs to proceed through this website. 

You would better get advice from an expert or someone who has done it once to complete the profile. You should not submit a document mistakenly. Every answer to questions must be honest and true. Also, what you put in your profile must be compatible with your documents. 

Step 5. Enter the pool of candidates and receive ITA

When you complete the profile and submit the application, you enter a pool of candidates; the Canadian government picks applicants with the highest score and invites them to apply (ITA) for PR. 

The application process took about six months before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it took more during the pandemic, and ITAs were only through Canadian Experience  Class and Provincial Nominee Programs. 

However, the IRCC is about to open the FSWP and FSTP. They have announced that Express Entry processing will become up to six months again. 

When you receive the ITA, you need to submit the rest of the documents. Clean record certificates and medical exams are among them. You have to submit the rest of the documents in two months and prepare yourself to immigrate to Canada as a teacher. 

What are the in-demand subjects for teachers in Canada?

Teachers who can teach the below list of subjects are highly in-demand in Canadian schools: 

  • French language 
  • IT 
  • Math 
  • Science 
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Physics 
  • Special education teachers 

You are likely to get a well-paid job if you have teaching ability in the above subjects. 

What is the NOC Code for teachers immigrating to Canada?

National Occupational Classification or NOC is a system of classification for in-demand jobs by the Canadian government and the labor market.

Teachers are on this list, and they can immigrate to Canada as a teacher through Express Entry and Provincial Nomination Programs. 

The NOC list for teachers is as follows: 

  • 4032, Elementary school and kindergarten
  • 4413, Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

4031, Secondary school teachers

Websites to find job positions for teachers immigrating to Canada

You need a job offer and enrollment to be eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program. Also, a job offer can increase your chance in the Federal Skilled Worker program.

The following websites are the best pens to find a job offer in Canada. Each one of them has different features. You can use the one that suits your purpose and is easy to work with.

  • Monster.ca
  • Ziprecruiter.ca
  • Eluta.ca
  • Jobbank.gc.ca
  • Careerbuilder.ca
  • Ca.indeed.com
  • Hotjobscanada.ca
  • Simplyhired.ca
  • Jobs.ca
  • Indeed.com

Can you work as a teacher online in Canada?

Yes, you may work online as a teacher. During the Covid-19, the classes were held online. Moreover, at the moment, teachers can take classes online from home if they do not feel good and need to rest.

But you need to have the certificates and requirements to teach online. It is mandatory that you have the required factors to teach in person than to teach online.

But, as explained, you do not need a certificate to teach in some teaching positions. For instance, Teaching English as a Second language or teaching IELTS to Express Entry applicants do not require a certificate, and you can do it online.

Look at the below section to know what job positions are available.

Lately, teaching music online has become popular, and people have become a fan of it.  For example, Soheil Alavai is a Canadian entrepreneur who is the founder of a tribe startup. He is also an online influencer who is learning music online.

Canadian provinces where teaching is an in-demand position

Teaching is an in-demand job in Canada. But the level, salary, and conditions vary in each province. You would better know what provinces teachers are most needed. You have a better chance there.

Saskatchewan

Elementary, kindergarten, and secondary teachers are not in much demand in Saskatchewan, but post-secondary educators are. It is the province where you can have a great life and experience meeting new people.

As the population is growing in this province, the demand for teachers raises as well. Saskatoon is the youngest city in Canada. About 45.000 adults aged 20-29 live there. The young population is to have kids, and they need teachers.

A primary school teacher can earn about $62,754 a year.

Ontario

The province is recognized for its strong economy. This makes it a perfect option for teachers. You can expect to earn about  $68,462 per year. The range of salary is different, but you can get $49,519 to $84,204 depending on your experience and location.

Job opportunity is always better in large cities, and Ontario is one of the largest cities in Canada.

The perks could include the following:

  • life insurance,
  • extended healthcare,
  • dental insurance,
  • retirement plans
  • paid parental leave
  • vacations

Alberta

Do you want to take a break when teaching puts too much pressure on you? Ontario is your option, with 600 lakes and forests.

A primary school teacher in Alberta is $74,093 a year, while a high school teacher in Alberta is $75,613 per year.

The province is in demand of professors and lecturers, and they can get around $84,845 per year.

British Columbia

People know British Columbia for its tech atmosphere, but teachers can find well-paid jobs as well. Elementary and secondary teachers’ assistants are most in-demand, and you will find a job easily. There are other required positions as well. You need to look for them.

A teacher assistant can earn about $50,638-$52,518 annually and gain valuable work experience.

High school teachers in the province earn around $75,091, and college lecturers earn an average of $ 70,000 yearly.

Manitoba

Are you looking for a quite nice palace to live in? Yes, Manitoba is your option, with lakes and mountains.

An elementary school teacher can earn about $60,173 per year, and Primary school teachers in the province make an average of $64,119. The income for a high school teacher is about $65,417.

Quebec

Are you good at French? Then Quebec is your destination to work as a teacher. College and vocational instructors are desperately looking for teachers who are fluent in French.

Montreal is your dream as a teacher, where you can get $64,508 as a vocational or college instructor.

Teacher job positions in Canada for immigrants

Where can you work as a teacher in Canada? There are various positions, tasks, and responsibilities.

They are up to the center to hire you and their expectations. The above section introduced some of the websites to find a job position as a teacher. You can search through them and read the duties and positions. There are various positions, and everything is back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the positions related to teaching in Canada are as follows:

  • Teaching aid
  • Educational resource assistant
  • Remedial aid
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Librarian
  • Biology teacher
  • ELS teacher
  • Supply teacher

Immigrated teacher’s salary in Canada

The average salary of a teacher in Canada is about $42,927 to $46,800. People who just begin their careers get about $35,100 to $37,050, while the experienced ones earn $68,289 to $37,050 per year.

You might want to know the teacher’s earnings in the following provinces:

Northwest Territories$103,500
Nunavut$55,500
British Columbia$53,625-$63,223
Alberta$52,000-$58,500
Saskatchewan$49,800-$58,500
Nova Scotia$48,750
Quebec$66,437

You may not end up working as a teacher and get a related job. It could be as interesting as being a teacher’s stepping stone, to begin with.

The below positions and good salaries are also wonderful:

Associate Professor$129,559
Assistant Professor$96,194
Instructor$45,911
Professor$91,877
Coach$48,750
French Teacher$46,529
Language Teacher$44,906
Instructor$45,911
Counselor$45,815
English Teacher$43,237
Primary Teacher$67,108
English Teacher$43,237

Is IELTS necessary for teachers in Canada?

The answer is up to the applicant’s conditions. First, if you wish to teach in French-speaking areas like Quebec, you need French language tests. TEF and TCF Canada are the approved French language tests.

However, if you want to move to French-speaking areas, IELTS can increase your score to a large extent, and you will have a higher chance of getting accepted into Express Entry.

Moreover, Schools, education centers, and wherever you want to work need proof of language proficiency. IELTS is the test they require.

Even if you do not need IELTS, you are likely to need it while you are in Canada, whether for work or immigration programs.

If you take the IELTS test, you may be able to work as a teacher. Not everyone immigrating to Canada is perfect in English. Residents who apply for PR need the IELTS test to increase their scores. So they have to learn the techniques and practice.

Teacher’s responsibilities and tasks in Canada

What you, as a teacher, will do in Canada is a bit clear by your experience and background. You can predict your tasks and responsibilities.

But they might change a bit with your home country. The below list can help you to get familiar with them:

  • Write lesson plans
  • Create tests, essays, and quizzes
  • Grade student performance
  • Set educational objectives
  • Increase learning abilities
  • Monitor progress

What are the benefits of immigrating to Canada as a teacher?

There is a reason that Canada is among the top-picked immigration destinations in the world. The quality of life and a strong economy has made it attractive for immigrants who want to build a better future.

Maternity and parental benefits

Teachers get 55% of their earnings for up to 15 weeks. The standard version is for up to 55% of your earnings for up to 40 weeks. Also, the extended pens are up to 33% of your earnings for up to 69 weeks.

A large population of immigrants

Canada is welcoming 400.000 new immigrants this year. This large population needs teachers and professors to get educated. Also, many of them bring children and families that need education.

It means better and more job opportunities for teachers. As Canada has invested heavily in the quality of education and is determined to do so, teachers will always have a brilliant condition here.

Free healthcare and education for PR holders

When you immigrate to Canada as a teacher through express entry, you will get the PR directly. You are just like Canadian citizens with every right except vote and take office jobs.

Healthcare and education are free for PR citizens. Your family has access to one of the top education systems in the world. You will have no worries over healthcare costs and ease of mind.

Strong, flexible economy

You hear some bad news about inflation and the prices that are going up. Yes, but it’s a global issue at the moment due to the Ukraine war. But the strong economy in Canada will provide you with a better life compared to some Sia or Middle East countries.

Canada has a startup culture, and there is a new one every day. They circulate the investment cycle and help the country develop and become robust. Production is increasing, and the services provided by Canadian companies in the US bring funds to the country.

Different forms of immigration programs

You do not find the flexibility of Canadian immigration programs in every country; just a few. Canada welcomes skilled workers from everywhere in the world. You need to be skilled and meet the requirements.

You are likely to immigrate to Canada as a teacher in these numerous programs. Teachers need to find the appropriate program by their conditions and follow the instructions.

As explained in this article, you can move to Canada as a teacher via the introduced routes.

The high-level standard education system

What is the third-best country for the education system in the world? Yes, that is Canada, and you are going to be a teacher in this system.

There is a saying that if you want to grow, be with people who are higher than you. Imagine a bar chart, the others are black or gray, and you are the blue one, much higher than the others. Can you grow in this situation? Now imagine yourself in another bar chart. Everyone is higher than you, and they are of different colors. You are the black one with a low level.

You are likely to improve yourself in the second scenario. As the quality of education is high, the system requires you to update yourself and learn. The more you learn, the higher your level and earnings.

Let’s sum up…

Teaching is among the NOC list of skilled workers demanded by the Canadian labor market. They can immigrate to Canada as a teacher and receive PR directly.

You legend the immigration programs for teachers, the requirements, and how to apply, and I found the answer to so many of your questions. This piece of writing is a full and comprehensive guide for teaching immigrants to Canada.

If you have questions regarding teachers immigrating to Canada, write them down in the comment section. The Visa Library team will respond.

Frequently Asked Questions about immigration to Canada as a teacher

Yes, the list of organizations is provided in the article.

There are some positions that you can see in the article.

Most often, yes, to increase score in Express Entry and provide language fluency.

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2 Comments

  1. Rahinatu Moomin says:
    January 3, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    I am a trained teacher with a degree in education and would like to migrate to canada. British Colombia to be precise. I have over 20 years experience and have risen through the ranks in my own country Ghana. I would like to know the process.

    • Max says:
      January 6, 2024 at 10:01 pm

      Before you can apply to become a teacher in British Columbia, Canada, or anywhere else in the country, you need to make sure that your degree and experience in Ghana are accepted. This may involve getting your credentials evaluated by a Canadian credential service. After that, you’ll need to submit your credentials and demonstrate that you’re proficient in English (usually via the IELTS or TEF) to the British Columbia Ministry of Education in order to get a teaching certificate. One important step is to apply through Canada’s Express Entry system. Your profile will be evaluated for permanent residency based on your education, work experience, and language abilities. Another possibility is to apply through British Columbia’s Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). This could be the case if you already have a job offer within the province or if your skills are highly sought-after. Even though it’s not required for immigration, looking for teaching jobs in British Columbia can be a good first step. The application process for permanent residency can be initiated once you have received an invitation to apply. Policies and procedures can change, so it’s important to always check the most recent information from IRCC and the British Columbia Ministry of Education.