With a reputation as one of the most educated countries in the world, it’s no surprise that Canada needs more teachers. Moreover, Canada has great opportunities to offer for them.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Teacher?
What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?
Since Canada wants to welcome teachers, immigration for these professionals is relatively easy. Let’s have a closer look at how it works.
Immigration Programs for Teachers
While there are many different immigration programs you could apply under, two of the best ones for teachers are:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker program falls within the federal government’s Express Entry pool.
To qualify for this program, you need to create and register a profile in the Express Entry system and select FSW as your immigration pathway.
You are eligible for the program if you have one year of continuous work experience and if you NOC skill level is an O, A or B.
Language proficiency and a minimum score of 67/100 on human capital factors also have to be met.
Here you may learn more about how the Express Entry works and here about the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
PNP Program
If you are interested in settling in a specific province within Canada, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the quickest and most efficient ways of becoming a permanent resident.
Especially if that province is looking for teachers to fill shortages.
Applicants who meet all the requirements and who get selected, can immigrate to Canada in as little as six months.
You may learn more about how PNP works here.
Immigration from Other English-Speaking Countries
Immigrating to Canada from the UK, USA or Australia?
Moving to Canada from another English-speaking, highly developed country like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia, makes the process much simpler since the educational requirements and standards are pretty similar and comparable to Canada.
Especially for an American teacher in Canada since the two countries are so closely linked culturally and socially.
Even if you are immigrating to Canada from one of these three countries, your educational credentials will still need to be assessed.
You will need to demonstrate familiarity with the Canadian curriculum and culture. Reference checks and background checks will be conducted to ensure you are fit to teach. In some situations, supervised teaching may be required.
Once you meet all the basic requirements, the province will issue you with a teaching certificate.
Keep in mind if your educational program isn’t comparable to the Canadian standard, you won’t qualify for the certificate. This can be resolved by taking a few courses at a Canadian university.
A teaching certificate from one province is not valid in another province or territory.
Before you apply to come to Canada as a teacher, make sure you have a clean record. Some things like a criminal record, discrepancies or lies in your application, ties to organized crime etc. will likely result in you being denied entry into Canada.
Work as a Teacher in Canada
Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call with An Immigration Expert
What is life in Canada like for teachers?
If you are a teacher in your home country and you are interested in moving to Canada, you may be wondering whether you’ll be taking a step back in your career or whether you’ll have to pursue a different line of work entirely.
We are happy to report that teaching falls within Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and is seen as a profession that will always be needed, much like doctors or dentists.
There are multiple NOC codes for teaching, depending on type and speciality.
Like most professions, the salary of a teacher does vary based on skills, the subject matter being taught and location. Most rural communities will have a higher pay scale as they are keen to attract people to their communities.
On average a teacher can make anywhere between $46,825 to $74,510, annually.
Teachers also get summers off, which is a fantastic plus if you have children. Alternately, if you wish to work through the summer, that is also an option through many summer programs. This allows you to make more money. Learn more about coming as a foreign teacher in Canada!
Requirements for Teachers in Canada
In Canada, schools are operated under the provincial government’s authority so requirements for teaching can vary slightly from province to province. But in general, to become eligible to teach in Canada, applicants must have a university degree or completed a program that is comparable to Canadian standards.
In Canada, teachers must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Applicants have to have at least one year of work experience and be fluent in one or both of Canada’s official languages.
How to Find a Job in Canada
There are plenty of teaching jobs in Canada for international applicants. Thankfully with the internet being what it is, it has become easier than ever to land teaching jobs in Canada for international teachers.
You may learn more about job boards here.
Where to Find Help with Immigration?
If the process of immigrating to Canada sounds complex or confusing, you’re not alone! Many people feel this way and that’s why they turn to an immigration agency or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for help.
An RCIC will not only do all the heavy lifting for you, but they will even help you look for jobs. With any luck, you might even land one before coming to Canada!
If an RCIC is helping you, great! If you’re doing it alone, make sure your CV and Resume are formatted in the Canadian way and that all your documents like reference letters and certificates are all in order.
