Canada’s education sector faces a skills shortage, driven by a low birth rate and an aging population. In response, Canada is actively welcoming skilled educators from abroad. Teaching in Canada is a revered profession, and with a top-tier education system supported by an advanced curriculum and infrastructure, it’s an attractive career path for many.
Teaching could be your gateway if you’ve been considering relocating to Canada.
Key Statistics to Consider
Canada’s Job Bank anticipates many teaching vacancies over the coming decade. Here’s a breakdown of the expected job openings:
- Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers: 121,000 positions
- Secondary School Teachers: 52,100 positions
- School Principals and Administrators: 11,000 positions (covering both elementary and secondary education)
These numbers indicate a wealth of opportunities in the teaching profession across Canada.
Types of Teaching Jobs Available in Canada
- Elementary and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221)
Roles in this category include kindergarten teachers, primary school teachers, English as a second language teachers, special education teachers, and more. - High School or Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220)
Positions here range from biology and English teachers to vocational educators and secondary school department heads. - School Principals and Administrators (NOC 40021)
This sector spans both elementary and high school education, with roles such as school principals, vice principals, superintendents, and more.
Immigration Programs for Foreign Teachers
- Federal Skilled Workers Program
This program is designed for individuals with the necessary skills, work experience, and qualifications to work in Canada. Successful applicants are granted permanent resident status, provided they meet specific criteria.- Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry Program: This program selects candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores rather than their occupation. Factors influencing CRS scores include language proficiency, age, education, work experience, and more. Additional points can be earned for studying or working in Canada, holding a job offer, or receiving a provincial nomination.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Each Canadian province has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate candidates based on the region’s current labor market needs. This program is ideal for those who have a specific province in mind where they wish to teach.Depending on the province, you can apply through the Federal Express Entry Program or directly to the province. Below are some of the provincial programs available:
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
- Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP)
- Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
This federal program offers permanent residence to international students and foreign skilled workers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. To qualify, applicants need at least 1,560 hours of paid employment within the past five years.A job offer from one of the Atlantic provinces is required, along with meeting other criteria. It’s important to note that teaching positions require provincial licensing, which can be obtained before or after moving to Canada.
Steps to Apply for Teaching in Canada
- Determine Eligibility Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include factors like age, nationality, family members, language proficiency (proving English or French proficiency through tests like IELTS), job offers, educational credentials (which may require an Educational Credential Assessment for degrees obtained outside of Canada), work experience, income, and proof of settlement funds.
Additionally, you must obtain provincial certification to teach in Canada. This process can begin before you move, though it may take time. Be aware that some teaching roles may not require certification, but you will need to complete a sexual abuse prevention program.
- Select an Appropriate Immigration Program After confirming your eligibility, choose the most suitable immigration program. With over 100 pathways available, it’s best to opt for one that aligns with your teaching career goals in Canada.
- Submit an Online Application Once you’ve chosen your immigration program, create an immigration profile and apply online. This streamlined process allows you to submit and resubmit documents as needed, simplifying the application journey.
Conclusion
Teaching in Canada offers a promising pathway for those looking to relocate. By following the outlined steps and securing a teaching position before your move, you can make your dream of teaching in Canada a reality. Utilize job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed Canada, Job Bank Canada, and Workopolis to find teaching opportunities.