How Do You Qualify for Immigration to Canada as a Secondary School Teacher?

Whether you are looking for new professional challenges, job security, or simply a new start in a country that values education, your first step in understanding the Canada secondary school teacher immigration process.

Why Canada Needs Secondary Teachers

Simply put, Canada needs you.

With the increasing population and teacher shortages across the country, particularly in subjects such as math, science, and French, there is a demand for talented and experienced secondary teachers. The government has made immigration easier for teachers by adding them to targeted immigration categories. This makes for a more viable path to permanent residency and, in turn, a classroom full of eager students.

Your Roadmap to Teaching in Canada

Here’s how you go from lesson plans to landing in Canada:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• One year of full-time teaching experience (within the last 10 years)
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
• Strong English or French language skills

Step 2: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

This confirms your degree matches Canadian standards.

Step 3: Take an Approved Language Test

• IELTS (English) or TEF (French)
• Target a CLB 7 score or higher

Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile

List your occupation as NOC 41220 (Secondary School Teacher).

Step 5: Watch for an Invitation

Canada conducts regular and category-based draws. If selected under the education category, you qualify even with a lower CRS score. This is where the teacher in the Canada PR pathway can really work in your favor.

Step 6: Apply for PR

You’ll have 60 days to submit your documents. Processing usually takes around six months.

Step 7: Get Certified to Teach in Canada

Each province or territory has its own licensing process. For example:

• Ontario: Ontario College of Teachers
• C.: Teacher Regulation Branch

You’ll need to apply after landing.

Other Ways to Immigrate

If Express Entry doesn’t suit your profile, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer alternatives. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia regularly invite teachers.

Bonus? A provincial nomination gives you 600 extra CRS points—a golden ticket in the Express Entry system.

What Kind of Salary Can You Expect?

Salaries vary, but here’s a general idea:

• Ontario: $52,000–$102,000
• Alberta: $55,000–$100,000
• C.: $49,000–$91,000
• Quebec: $45,000–$82,000
• Nova Scotia: $44,000–$80,000

Higher pay often comes with city life, while smaller towns might offer incentives or bonuses.

One Step at a Time, with the Right Support

Immigrating can feel like navigating a maze with no map. This is where Abhinav Immigration Services comes in. We work to lead teachers like you, through myriad pieces of paperwork, profile developing, certification preparation, allowing you to keep your focus on your real goal: changing lives in classrooms across Canada.