Canada’s education system attracts many internationally trained teachers who want to bring their skills and experience into Canadian classrooms. However, there are two separate processes to consider:
- Immigration requirements – obtaining legal status to live and work in Canada.
- Provincial teacher certification – handled by provincial regulatory bodies, not by lawyers.
At Sohi Law Group, our role is to assist teachers with the immigration law aspects of this journey. This guide explains the legal pathways available and how immigration lawyers can help you secure the right to work in Canada while you pursue certification through the appropriate education authorities.
Step 1: Understanding Work Authorization
Work Permits for Teachers
Most internationally trained teachers need a work permit to begin employment in Canada. Common options include:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a particular school board or private school that has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Open Work Permit: Available to some spouses/partners of skilled workers or graduates, allowing more flexibility.
Our Legal Role
We help applicants determine eligibility, prepare applications, and ensure compliance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
Step 2: Pathways to Permanent Residency
Teaching is often classified as a skilled profession under Canada’s immigration programs. Pathways may include:
- Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – for those with teaching experience abroad.
- Canadian Experience Class – for teachers who gain Canadian work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba sometimes create targeted streams for teachers or education-related professionals.
Why It Matters: Permanent residency provides stability and often strengthens an applicant’s case when applying for provincial teaching certification.
Step 3: Credential Recognition in Immigration Applications
While certification bodies assess teaching credentials for licensing, IRCC often requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm your degree’s equivalency to Canadian standards.
- ECAs must be issued by a designated organization such as WES, ICES, or ICAS.
- Without an ECA, Express Entry applications cannot be processed.
We guide clients in ensuring their ECA is obtained and properly documented for immigration submissions.
Step 4: Language Proficiency and Immigration
Just as provinces require language skills for teacher certification, Canadian immigration programs require proof of proficiency in English or French.
- Accepted Tests for Immigration: IELTS, CELPIP (English), TEF, or TCF (French).
- Minimum score requirements vary depending on the program (e.g., CLB 7 for Federal Skilled Worker).
We assist clients in ensuring test results meet immigration thresholds and remain valid at the time of application.
Step 5: Supporting Documents and Legal Compliance
Immigration applications for teachers often require:
- Police certificates and background checks (including vulnerable sector checks for employment).
- Employment reference letters confirming teaching experience.
- Medical exams for admissibility.
Our team ensures all documentation is legally sufficient and avoids errors that could delay or jeopardize applications.
Step 6: After Immigration Approval
Once immigration status is secured, teachers may then pursue provincial certification. This is managed by regulatory authorities such as:
- The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
- The BC Teachers’ Council.
- Other provincial teaching certification bodies.
Important: Certification is a separate process. Immigration lawyers do not control or influence provincial teaching authorities, but we ensure you have the legal right to reside and work in Canada while completing these steps.
FAQs
Q: Can an immigration lawyer get me certified as a teacher in Canada?
No. Certification is a provincial regulatory matter. Our role is to assist with immigration legal processes that allow you to live and work in Canada while you apply for certification separately.
Q: Do I need permanent residency to teach in Canada?
In most provinces, yes. Permanent residency or Canadian citizenship is typically required for long-term teaching positions, though temporary positions may be available with a valid work permit.
Q: What if my teaching degree is from outside Canada?
You will need both an ECA for immigration purposes and a separate assessment by the provincial teacher regulator for certification. These are two distinct processes.
Conclusion
Becoming a teacher in Canada requires navigating both immigration law and professional licensing. At Sohi Law Group, we focus on the immigration side of this journey: work permits, permanent residency, and compliance with Canadian immigration laws.
If you are an internationally trained teacher interested in moving to Canada, our lawyers can help you with the legal steps to secure your status and begin your pathway toward certification and employment.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Sohi Law Group provides legal services in the area of immigration law. For information about teacher certification, contact the appropriate provincial teacher regulatory body.
No comment