Teaching in Canada: Requirements for Non-Permanent Residents

Are you considering a teaching career in Canada but are not a permanent resident? This guide provides comprehensive information on the qualifications and steps you need to take to teach in Canada.

Requirements for University-Level Teaching

If you aspire to teach at the university level, you will need to earn a PhD. This is the highest academic qualification required for professorships and associate professorships in Canadian universities.

High School Teaching Requirements

To teach at the high school level, you need a Canadian or US degree in education. This typically involves completing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program at a university or college in Canada.

Public School Teaching Qualifications

Teaching in public schools in Canada typically requires provincial certification. Each province has its own teacher's association website where you can find the specific requirements. Teachers in public schools are regulated on a provincial basis, ensuring that educators meet state standards.

Steps to Obtain Certification

The process to become a certified teacher in public schools involves several key steps:

Complete a teacher education program at a Canadian Faculty of Education, such as the programs offered at the University of British Columbia (UBC) or Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto (UT). Obtain your certification, which will be recognized in all provinces and territories. Apply for a two-year work permit to work in Canada. Take advantage of the teacher shortages in certain regions of Canada to enhance your job prospects.

Opportunities for Non-Permanent Residents

If you are not a permanent resident of Canada, you cannot work in Canada without obtaining the appropriate work permit and immigration status. Here are the key steps:

Obtaining a B.Ed. and Permanent Residence

The typical path to a teaching career in Canada begins with earning a B.Ed. from a Canadian university. Only after obtaining permanent resident status can you apply for teaching positions.

Visa and Work Permit Requirements

Without a work permit, you cannot legally work in Canada. The visa process involves:

Successfully immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident. Applying for a work permit to legally work in a teaching capacity.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

For those from outside Canada who wish to work, the company hiring must prove through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can fill the job. This stringent process requires detailed documentation and typically involves high fees.

Conclusion

Whether you are a PhD holder or completing a B.Ed., becoming a teacher in Canada requires specific qualifications and steps. While non-permanent residents can take steps toward obtaining these qualifications, they must first become permanent residents before they can teach in Canada.

It's important to plan ahead and follow the appropriate path to achieve your goal of teaching in Canada.