Migration can be an extremely long and tiring process regardless of which country you are attempting to enter. Depending on the overall motivation when applying for citizenship, some may have a slightly shorter waiting period than others. Federal skilled workers, or FSW, are of greater value to a country and are therefore of a higher priority, especially in recession-proof industries. See the Canadian IELTS / Entry program for more. For example, doctors, dentists, and teachers are professions that will always be necessary. That’s good news if you are a teacher wanting to immigrate to Canada.
Provincial and territorial governments operate their own school systems, and are responsible for setting out the regulations for teaching jobs in Canada. The rules are broadly similar across the country, but with some local differences.
Selection Factors for FSW and Approval for Teachers
- Highest level of education completed; higher than high school diploma preferred
- Work experience shows at least one full year of employment that falls into one of the following occupational categories: managerial, professional, or technical/skilled
- Fluent in French and/or English (both spoken in Canada)
- Current age
- Overall adaptability (usually tested through an assessment quiz)
- Current state of employment (or offer)
A bachelor’s degree in Education and a provincial certificate is required for teaching jobs in Canada. Obtaining certification can be a slow process, so it’s best to start before your arrival in Canada if possible.
Other factors are considered to assess eligibility for teaching jobs in Canada. For instance, the applicant may need:
- Recent teaching experience.
- Familiarity with the culture and curriculum of the Canadian education system
- Fitness to teach, including character reference and successful criminal record checks.
Supervised student teaching may also be required. For secondary teaching jobs in Canada, it is recommended to complete a major in one teachable subject, and a minor in another teachable subject. These include languages, sciences, social studies, and business.
Current Restrictions
As of July, 2012, the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) halted acceptance of applications for the FSW program. It is noted that when the program’s updated criteria takes effect, applications will likely be accepted once again. This is hoped to be in full force in the beginning of 2013. However, this halt does not affect applicants that:
- Have a current employment offer (already arranged in Canada) or
- are internationally enrolled, or were enrolled within the last year in a Canadian PhD program.
Cost of Living Proof
Since Canada is not in the habit of allowing anyone to sleep on their streets, they will want to know just how you plan to begin your life once you have crossed the border. Any dependents you have will also be taken into consideration.
Having too much money without a paper trail is a quick way to get your application dismissed; while lacking enough funds to sustain your family for more than a month will typically end the same way.
Automatic Dismissal
Certain applicants will most likely be denied immediately. Ensure none of these discrepancies get in your way before moving forward.
- Possession of a human/international rights violation
- A criminal history
- DUI convictions, whether because of alcohol or drugs, will most likely get you turned down
- Ties or past links to organized crime
- Showing certain, especially contagious, health conditions
- Lack of proof of, or not enough financial security
- Discrepancies on you applications
- Anyone not complying with Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or IRPA
- Anyone found to be in relation to an inadmissible person
The First Step
If you are ready to take your teaching career to Canada, contact an immigration lawyer that specializes in Canadian immigration. Most lawyers offer very affordable or even free consultations to hear about your situation. If the consultation is positive, the lawyer can discuss the cost of his services from there, along with explaining exactly how much easier he can make the entire process for you. The first step to immigrating to Canada as a teacher begins with a simple assessment. Contact Niren and Associates today to arrange your consultation.