Are you a school teacher dreaming of moving to Canada? Great news! Canada has introduced a new education-based category in its Express Entry immigration program, making it easier for teachers worldwide to obtain permanent residency (PR).
If you’re an educator, now is the best time to apply. This blog post covers everything you need to know about eligibility, requirements, application processes, and expert tips to improve your chances.
Why Canada is Prioritizing School Teachers for PR
Canada faces a significant shortage of qualified teachers, and to address this issue, the government has created an education-based category under Express Entry. Introduced on February 25, 2025, this new stream prioritizes teachers across various educational levels.
The benefits of applying through this category include:
- Faster PR processing (as little as 15 days)
- Lower CRS score requirement compared to other Express Entry streams
- High demand for teachers across provinces
Who Qualifies? Eligible Teaching Professions
To apply under this category, your job title must match one of the approved National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Elementary & Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 |
| Instructors for Persons with Disabilities | 42203 |
| Early Childhood Educators & Assistants | 42202 |
| Elementary School & Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 |
If your job title differs slightly, don’t worry. The key is that your job responsibilities align with the descriptions outlined under these NOC codes.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the new Express Entry category for teachers, you must meet these essential criteria:
1. Educational Qualification
- Minimum Requirement: A high school diploma (equivalent to Canada’s Grade 12)
- Preferred: A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field increases your chances
2. Language Proficiency
- Must take the IELTS (General Training) test
- Minimum required CLB 7 (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 in all sections)
- Knowing French gives extra points, improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
3. Work Experience
- At least one year of full-time teaching experience (or equivalent part-time work)
- Experience must align with an approved NOC code
4. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
- Though Canada has not officially set a cutoff, the lowest CRS score for selection is expected to be around 475
- You can improve your CRS score through:
- Higher IELTS scores
- Additional work experience
- French language skills
- Having a valid job offer
How to Apply for Canada PR as a Teacher
Applying through Express Entry involves these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the Government of Canada’s official website to check if you meet the requirements.
Step 2: Get Your Credentials Assessed
Since you studied outside Canada, you must complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through organizations like:
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
Step 3: Take Language Proficiency Tests
Register and complete the IELTS General Training test. If you know French, take the TEF Canada test to earn extra CRS points.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
Log in to the Express Entry portal and enter accurate details about your work experience, education, and test scores.
Step 5: Submit Your Profile & Wait for an Invitation (ITA)
Express Entry draws happen bi-weekly, and if you meet the cut-off score, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 6: Submit PR Application
Once you receive your ITA, submit documents like:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Medical exam and police clearance
- Employment reference letters
Step 7: Receive PR Approval & Move to Canada
After approval, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can start planning your move to Canada!
How to Improve Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is below the expected cut-off, you can boost it by:
- Retaking IELTS for higher scores
- Learning French to gain up to 50 extra points
- Securing a job offer from a Canadian school
- Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for extra 600 points
FAQs: Canada PR for Teachers
1. Can I apply without a teaching degree?
Yes, but having a Bachelor’s in Education or a related field significantly increases your chances.
2. Is there an age limit to apply?
There is no official age limit, but candidates under 45 score higher in the CRS ranking system.
3. How much money do I need to show as proof of funds?
The amount depends on your family size. For a single applicant, you must show at least $13,757 CAD in savings.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, but having a job offer increases your CRS score and speeds up approval.
5. How long does the process take?
The fastest processing time is as little as 15 days under this new category.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply Now
Canada is urgently recruiting teachers, making this the best time to apply for PR under the Express Entry system. With a fast-track process, lower CRS requirements, and bi-weekly draws, teachers have a strong chance of securing PR and moving to Canada in record time.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Start your application today by creating your Express Entry profile and preparing your documents.
For official details, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!