Do you want to know how to move to Canada as a teacher without a teaching license?
Yes, you can move to Canada as a teacher—even without a Canadian teaching license—if you take the right path and understand your options.
I remember when a family friend of mine, Tolu, who taught for 8 years in Nigeria, messaged me out of frustration. She had dreams of moving to Canada to teach, but everywhere she looked, it seemed like she needed a Canadian license first.
She almost gave up. But after some research and smart moves, she found an immigration pathway, moved to Saskatchewan, and today, she works full-time in an educational role while upgrading her credentials.
If you’re in a similar position—an experienced teacher without a license—don’t lose hope. I’ll walk you through exactly what to do to move to Canada, work in education, and work toward permanent residency, even if you’re starting without a Canadian teaching license.
How Do I Relocate to Canada as a Teacher?
To relocate to Canada as a teacher, you have multiple immigration options—even without a license.
Here’s a breakdown:
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program) – If you have a high CRS score (based on education, age, experience, English/French ability), you can apply to move to Canada and later seek credential recognition.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Some provinces need educators and offer pathways even before you have a license. These programs may nominate you based on experience, especially in rural areas.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – You can apply to work in support roles like educational assistants, early childhood educators, or administrative jobs while you work toward licensing.
Student Pathway – You can also study in Canada (like a one-year PG certificate in education), work part-time, and apply for PR afterward.
So yes, you can relocate to Canada as a teacher—but you need to be flexible about your first job not being a full teaching position while you get licensed.
Can a Foreigner Work as a Teacher in Canada?
Yes, a foreigner can work as a teacher in Canada—but not immediately in a public school system without a teaching license.
Here are your alternatives as a newcomer:
Private schools: Some independent schools hire teachers without requiring provincial certification.
Tutoring services: Many newcomers start as tutors in math, sciences, or languages.
Early childhood educators: You can apply for daycare, preschool, and Montessori roles (some require ECE certification, which can be earned in under a year).
Teacher’s aide or assistant: These support roles are in high demand and don’t always require full certification.
Online teaching: Teach students in or outside Canada remotely while you upgrade your credentials.
As a foreigner, you’ll also need a work permit, either through an employer, a study permit (if you’re upgrading), or an open permit (through a spouse or PR pathway).
So while you may not walk into a high school as a lead teacher on day one, you can start working in education and build your career
Can Teachers Get PR in Canada?
Yes! Teachers are eligible for Permanent Residency (PR) under several immigration programs.
Here’s how:
Express Entry: If your NOC code (e.g., 41200 for secondary teachers, 42202 for ECEs) matches your work experience, you can qualify through Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class.
PNP Programs: Provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia have selected teachers and early childhood educators in past nomination draws.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program: If you speak French, Quebec has a separate system that includes teachers.
Rural Programs: The RNIP or Atlantic Immigration Program allows entry through community-level employers.
Even without a Canadian teaching license, your years of experience, language ability, and degree can help you score enough points to apply for PR.
And once you have PR, it’s easier to:
Study for Canadian licensing
Get jobs in schools
Settle your family permanently
So don’t let licensing stop you—PR is still possible as a teacher!
What Is the New Pathway for Teachers in Canada?
Several provinces have recently launched new and flexible immigration streams for educators, especially after COVID-19 revealed teacher shortages.
Here’s what’s new:
Ontario and BC are reducing licensing delays for internationally trained teachers.
Saskatchewan allows educators to work while waiting for certification, especially in rural schools.
Manitoba and Alberta PNPs include ECEs and assistants as in-demand occupations.
There’s also talk of a faster credential recognition system coming soon, where foreign credentials can be assessed before arrival.
Some provinces even allow you to start teaching with a conditional certificate while completing local requirements.
This is great news if you’ve been stuck waiting or told to go back to school for 2 years—those rules are getting more flexible.
Is Canada Facing a Teacher Shortage?
Absolutely—Canada is facing a growing teacher shortage, especially in rural areas and French-language schools.
Key reasons:
Aging workforce: Many teachers are retiring
Fewer graduates from B.Ed programs
High demand for special education, Indigenous studies, and French immersion teachers
Not enough substitutes or support staff
This shortage creates opportunities for foreign-trained teachers, especially in:
Saskatchewan
Northern Ontario
New Brunswick
Manitoba
Alberta (rural regions)
Even without a license, these provinces are open to foreign-trained educators willing to start in assistant, support, or early childhood roles.
If you’re flexible on location, your chances are much higher than trying to teach in Toronto or Vancouver right away.
What Is the Easiest Country to Move to as a Teacher?
Canada is definitely among the top 3 easiest countries to move to as a teacher—especially due to:
Clear immigration pathways
Supportive newcomer policies
Growing demand for educators
Opportunities for family sponsorship
High quality of life
Other easy options for teachers include:
New Zealand: They actively recruit teachers and offer PR pathways.
UAE/Qatar: Easy to get jobs, but more temporary, less immigration support.
UK: Offers skilled worker visas for teachers, but cost of living is high.
If your goal is long-term residency, family life, and career growth, Canada is one of the best countries to relocate to as a teacher, even without initial licensing.
Which Province in Canada Has Demand for Teachers?
Here are the top provinces currently seeking teachers and education workers:
Saskatchewan – Especially for rural schools and special education
Manitoba – French teachers, early childhood, and high school science
Nova Scotia – Teachers willing to live in small communities
Alberta – Special needs and support staff needed in small towns
New Brunswick – French immersion and ECE roles
These provinces often have streamlined PNP processes and community-based programs to attract educators.
Ontario and BC also need teachers but often prioritize local certification.
If you’re moving without a teaching license, targeting these high-demand provinces gives you the best chance to succeed and stay.
What Is the Age Limit for Express Entry for Teachers in Canada?
There is no official age limit to apply through Express Entry—but your age does affect your points.
Here’s how CRS points work for age:
Age 20–29: 100 points
Age 30–35: 95 to 70 points
Age 36–45: gradually lower
After 45: 0 points for age
This doesn’t mean you’re ineligible—it means you’ll need to compensate with:
Strong language scores
Canadian work experience
A PNP nomination
Education level
Job offer
So yes, teachers over 40 still get PR—but need to plan strategically.
Need help calculating your score? Try our free CRS calculator.
Are Teachers Paid Well in Canada?
Yes, teachers in Canada are generally well-paid and respected professionals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Elementary and high school teachers earn between $55,000 – $95,000 CAD/year
ECEs and assistants earn between $35,000 – $55,000 CAD/year
Unionized jobs often include benefits, pension, paid holidays, and job security
Salaries vary by province:
Highest: Alberta, Ontario, BC
Lower: Atlantic Canada, rural areas (but lower cost of living)
Even support roles and tutoring pay decently in Canada compared to many countries.
So yes—you can live a comfortable life as a teacher in Canada, especially once you become licensed or gain permanent residency.
How to Get a Canadian Teaching License
Getting a teaching license in Canada depends on the province you plan to work in.
Here are general steps:
Apply to the provincial regulatory body (e.g., Ontario College of Teachers, SPTRB in Saskatchewan)
Submit:
Your degree and transcripts
Teaching certificate from your home country
English/French language test
Criminal background check
If approved, you’ll get:
A full license (if credentials match)
Or a provisional license, allowing you to work while taking additional courses
You may be asked to complete:
Local education courses
Supervised practicum
Language upgrade (for French or ESL teachers)
Each province has different timelines and requirements, so always check their official website before starting.
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to move to Canada as a teacher without a teaching license, here’s what to remember:
You can relocate through Express Entry, PNP, RNIP, or study-work routes
You may not start as a lead teacher—but many education jobs are open to you
Canada faces a teacher shortage, and many provinces are making it easier to join the system
You can get PR first, then pursue a license
Age matters, but there are ways to boost your score