Can I teach in Canada while my immigration application is processing?

You would generally need a work permit and provincial certification to teach before permanent residence is finalized; confirm the sequencing with a regulator.

Does my foreign teaching degree need to be assessed?

Yes — an ECA is required for immigration purposes, and provincial certification bodies conduct their own separate credential assessment.

Are private school teachers treated the same as public school teachers?

Some private schools do not require provincial certification, but public school employment almost always does; verify with the specific employer and province.

Immigrate to Canada as a Teacher

Secondary school teachers (41220) and elementary school teachers (41221) are TEER 1. Guidance on provincial teacher certification, education category draws, CRS and PNP.

Send My NOC for Review Book a Consultation

Quick answer

Teachers fall under NOC 41220 (secondary school teachers) or 41221 (elementary school and kindergarten teachers), both TEER 1, and are eligible for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class. Education has featured among category-based Express Entry draws. Teaching is regulated provincially, so a teaching certificate from the province of employment is required before working in a public school — a separate process from immigration.

Key facts

NOC code	41220 Secondary school teachers / 41221 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
TEER	TEER 1
Main routes	Express Entry (FSW, CEC), provincial nominee education streams
Category draws	Education occupations have been included — verify current category list
Licensing	Regulated — provincial teacher certification required to teach in public schools

Who may qualify?

Certified teachers with a Bachelor of Education or equivalent teaching credential
Teachers with at least one year of continuous, documented classroom experience
Teachers targeting a province with a confirmed teacher shortage stream
Canadian teacher-education graduates applying under CEC

Eligibility requirements

Approved English or French language test results
An ECA for teaching credentials earned outside Canada
Employment reference letters matching NOC 41220/41221 duties
Provincial teacher certification before working in a public school

How it works: step by step

1
Confirm the correct NOC
Secondary and elementary teaching are classified separately, which can affect category eligibility.
2
Research provincial certification
Each province's Ministry of Education or teacher regulator sets its own credential evaluation process for foreign-trained teachers.
3
Enter Express Entry
Track whether education occupations are included in the current category-based rounds.
4
Target shortage boards or regions
Some school boards and provinces actively recruit specific subject specialists (e.g. French immersion, STEM, special education).

Expert insight

Subject specialization matters. Teachers in high-demand areas such as French immersion, math, sciences or special education are often better positioned for both provincial nomination and school board recruitment than generalists.

Alternative pathways

Express Entry Category-Based Selection Provincial Nominee Program NOC Finder

Frequently asked questions

Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.