Canada is perceived to be a land full of opportunities both to its citizens and to foreigners. The government of Canada has enacted policies and programs that favor professional and skilled immigrants to move to Canada, to work and live. However, getting to migrate to Canada as a teacher is not always easy without a proper guide as there are steps to take in the process of migrating to Canada as a teacher. Here are the following steps to take.
- National occupational classification code (NOC)
- Research and choose a province
- look for a job
- Apply through a program
- Apply for a visa
NOC CODE
The NOC code stands for national occupational classification code. Teaching jobs are fitted under the national occupational classification code and as such, you should check the NOC code to discover the code which your job fits under. You can easily locate the NOC code on the Canadian immigration website.
There is three main national occupational classification code:
- NOC code: 4032 for elementary school and kindergarten
- NOC code: 4413 for elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- NOC code: 4431 for secondary school teachers.
According to the Canadian government, a teacher fits under the following eight categories:
- Teaching aid
- Teaching assistant
- Supply teacher
- English as a second language (ELS) Teacher
- Remedial aid
- Biology teacher
- Educational resource assistant
- Librarian
It is important that you identify the category and NOC code that your job fits under.
RESEARCH AND SELECT A PROVINCE
Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories, and each province has it’s own immigration program and local education and teaching board that controls and monitor the quality of teachers.
There are various means to migrate to Canada as a teacher, but the most common means is through express entry under the skilled worker’s stream. You could also be nominated under the provincial nomination program.
Provinces with highly populated cities are most likely to need teachers in order for them to maintain their educational standards. This is the stage where you research and find out more on the educational or teaching board of each province because each province is different and has different requirements as regards teaching. Generally, each province requires that each applicant must have –A certification that meets the Canadian standards
- A university degree
- Meet the language requirements (French and/or English)
- A working experience of at least two years.
To be able to teach in Canada you have to be familiar with the teaching curriculum, which is why it is advisable to obtain certification in Canada. You also have to be fit to teach, in terms of character and a clean police record, your current age, and your ability to adapt to the Canadian system and environment. An assessment will be given to you to assess your adaptability level.
LOOK FOR A JOB
the first step to take when looking for a teaching job in Canada is to get in touch with an immigration lawyer in Canada. Some of these lawyers offer free or affordable consultation that would guide your immigration process as a teacher to Canada.
Before applying for a job, it is important that you get a reference letter as proof of your teaching experience. It is also important to get a letter of recommendation from your employer, recommending your skills and work experience.
Having a job offer from a Canadian employer boosts your chances of getting a speedy successful application as it goes a long way in convincing the Canadian immigration officers.
There are various job sites to look for jobs in Canada, some of which are the Canadian job bank, jobs in education Workopolis, etc.
APPLY THROUGH A PROGRAM
There are various means to apply for a Canadian visa, however, the Canadian government designed programs that encourage professionals and skilled workers to immigrate and work in Canada. There are two major programs for skilled immigrants and they are:
- Express entry
- Provincial nominee program.
Express entry: express entry is divided into the federal skilled worker program and federal skill trade program. The federal skilled worker program (FSWP) is mainly for professional workers like nurses, teachers, dentists, psychologists, accountants, etc. the process under FSWP is not always easy as your credentials and the educational qualification would have to be assessed. To also stand a chance in getting a job offer, it is required that you get certifications that are recognized by the Canadian government. The federal skill trade program (FSTP) is mainly for qualified occupations like plumbers, bakers, cook, welders, butchers, etc. who possess at least two years of working experience in the occupation. The FSTP is basically for individuals whose skills would add positively to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Provincial nominee program: this program, allows each province to nominate and select immigrants and foreign workers based on the current demand of the province at that point in time. A particular province may be in the current need of teachers, another province may need dentists and nurses and as such will nominate visa applicants that would satisfy the need of the province at that point in time. Before applying through the provincial nominee program (PNP) It is advisable to make research on each province and find out their requirement and labor demand.
APPLY FOR A VISA
After making a proper research and have also gotten a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can now go-ahead to apply for a visa online or through the Canadian consulate or embassy in your country. It is very much advisable to start your visa application online as the whole system has been digitalized.
You are expected to create an online account and start the application process. The documents required for application include:
- A valid passport
- Photograph according to specifications
- Application form
- Proof of payment of application fee
- Medical report
- Police clearance
- Financial statement
- Job offer letter.
Kindly ensure to follow due process, as doing anything contrary will lead to an automatic dismissal of your application.