The path to becoming a certified international teacher in Canada has often felt like a maze for internationally educated professionals. Each province has its own rules. Credential recognition can be tricky. And even if you’re qualified in your home country, that doesn’t guarantee a classroom spot in Canada. But this is starting to change.

A new initiative called PR Pathways to Teach in Canada is transforming how foreign-trained teachers can launch their careers here. Combined with the federal government’s decision to add education to the Express Entry category-based selection, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for teachers wanting to move to Canada. Let’s break down how you can now immigrate and teach in Canada more easily.

One Portal. Many Provinces – Pathways to Teach Canada

The platform is a joint project developed in partnership with World Education Services (WES). The goal? Make it easier for teachers trained abroad to get certified in several Canadian provinces.

Participating Provinces and Territories Include

Note: Ontario has its own assessment system (via Ontario College of Teachers), but Pathways can still support with language testing.

What Does the Program Offer?

• One centralized platform to apply for both credentials and language assessments
• Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession (LCATP) – accepted by many teacher certification boards
• Direct link to WES Credential Evaluation, helping speed up recognition of your educational qualifications
• The ability to apply to multiple provinces at once (with additional fees)
• Guidance on what documents are needed based on your home country

This program is especially helpful if you’ve already completed your teacher education but haven’t yet been certified in Canada.

Step-by-Step Process for International Teachers

1. Create an account on the Pathways to Teach Canada portal
2. Choose your services: Credential Assessment, LCATP, or both
3. Complete LCATP test or submit credentials via WES
4. Once results are in, submit them to your chosen province’s regulatory body
5. Apply for official certification through the province’s own website

Some provinces may ask for additional coursework, references, or police records. For instance, British Columbia requires a familiarization course. Catholic school boards might also have separate eligibility rules, including religious references.

Federal Express Entry Boost for Educators

In another big move, Canada has added the Education sector as a category under Express Entry. This gives teachers a faster route to Canadian permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria Include

• At least 6 months of continuous full-time experience in an eligible teaching role in the last 3 years
• Meeting all other Express Entry draw instructions

The first Education-specific Express Entry draw in May 2025 saw 1,000 candidates invited with a CRS cut-off of just 479. That’s much lower than other recent Express Entry draws in 2025, which hovered above 520. Canada’s classrooms need teachers. Schools across provinces are facing shortages, especially in remote and francophone regions. With immigration goals rising and education added as a priority, internationally trained teachers now have multiple pathways to success.

Whether you’re looking to move as a skilled worker through Express Entry or want to teach in a specific province, the support available in 2025 is stronger than ever.

A Promising Future for Teachers in Canada

If you’ve been dreaming of building a teaching career in Canada, now is your moment. With Pathways to Teach Canada, support from WES, and new federal Express Entry options for educators, the road is more streamlined than ever. Let your qualifications speak for you — and let Canada’s classrooms be your next destination. The time is right to explore your options through Canada’s teaching immigration pathway.

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