If you’re an internationally trained teacher dreaming of teaching in Canada, there’s great news for you. While teachers now have better chances of immigrating to Canada, getting certified to actually teach in a Canadian classroom can still be a challenge. That’s because teaching is a regulated profession, and each province or territory has its own rules for approving foreign credentials.
To make things easier, a new initiative called Pathways to Teach Canada has been launched in partnership with World Education Services (WES). This program helps internationally educated teachers fast-track the process of getting certified to teach in Canada.
What is Pathways to Teach Canada?
Launched in November 2024, Pathways to Teach Canada offers a single entry point for internationally trained teachers who want to become certified in Canada. It simplifies the process by offering both credential and language assessments in one place. The program currently supports applications to the following provinces and territories:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
Note: If you’re applying to Ontario, the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) handles credential assessments directly. However, you can still use Pathways to Teach Canada to take the approved Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession (LCATP), which OCT accepts.
Applicants targeting Alberta, Quebec, or Yukon must complete their certification directly through that region’s regulatory authority.
How Pathways to Teach Canada and WES Help International Teachers
Through this partnership, applicants can start both their credential evaluation and language testing through one platform. This makes the process faster and more organized.
Here’s what you can do:
- Request a Credential Assessment
- Request a Language Competency Assessment (LCATP)
Once your documents are reviewed, you’ll receive an official Credential Assessment Report. The documents needed will depend on the country where you studied and your issuing school or institution. Some documents can be uploaded by you, while others must be sent directly by your institution.
Who Can Apply?
You can use Pathways to Teach Canada if:
- You have already completed a teacher education program
- You teach a subject like math, English, science, etc.
- You haven’t been certified before in any Canadian province or territory
If you don’t have a teacher education qualification, you won’t be eligible to apply through this program.
How the Process Works
After you open an account on the Pathways to Teach Canada portal, you can:
- Schedule your language test (LCATP)
- Submit documents for credential assessment via WES
- Receive your assessment results
- Send the results directly through the portal to the regulatory body in your chosen province or territory
- Apply for certification on the official site of that province/territory
You can apply to more than one province or territory, but keep in mind that additional fees will apply for each.
Important: Pathways to Teach Canada does not provide the certification itself. It only helps you complete the required assessments and submit your documents.
What Happens After the Assessments?
Once you submit your results, you’ll need to follow your province’s rules to get certified. Some provinces may ask for extra steps like a criminal record check, reference letters, or additional courses. For example, British Columbia requires internationally trained teachers to complete a familiarization course approved by the BC Teachers’ Council.
In some regions, Catholic school boards may have additional requirements, such as a letter from a Catholic priest or proof of confirmation and baptism.
New Immigration Advantage for Teachers Under Express Entry
In 2025, the Canadian government made education one of the most in-demand sectors under the Express Entry system. This means if you’re a teacher, you may have a better chance of getting permanent residence (PR).
To be eligible for this new Education category, you must:
- Have at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience in one eligible teaching occupation (within the last 3 years)
- Meet all the other requirements for that specific draw
You cannot combine work experience from different teaching roles (e.g., 2 months as a primary teacher + 4 months as a secondary teacher won’t qualify).
In the first draw held on May 1, 2025, 1,000 invitations were issued with a CRS score cutoff of 479, which is much lower than recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
This makes now a great time for teachers to apply for PR in Canada.
1. Do I need a job offer to use Pathways to Teach Canada?
No, you do not need a job offer. The program is designed to help you get certified, not to place you in a job.
2. What if I studied in a country where documents are hard to obtain?
Some documents can be submitted by you, while others must come directly from your institution. WES provides country-specific document guidelines.
3. Is the LCATP test difficult?
The LCATP tests your language skills for teaching. You’ll need to prepare well, but it’s designed to measure if you can effectively teach in an English-speaking classroom.
4. Can I apply to more than one province?
Yes, but each province may have its own rules and you’ll need to pay additional fees.
5. Will this process give me a teaching job in Canada?
No, this process helps you get certified to teach. Once certified, you can apply for jobs in schools.
6. Can I apply through this if I’m already certified in one province?
No. If you’ve already been certified in any province or territory in Canada, this program is not for you.
7. How long does the whole process take?
The timeline can vary depending on how quickly your documents are submitted and assessed. Generally, it may take a few months.
8. Do I still need to apply for PR separately?
Yes. This process helps with certification, but applying for permanent residence through Express Entry or another immigration program is a separate process.
Ready to Start Your Teaching Career in Canada?
If you’re a qualified teacher trained outside Canada, Pathways to Teach Canada could be your bridge to the classroom. With the new immigration benefits under Express Entry, now is the perfect time to get started. Reach out to Ask Kubeir if you want help understanding your eligibility or building your profile for Canadian immigration.
Let us help you take the next big step in your teaching journey.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details