So, you’re a secondary school teacher thinking about moving to Canada. Bold move—and honestly, it’s a really good time. Canada isn’t just maple syrup and scenic mountains—they’re actively looking for skilled teachers.
The 2025 immigration updates have actually made the route to permanent residency (PR) smoother if you plan ahead. Whether you picture yourself teaching in Toronto’s hustle or in a small Alberta town, there’s a path for you. Let’s break it down.
Why Canada Wants Teachers Like You
Here’s the thing: Canada isn’t just looking for anyone with a degree. Secondary school teachers, especially those in STEM, French, or open to rural placements, are in high demand.
Why? Many teachers are retiring, student numbers are growing, and bilingual education is getting a big push. Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia aren’t waiting—they’re actively recruiting for session 2025-2026.
Imagine walking into a school that’s understaffed, and they’re thrilled you’re there. Not only do you get a great job, but your PR application could move faster too. Pretty sweet, right?
NOC 41220: What You Actually Need to Know
Canada classifies jobs using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Secondary school teachers fall under NOC 41220, TEER 1—so yes, it’s a skilled role, requiring a degree.
You’ll teach grades 9–12, covering academic, vocational, or technical subjects. And a provincial teaching certificate is mandatory. (Don’t worry, getting certified isn’t as painful as it sounds, but it does take some planning.)
A Glimpse Into Your Day-to-Day
What does a Canadian teaching day look like?
Honestly, it’s challenging, but the satisfaction of seeing students “get it” is unmatched.
Salaries & Where You Might Earn the Most
Here’s the real talk: teaching is rewarding, but knowing you’ll get paid fairly matters too. Salaries vary:
- National average: ~$45/hour
- Ontario: Around $100,000/year
- Alberta: ~$51/hour (~$86,500/year)
- Nova Scotia: $44,000–$80,000/year, plus rural perks
Pro tip: Rural schools sometimes throw in bonuses or extra incentives. If you’re flexible, you can earn a bit more and enjoy a quieter lifestyle.
Why the Demand is Growing
Here’s why Canada is rolling out the welcome mat for teachers:
- Retirements: A lot of educators are leaving the workforce.
- Specialized skills: STEM subjects and French teachers are particularly needed.
- Rural gaps: Smaller towns often struggle to attract teachers.
So if you have the skills, there’s probably a position waiting somewhere—and sometimes the perks are better than in big cities.
Recent Express Entry & PNP Draws – How Secondary Teachers Are Invited
Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) are officially listed under Canada’s Education category-based Express Entry draws. This makes them one of the priority occupations targeted for immigration in 2025, alongside other education roles.
Express Entry Education Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Targeted Occupations | Invitations (ITAs) | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 17, 2025 | Education category | Includes Secondary School Teachers (41220) | 2,500 | 462 |
| May 1, 2025 | Education category | Includes Secondary School Teachers (41220) | 1,000 | 479 |
CRS cut-offs dropped from 479 in May to 462 in September, making opportunities better for teachers entering later in the year.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- No teacher-specific PNP draws in 2025.
- Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan issued general or employer-driven nominations, but not dedicated teacher-only invitations.
- Employer-driven nominations remain the best provincial option for NOC 41220 candidates.
Summary
- NOC 41220 (Secondary school teachers) is targeted in Express Entry’s Education draws.
- Two 2025 draws (May 1 & Sept 17) included this occupation → 3,500 ITAs issued.
- CRS scores: 479 (May) → 462 (Sept).
- PNPs: No teacher-specific draws, but employer-driven pathways are open.
- Work requirement: PR selection is separate from licensing, but teacher certification will be needed for employment in Canada.
In 2025, 3,500 invitations were issued under Education draws that included Secondary school teachers, making it a standout year for this profession.
Immigration Pathways You Can Take
Canada has several avenues for teachers to get PR:
1. Express Entry – Education Category
Launched in 2025, this category gives priority to educators. The September 2025 draw issued 2,500 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 462.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick have teacher-specific streams. Provinces nominate candidates who meet local labor needs.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Open to teachers willing to move to Atlantic provinces. You’ll need a job offer from a designated employer, but it’s usually smooth sailing after that.
4. Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Some small towns actively recruit teachers. Land a job there, and PR becomes easier.
Temporary Resident → PR
Many teachers start with a temporary permit. Here’s a common route:
- Earn a B.Ed. or equivalent
- Get provincial certification
- Work temporarily in Canada
- Apply for PR via CEC or PNP
Pro tip: Don’t wait until you’re in Canada without certification—it slows things down (and trust me, it’s a headache you want to avoid).
Documents You’ll Need
The checklist:
- Degree & transcripts (ECA if foreign-trained)
- Provincial teaching license
- Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Police clearance & medical exams
- Biometrics
Fees differ depending on the program and province—so plan ahead.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Get certified early – huge time-saver.
- Focus on high-demand provinces – Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia.
- Bilingual skills help – English + French opens doors.
- Secure a job offer – strengthens PR applications.
- Monitor Latest Express Entry draws – timing matters more than you’d think.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Canada as a secondary school teacher isn’t just a career choice—it’s a chance to truly impact students’ lives. With careful planning and a bit of flexibility, PR is entirely achievable.
Start preparing early. Even small steps—checking provincial requirements or brushing up on French—can make a huge difference.
Ready to start your Canada PR journey? Contact us today, and we’ll help you map out each step so nothing gets missed.
