Immigrating to Canada as a teacher can seem like an impossible challenge, especially when you’re not well familiar acquainted with the Canadian education system or culture.
In this guide, we will look into the different steps and processes of immigrating successfully to Canada as a teacher.
This guide will also cover information on how you can build your career through teaching to make the most of your time in Canada.
Lastly, we will talk about how to transition into other fields once you have mastered your trade and built-up experience here.
Step 1- Decide Whether to Immigrate or Not
There are several things to consider before you can finally decide to immigrate to Canada as a teacher.
Here are few questions you can ask yourself-
Are you prepared to leave your home country and everything you know behind? Do you have the required qualifications? Are you willing to learn about a new culture and adapt to it?
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then immigrating to Canada as a teacher may be the right choice for you.
Step 2- Begin Building Your Attractive Resume
If you’re planning on immigrating to Canada as a teacher, the first step is start building your resume to make it attractive.
Before you can be eligible for any teaching position in Canada, you’ll need to have at least two years of teaching experience.
To build an attractive resume, begin by listing all of your relevant work experience, do ensure you add any volunteer work or teaching assistant positions you may have previously held.
Ensure to include the Start dates of your employment and the end dates, with a brief description of your task/duties.
If you have any publications or presentations, don’t forget to list them in your resume as well.
Don’t forget to always update your resume as you add new jobs or responsibilities.
It is important that your resume pinpoints any specialized skills that will make you an attractive candidate for Canadian schools, for example, if you are certified to teach ESL students, add it to your resume.
If you specialize in any special education or French-immersion teaching, add it to your resume. Also include the names of programs you’ve attended or workshops/conferences where you presented on these topics.
Don’t forget to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying to such that the skills and qualifications most applicable to potential employers.
Step 3- Start Learning About Canadian Culture
This is an important step, because it gets you prepared for what you are going to face when you eventually land in Canada.
Learning about Canada culture will also make you conscious of your environment and allow you show respect for their cultural differences.
Below are few tips for studying Caanada’s culture,
- Read about the history of Canada and its people.
- Study some of the official languages spoken in Canada (English and French).
- Find out more about what daily life is like in Canada.
- Learn how people dress, how they eat, how they spend their free time, etc.
- Watch documentaries or movies that reflect day-to-day life in Canada.
Step 4- Get In Touch with Canadian Organizations
Once you have your list of qualifications, you can start contacting Canadian organizations.
The best way to do this is by email or telephone.
Ensure you add your resume and cover letter and don’t forget to indicate that you are interested in working in Canada as a teacher.
Many organizations will be happy to hear from you and may even have teaching positions available.
Remember that the application process for each organization varies, it is likely that you will need to send in your CV and write a letter explaining why you would be an excellent addition to their organization if employed.
Most organizations have official websites where you can get more information on how they work.
Step 5- Get an Immigration Lawyer
Once all of your documents are in order, the next step is to hire an immigration lawyer.
The job of an immigration lawyer is to help you with the paperwork and ensure that everything is in order.
They can also help you out when you have any issues with your application.
It is important to hire an immigration lawyer so that they can help you navigate the complex process of immigrating to Canada.
Step 6- Begin Your Application Proper
Once you have all the necessary documentation intact, you can begin the application process.
The first step is to fill out an online application form.
After that, you’ll need to submit fingerprints and have an interview.
All things being equal, you should receive your permanent residency within a few months of successful application.
However, remember there are several things that could cause a delay or even halt in your application.
For instance, if you’re not honest on your application form, your application may be halted.
It’s also important to keep in mind that this is not just a one-time event.
You will have to renew your application every five years.
Step 7- Celebrate Yourself for a Successful Application
Once you have made it through all the steps of immigrating to Canada as a teacher, take few times to Congratulate yourself, you did it! This is a huge accomplishment, and you should be very proud of yourself.
It is important that you take some time to celebrate your success and enjoy your new life in Canada.
Once you get to Canada, you’ll also discover several ways teacher stay engaged with education after their arrival.
Conclusion
Although the process of immigrating to Canada as a teacher may seem hard, you will however find it easier when you follow the proper steps.
Remember there are various of online resources like blogs, social media groups, websites, forums and more which can help answer any questions you may have about living in Canada or becoming a Canadian citizen.
Wishing you the very best as you move to Canada. We do hope that this guide has been helpful! Good luck on your journey and we look forward to hearing from you when you arrive.
If you found this blog post useful, please share it with other interested teachers who might want to make the same decision (friends, family members, etc.),
We will be happy to hear how people are doing after they make such an important decision!
