A groundbreaking program, Pathways to Teach Canada, launched in November 2024 in partnership with World Education Services (WES), is revolutionizing how international teachers gain certification
A groundbreaking program, Pathways to Teach Canada, launched in November 2024 in partnership with World Education Services (WES), is revolutionizing how international teachers gain certification in Canadian classrooms. By offering a unified portal for education credential and language proficiency assessments, this initiative helps reduce the complexity and delays historically associated with certification.
At The Black Bear Immigration Services, we are proud to support aspiring educators throughout this journey. Our expert team can assist you in navigating the Pathways portal, gathering required documentation, and preparing for provincial certifications and Express Entry applications.
📍 What Is Pathways to Teach Canada?
- Centralized portal launch: A one-stop platform for performing both academic and language evaluations.
- Supported regions: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
- Ontario workaround: While the Ontario College of Teachers handles credential assessment, the platform enables booking the required Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession (LCATP).
- Excluded jurisdictions: Alberta, Quebec and Yukon still require teachers to apply directly through local authorities.
🛠️ How the Program Works
- Create an account on the Pathways portal.
- Choose services: apply for WES credential assessment, LCATP, or both.
- Submit documents: academic credentials and institution-issued records are uploaded or sent as required.
- Receive reports: a comprehensive credential report from WES and LCATP results.
- Forward results via the portal to chosen regulatory bodies.
- Apply for certification: teachers must complete certification applications with provincial or territorial bodies separately.
💡 Note: Multiple province applications are allowed but incur extra fees. Pathways acts as a facilitator—it does not issue teaching licenses.
At any stage of this process, The Black Bear Immigration Services can offer expert consultation to help streamline your application and avoid common pitfalls.
✅ Who Qualifies?
- Credential requirement: Must hold a recognized teaching credential.
- Specialization: Qualified in subjects like English, math, science, etc.
- No prior Canadian certification: Eligible only if first certification attempt in Canada.
🏫 Additional Certification Requirements
Beyond credentials and language assessment, candidates may need:
- Moral character proof: e.g. police background check, references.
- Extra coursework: e.g. BC’s familiarization course.
- Faith-based criteria: Catholic school candidates must provide baptismal certificates and priest references.
🎓 Express Entry Boost for Educators
In 2025, Education became a designated category under Canada’s Express Entry, easing the path to permanent residency for teachers.
Eligibility criteria:
- Minimum six months of continuous full-time teaching experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years.
- Work must be in a single occupation category.
- Compliance with draw requirements.
On May 1, 2025, the inaugural Education draw issued 1,000 invitations with a CRS cutoff of 479—notably lower than typical draws (usually 520–547 CRS).
The Black Bear Immigration Services can also support you with Express Entry profile creation, documentation, and timely submission to increase your chances of success.
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Portal | Pathways to Teach Canada + WES |
| Services | Credential & LCATP |
| Participating Regions | BC, MB, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU, PE, SK (LCATP also for ON) |
| Excluded Regions | AB, QC, YT |
| Eligibility | Internationally trained teachers with credentials, no prior Canadian license |
| Extra Requirements | Character checks, extra courses, religious criteria |
| Express Entry Advantage | Education category with lower CRS draw of 479 |
🌱 Why It Matters
- Simplifies certification: One portal, one process.
- Addresses teacher shortages: Faster integration into classrooms.
- Supports immigration goals: Easier PR pathway via Express Entry.
- Prepares educators thoroughly: Ensures readiness for Canada’s unique educational standards.
🧱 Next Steps for International Educators
- Verify eligibility: Ensure you have the required teacher credentials and Quebec isn’t your target jurisdiction.
- Sign up: Create an account on Pathways to Teach Canada.
- Select evaluations: Decide between credential evaluation, LCATP, or both.
- Book tests & submit docs: Complete LCATP and submit school-issued records.
- Apply regionally: Send assessment results and pursue certification with chosen provincial bodies.
- Explore PR options: Prepare Express Entry profile under the Education category to gain residency invitation at a lower CRS.
Don’t navigate it alone. The Black Bear Immigration Services is here to help you turn your international teaching experience into a successful Canadian career. Reach out today to begin your journey.
By leveraging this streamlined initiative and federal-level support, internationally trained teachers now have unprecedented access to Canadian classrooms and a fast-tracked path to permanent residency—with expert help from The Black Bear Immigration Services.
