International Graduates

Certification for Internationally Trained Teachers

To become a certified teacher in British Columbia, your application must be reviewed by three organizations. You will need to register with each:

Make a Future hosts a website that provides the information internationally trained teachers need to launch their career in British Columbia.

Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB)

The TRB oversees teacher certification in B.C. All applicants, including internationally educated teachers, must apply through the TRB.

The TRB will:

outline required documents
assess your application
determine your certification status

Pathways to Teach Canada

Pathways to Teach Canada is the single-entry point for internationally educated teachers who want to teach in Canada.

Pathways allows you to:

complete credential and language competency assessments
submit transcripts and professional documents
track assessment status and receive updates

If the TRB requests a Credential Assessment, complete it through Pathways first. After reviewing it, the TRB will confirm whether you also need the Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession (LCATP).

Applicants for an Independent School Teaching Certificate may be required to submit a Pathways Credential Report.

Teacher Qualification Service (TQS)

Once you receive your teaching certificate, teachers seeking work in B.C.’s public schools must apply to the Teacher Qualification Service.

TQS:

evaluates your education and experience
determines your salary category

Documents must be submitted separately to both the TQS and the TRB. TQS is not required for teaching in Independent or First Nations schools.

Immigrating to Canada

Understanding Canada’s immigration process is an important step for internationally educated teachers preparing to work in B.C.

Steps to Teach in B.C.

To legally work in Canada, foreign-national internationally educated teachers must hold either:

a valid work permit, or
permanent resident status

Permanent Residency

Permanent residents have most of the same rights as Canadian citizens (except voting and running for office). Permanent residency does not expire as long as residency requirements are met. Permanent residents may obtain work permits to work legally in Canada.

Types of Work Permits

Canada offers many types of work permits, depending on your citizenship, education, and experience. They fall into two main categories:

Open Work Permits – allow you to work for most employers
Employer-Specific Work Permits – tied to one employer listed on the permit

Learn more about the steps to teach in British Columbia on the International Teachers website.

Application Steps for Teachers