Immigration Corner | Immigration and study options for teachers

Dear Miss Powell,

My IELTS results are as follows: Listening 7.5, Reading 5.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 8.0, with an overall band score of 7.0. I am a math teacher and would love an opportunity to live in Canada with my two-year-old son. I would also like to go back to school to get training on how to help autistic children. Can you tell me what my options are?

KH

Dear KH,

With your teaching background and desire to specialise in autism support, you have two main pathways to living permanently in Canada. Option one is to enter first as a student or apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry System.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR IELTS SCORE

To apply under the Express Entry System, you do need to be able to prove your language skills. Your overall band of 7.0 is acceptable. You performed reasonably in listening (7.5) and strongly in speaking (8.0). Your writing score of 6.5 is acceptable. However, your Reading score of 5.5 is below the standard usually required for Express entry.

For immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires the IELTS (General Training) examination results with the minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in each of the four areas: Reading, writing, listening and speaking. In IELTS terms, this usually means at least 6.0 in each skill. Since your reading score of 5.5 is below the pass mark, you have not yet qualified under Express Entry. You may need to retake the test to improve reading. In fact, you should try to get the highest possible scores for reading and listening (8.5) to be competitive.

For study permits, most colleges and universities don’t usually require the IELTS scores if you are coming from an English-speaking country. If not, they require an overall band of 6.0 or 6.5, with no score lower than 6.0. (IELTS – Academic). Your current score of 7.0 overall would normally be acceptable for admission to a Canadian institution, though you should always check the specific requirements of the school you are applying to.

STUDYING IN CANADA

Canada offers diploma and postgraduate certificates in areas such as autism behavioural science, inclusive education, and early childhood education.

To follow this pathway, you would apply to a designated Canadian institution, then apply for a study permit. Your son should be able to accompany you and attend school in Canada, if you are approved. The critical thing is that you must be able to show that you have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses for both of you.

After your studies, you should qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This will allow you to gain Canadian work experience, which can later be used to apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs).

IMMIGRATION THROUGH EXPRESS ENTRY

If you wish to apply directly for permanent residence, Express Entry is the main system. Once you improve your IELTS Reading score to at least 6.0, you can qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme. Your application would be assessed on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. I must emphasise that age is a critical factor, as younger applicants generally receive higher points, making it easier to qualify for permanent residence.

With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and teaching experience, you could be a strong candidate once the language requirement is met. Additionally, some provinces, such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, regularly invite teachers and early childhood educators through their Provincial Nominee Programmes. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System score and almost guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH

The study option allows you to upgrade your skills and enter Canada quickly with your son, while also laying a strong foundation for future permanent residence. The Express Entry option is possible if you improve your Reading score to meet the CLB 7 minimum across all categories. Both are excellent pathways, and your decision will depend on your immediate goals and financial readiness.

Canada values teachers, and there is a growing demand for professionals trained to support children with autism. With preparation and persistence, you may be able to create a stable future for yourself and your child in Canada.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and author in Canada. You may contact her via telephone or WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via www.deidrepowell.com