Teaching is a regulated job almost everywhere, so a teacher's move has two parts: a visa, and recognition of your teaching qualification so a school can employ you. The ranking covers the first; the recognition section covers the second.
Visa Routes for Teachers, Ranked by Path to PR
| # | Programme | Permanent residence | Job offer | Salary floor | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Express Entry: Federal Skilled WorkerCanada | Permanent on grant | Not required | None set | 6–12 months |
| 2 | Skilled Migrant CategoryNew Zealand | Permanent on grant | Not required | None set | 1–18 months |
| 3 | Skilled Independent (subclass 189)Australia | Permanent on grant | Not required | None set | 6–18 months |
| 4 | Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)Australia | Permanent on grant | Not required | None set | 9–18 months |
| 5 | Employment PassSingapore | About 2 years | Required | SGD 5,600/mo (≈ $52,564/yr) | 0–1 months |
| 6 | Accredited Employer Work VisaNew Zealand | About 3 years | Required | None set | 2–4 months |
| 7 | Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)Australia | About 3 years | Required | None set | 2–5 months |
| 8 | Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)Australia | About 3 years | Not required | None set | 6–18 months |
| 9 | Skilled Worker VisaUnited Kingdom | About 5 years | Required | GBP 41,700/yr (≈ $56,462/yr) | 1–3 months |
| 10 | General Employment PermitIreland | About 5 years | Required | EUR 36,605/yr (≈ $41,949/yr) | 2–5 months |
| 11 | Standard Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored)United Arab Emirates | No direct path | Required | None set | 1–2 months |
Which country is best for teachers?
Getting Your Qualification Recognised
In Australia, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership provides the skills assessment for teachers who want to migrate. You need a positive assessment before a skilled visa application, and state registration before you teach.
In the UK, the government publishes the routes to qualified teacher status for overseas-trained teachers. Its list of eligible occupations classes primary (2314) and secondary (2313) teaching professionals as Higher Skilled, which makes them eligible for the Skilled Worker visa at a salary of at least GBP 41,700/yr (≈ $56,462/yr).
Where Teachers Are Needed
Transita holds verified labour-market snapshots for a small set of countries. This is what they say about education.
| Country | Demand | Trend | Median pay | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | low | flat | USD 65,000 | BLS · OEWS + JOLTS (2026-Q1) |
| Australia | moderate | flat | AUD 80,000 | ABS · Jobs and Skills Australia (2026-Q1) |
International Schools
Outside the points systems, international schools hire teachers on standard employer permits, for example the Standard Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored) in the UAE or the Employment Pass in Singapore. These are quick to process but are tied to the school and, in the UAE, do not lead to permanent residence. They suit a few years abroad more than a permanent move. If you are moving with children of your own, our families guide compares the destinations on healthcare and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best for teachers to emigrate to?
For permanent residence on arrival, Australia, New Zealand and Canada lead through their points routes, such as Australia's Skilled Independent (subclass 189). The UK is the main employer-sponsored option, with primary and secondary teachers listed as Higher Skilled for the Skilled Worker visa.
Can foreign teachers work in UK schools?
Yes. Primary (code 2314) and secondary (code 2313) teaching professionals are listed as Higher Skilled for the Skilled Worker visa, which needs a sponsoring school and a salary of at least GBP 41,700/yr (≈ $56,462/yr), or the going rate if higher. The UK government also publishes routes to qualified teacher status (QTS) for overseas-trained teachers.
How do teachers migrate to Australia?
Through a skills assessment by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), then a skilled visa. Teacher registration in the state where you will work is a separate step.
Is there a shortage of teachers abroad?
Transita's labour-market snapshot for Australia notes: "Regional teaching shortages persist." We only publish demand where we hold a verified snapshot.
Can I teach abroad without a teaching qualification?
For permanent migration as a school teacher, a recognised teaching qualification is generally expected. International schools in places like the UAE and Singapore hire on employer work permits and set their own requirements.
Related guides
Find the teaching routes you qualify for
Transita checks your teaching qualification, experience and language results against every route here and sets up the recognition steps for your top country. Answer 8 questions and your routes, documents and dates are set up for you. Free.
Build my workspaceofficial sources: FSWP · canada.ca·FSWP success-rate data · canada.ca·SMC · immigration.govt.nz·SC 189 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 189 success-rate data · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·SC 190 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·EP · mom.gov.sg·AEWV · immigration.govt.nz·TSS 482 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·491 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·Skilled Worker · gov.uk·Skilled Worker success-rate data · gov.uk·GEP · enterprise.gov.ie·Work Residence Visa · u.ae