How to Find a Teaching Job with Visa Sponsorship in the UK?
Many people aspire to become teachers to educate and inspire young generations. With a world-renowned education system and a high demand for qualified teachers, the UK offers many opportunities for those looking to build a career in teaching. However, can you become a teacher in the UK if you need a visa? Absolutely!
If you're a non-UK citizen looking to find a teaching job in the UK, especially in England, there are several steps you can take to start your teaching career. In this article, we'll explore some of the key points you can consider to find and secure a teaching job in England.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Before you start looking for teaching jobs in the UK, it's essential to determine your eligibility to teach in the country. You do not have to have a teaching degree to teach in the UK. However, you would often need a bachelor's degree in the subject you are teaching and a qualified teacher status (QTS). In some cases, you will be allowed to teach a different subject, but you will not be allowed to teach without the QTS.
As a non-UK citizen, you will also need to have a visa or immigration status that allows you to work in the UK. Luckily, the UK government has an attractive visa support and relocation scheme for those who have received a teaching job offer from one of the education providers. For example, if you're interested in teaching languages or physics in England, you may be eligible for an International Relocation Payment worth £10,000. This payment is designed to encourage talented teachers from around the world to come and teach in the UK.
2. Research the UK Education System
To increase your chances of finding a teaching job in the UK, it's important to have a good understanding of the UK education system. This will help you identify the types of schools and teaching positions that are available, as well as the qualifications and experience required for each role. Based on your research and your experience, you can then decide what to teach.
Unlike other jobs, teaching jobs in England require a high standard of written and spoken English. It is important to assess your language skills to ensure that you will be able to deal with the teaching requirements.
3. Obtain a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
If you have a degree in teaching from the UK, you can apply for the QTS directly. Some teaching courses also automatically come with the QTS.
If you are already in the UK but do not have a degree in teaching, you may need to complete a teacher training program before you can obtain the QTS. There are several teacher training programs available in the UK, including PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and School Direct. These programs will provide you with the qualifications and experience you need to teach in the UK.
If you are not in England but have a degree in teaching from another country or region, you may be able to directly apply for international qualified teacher status (iQTS), given that you meet the requirements. However, if you are not in England and do not have a degree in teaching from another country or region, you will need to be trained to obtain iQTS.
iQTS is an international teaching qualification designed for UK and non-UK citizens living outside the UK. iQTS means you can gain qualified teacher status (QTS) while working overseas. Applicants for iQTS train where they live and work without needing to visit the UK.
4. Apply for Teaching Jobs
Once you have determined your eligibility, completed any necessary teacher training programs, and obtained QTS (if required), it's time to start applying for teaching jobs in the UK. UK Visa Jobs can be a good starting point if you are looking for teaching jobs with visa sponsorship. Be sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to each position you apply for, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
Networking with other teachers and educators can be a helpful way to learn about teaching opportunities and make connections in the education community. You can join online groups and forums, attend conferences and events, and participate in professional development programs to meet other teachers and educators in your field.
5. Receive a job offer and apply for a visa
If you are successful in your application, you will receive a formal job offer and contact. After signing the contract and completing all required checks, your employer will issue COS and start your Skilled Worker visa application process.
Once your visa is approved, you can move to the UK if you are based outside and start your teaching career.
In conclusion, finding a teaching job in the UK as a non-UK citizen can be a challenging process, but with the right strategies and resources, it is possible to achieve your career goals. By researching the UK education system, exploring teacher training programs, obtaining the qualified teacher status, networking with other teachers and educators, and applying for teaching jobs, you can increase your chances of finding a rewarding teaching position in the UK.
