Canada PR for Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100): Jobs, Salaries & Immigration Pathways

Why Teacher Assistants Are Suddenly in High Demand in Canada

Step into almost any Canadian classroom and you’ll notice something: teachers are stretched thin. Thirty kids, one teacher… you do the math. Some students need reading help, others are learning English for the first time, and a few require special education support. Honestly, no single teacher can juggle it all.

That’s where teacher assistants step in. They’re the quiet backbone of the classroom — prepping materials, guiding small groups, calming a restless kid in the corner. And right now, there simply aren’t enough of them.

Why the shortage?

A perfect storm: growing student enrollment, a national push toward inclusive classrooms, and many assistants heading into retirement. For newcomers, that shortage isn’t just a problem — it’s a clear opportunity to work and eventually get permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

What Exactly Is NOC 43100?

Every job in Canada has a code under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Teacher assistants fall under NOC 43100, which is a TEER 3 occupation.

What that means in practice:

• You usually need a diploma or college-level training (not a full university degree like licensed teachers).
• You’re not “the teacher,” but your role is essential in keeping lessons on track.
• Many provinces list this job on their in-demand occupation lists, especially for roles in special education and ESL (English as a Second Language).

So, if you’ve worked as a paraeducator, classroom aide, or even in early childhood support abroad, you may already be closer to qualifying than you think.

Day-to-Day Work: What You’ll Actually Do

The job isn’t glamorous, but it’s hands-on and deeply rewarding if you enjoy working with kids.

A few of the main tasks include:

• Helping teachers prep lessons and materials.
• Working one-on-one with students who need extra help (special needs, ESL, or simply catching up).
• Supervising during breaks, field trips, or after-school activities.
• Keeping an eye on classroom behavior and stepping in when needed.
• Acting as a bridge between teachers and parents in some cases.

Some days you’ll feel like a tutor. Other days like a coach. And occasionally? Like a referee.

How Much Do Teacher Assistants Earn in Canada?

Now let’s talk money, because it matters. Salaries aren’t sky-high in this field, but they’re steady, with unionized benefits in many school boards. On average, you’re looking at $18–$28 per hour (roughly $35,000–$55,000 a year).

Here’s a snapshot by province:

If you’re wondering where the action is: Ontario, BC, and Alberta are your hotspots. They pay on the higher end and consistently need more staff.

What the Future Holds

Here’s the reality: demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

• Thousands of assistants are expected to retire over the next decade.
• More government investment is going into child development and inclusive education.
• Immigration is fueling school enrollment, especially in bigger cities.

Translation? Teacher assistants will stay in demand — making this a stable career path for immigrants planning to settle in Canada.

Express Entry and PNP: Where Do Teacher Assistants Fit?

Here’s the tricky part. Many people ask: Can I get PR as a teacher assistant through Express Entry?

The answer: not directly. Since this is a TEER 3 occupation, it usually doesn’t qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

But you do have options:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Work in Canada for a year as a TA, and you may qualify through Express Entry.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): This is your strongest pathway. Provinces like Ontario and many in Atlantic Canada have streams specifically targeting in-demand jobs like this.
• Special programs like AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program) and RNIP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot) often include teacher assistants.

So while Express Entry is limited, PNPs keep the door open wide.

Main Immigration Pathways for Teacher Assistants

Let’s break this down simply:

1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream lists NOC 43100.
• The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) helps schools in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland hire internationally.
• The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) supports smaller communities where schools struggle to find support staff.

2. Employer-Sponsored Work → PR

• Land a job offer, apply for a work permit, and after some time, use it to transition into PR.

3. Express Entry (CEC only)

• One year of Canadian work experience as a TA can qualify you under the Canadian Experience Class.

TR to PR: A Popular Student Route

A lot of international students take this pathway:

1. Study an Educational Support or Early Childhood Education program in Canada.
2. Work as a TA on a post-graduate work permit after graduation.
3. Apply for PR through CEC or a provincial program once you hit a year of work experience.

This option is popular because it gives you a Canadian credential and real classroom experience — both things that boost your PR application.

The Paperwork (and Fees) You’ll Face

Let’s not sugarcoat it. The paperwork pile is real.

Here’s what you’ll likely need: 

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your diploma is from outside Canada.
• Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP — CLB 4+ is enough for most PNPs).
• Diplomas or training certificates in education support.
• Proof of experience (letters from past employers, contracts).
• Medical exam + police clearance.
• Biometrics fee: $85 CAD.
• PR application fee: $1,365 CAD (for the main applicant).

It adds up, yes, but think long-term: PR is permanent.

Final Advice If You’re Considering This Path

If you’re serious about moving to Canada as a teacher assistant, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Get a recognized diploma (bonus if it’s Canadian).
• Watch the provincial in-demand lists — they change often.
• Secure a job offer if possible; it gives you a leg up.
• If you’re younger and planning for the long haul, consider the study → work → PR route.

Conclusion

Teacher assistants don’t always get the spotlight, but ask any Canadian teacher and they’ll tell you — without TAs, classrooms would be chaos. Canada knows this, which is why immigration programs keep pulling in talent for these roles.

If you’ve been looking for a realistic, achievable path to Canada PR, this one deserves a serious look. It’s not the flashiest job out there, but it’s stable, rewarding, and very much in demand.

Next Steps

Start by checking if your diploma can be verified with an ECA.
Look at Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
And if you’re still unsure? Talk to a licensed immigration consultant before you make the leap.

Helpful Links:

• NOC 43100 – Teacher Assistants Profile
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
• IRCC – Immigration and Citizenship Canada