Education students have a path to permanent residence in Canada

Canada has introduced important updates to its immigration system, creating new opportunities for international students in the field of education. Post-secondary students pursuing education programs now benefit from a clear temporary-to-permanent residence pathway.

What Changed?

The field of education has been officially added to the list of programs eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and to the category-based selection draws under Express Entry.

This means that international students can:

1. Enroll in an education-related program (even at a level below a bachelor’s degree).

2. Apply for a PGWP after graduation.

3. Gain Canadian work experience in an eligible education-related occupation.

4. Qualify for Express Entry through education-specific category draws, increasing their chances of securing permanent residence.

Example: Taima’s Journey

Take Taima, a 27-year-old student who completed a two-year Early Childhood Education diploma at Sheridan College. Here’s how her pathway looks:

• Education Program: Taima’s program falls under “Early childhood education and teaching (13.1210)” in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), making her eligible for a PGWP.

• PGWP Approval: After graduation, she applies and receives a two-year PGWP.

• Provincial Certification: To work legally, Taima registers with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators and becomes a licensed Early Childhood Educator. This certification strengthens her Express Entry profile.

• Canadian Work Experience: Taima then works full-time for a year as an Early Childhood Educator, a regulated profession classified under NOC 42202.

• Express Entry Eligibility: With one year of Canadian work experience, she qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and meets the criteria for education category-based draws.

Through this pathway, Taima builds a strong profile for Express Entry, positioning herself to achieve permanent residency in Canada.
 

The most recent education category-based Express Entry draw had a cut-off score of 479. With her background, Taima is in a strong position to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

If she submits her PR application and receives an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), she can also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This ensures that she maintains her legal worker status in Canada while her PR application is being processed.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how international students in education can move from study to permanent residence.

Stage 1: Choosing the Right Study Program

The first step for any student planning to stay in Canada long-term is selecting a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)—the only institutions authorized to admit international students.

Key points to keep in mind:

• The study program must be PGWP-eligible.

• Titles alone are not enough—students must ensure the program is officially listed as an approved field of study.

• Programs in education now qualify for PGWPs, even at levels below a bachelor’s degree.

• Students should also review Canada’s in-demand occupations to align their education with fields that increase immigration opportunities.

Once the program and DLI are chosen, students must apply for and obtain a study permit from IRCC.

Stage 2: Applying for a PGWP

After graduation, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit allows them to work for almost any Canadian employer, giving them a chance to gain the Canadian work experience required for Express Entry.

Key updates include:

• Since June 25, 2025, education programs have been added to the PGWP-eligible list.

• The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program (up to 3 years).

• Graduates from bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are exempt from field-of-study requirements, while others must graduate from an eligible program.

• Minimum language proficiency is required (CLB/NCLC 5–7 depending on study level).

General PGWP requirements include:

• Completion of at least an 8-month program (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible DLI.

• Maintaining full-time student status throughout the program (except final semester).

• Applying for the PGWP within 180 days of program completion.

• Holding a valid study permit at some point during that 180-day period.

Stage 3: Transitioning to Permanent Residence

Graduates with Canadian education and work experience are well-placed for PR under Express Entry.

Here’s why:

• After one year of full-time work in an eligible education occupation, graduates can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

• Canadian work and education both significantly boost CRS scores.

• Education professionals benefit from category-based draws, which often have lower CRS cut-offs than general CEC draws.

For example:

• The latest education category draw had a CRS cut-off of 479.

• In comparison, the most recent CEC draw required 534 points.

• This means education graduates may qualify for PR with a much lower score than candidates in other fields.

As of the most recent data, 25,123 Express Entry profiles sit between 501–600 CRS points—showing just how competitive the pool can be. For education graduates, category-based draws provide a real advantage in securing PR.