Maple News reports that international students pursuing education-related programs in Canada now have a promising route to permanent residency, thanks to recent updates in immigration policy.
The federal government has added the education field to the list of eligible programs for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and included it under the new category-based selection mechanism for Express Entry. This change provides a clearer temporary-to-permanent residency pathway for students intending to work in Canada’s education sector.
International students can now enroll in education programs—even below the bachelor’s level—at designated learning institutions, apply for a PGWP upon graduation, gain relevant Canadian work experience, and then qualify for targeted immigration draws under Express Entry’s education occupation stream.
To illustrate, consider Taima, a 27-year-old who completed a two-year Early Childhood Education diploma at Sheridan College. Although she only had one year of foreign work experience and no French language ability, her Canadian education and English proficiency significantly bolstered her CRS score.
After graduating, Taima was eligible for a two-year PGWP. To work in Ontario legally, she applied for a Certificate of Registration from the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, a regulatory requirement for professionals in her field. After one year of regulated full-time work experience at a daycare, she greatly increased her chances of receiving an invitation to apply through Express Entry.
This education-to-PR stream is a game-changer for students passionate about teaching and working with children, as it ensures their studies and subsequent professional contributions in Canada are recognized and rewarded through immigration opportunities.
According to Maple News, the inclusion of education occupations reflects Canada’s growing push to address workforce shortages in key public service roles such as teaching and early childhood development.
Immigration consultants recommend that incoming international students carefully select eligible education programs that align with the Canadian Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) and stay informed about provincial regulatory requirements in order to maximize their immigration potential.