New Brunswick Extends Study-to-Immigrate Pathway for Private College Graduates

Maple News reports that New Brunswick has extended the Private Career College Graduate Pilot—a study-to-immigrate pathway—for international graduates of select healthcare and child-education programs at Oulton College and Eastern College. The extension runs through December 31, 2027, and was announced on July 3, 2026, via the province’s Important Notices page. The move preserves a pathway for graduates who would not have finished their studies by the original end date.\n\nUnder the pilot, graduates who have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer related to their program can be nominated by the province for permanent residence, and can obtain work authorization while their permanent-residence application is processed. The program serves as a lifeline for international students seeking to work and live in Canada after graduation, particularly those who would otherwise risk losing status.\n\nNotably, Oulton College and Eastern College graduates are not eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Instead, they may access work authorization through the provincial pilot as they pursue permanent residence.\n\nEligibility requires graduation from a qualifying program at Oulton or Eastern and a full-time, non-seasonal job offer tied to the completed program. The pilot covers select healthcare and child-education programs at the two private colleges.\n\nMaple News views this extension as part of New Brunswick’s strategic effort to retain international graduates and address local workforce needs in healthcare and education, while strengthening the province’s broader immigration strategy and talent pipeline.