Education Students Now Have a Clear Pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada
Recent changes to Canada’s immigration system have created a direct and accessible pathway from temporary to permanent residence for students in the field of education.
The Canadian government has officially added education as an eligible field of study for both Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and Express Entry’s category-based selection draws. This means that international students studying education programs—even below the bachelor’s level—can study, work, and eventually transition to permanent residence in Canada.
How the New Pathway Works
Study in an Eligible Education Program
Enroll in a designated learning institution (DLI) that offers PGWP-eligible programs in the field of education.
Programs can include diplomas and certificates, not just bachelor’s or higher degrees.
Obtain a PGWP
After graduation, apply for a PGWP (up to 3 years depending on program length).
This open work permit allows graduates to work for almost any employer in Canada and gain the required Canadian work experience.
Gain Work Experience in Canada
Work in a qualifying education-related occupation.
Many roles, such as Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202), are regulated and require provincial certification.
Qualify for Express Entry
With at least one year of Canadian work experience, graduates become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
They also benefit from education category-based draws, which have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.
Example: Taima’s Journey
Background: Taima, 27, studied a two-year Early Childhood Education diploma at Sheridan College.
PGWP: After graduation, she applied for and received a two-year PGWP.
Certification: She registered with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, making her legally eligible to work.
Work Experience: Taima gained one year of full-time work experience in Canada as an early childhood educator.
CRS Score:
Age: 110 points
Education: 98 points
Language (CLB 10 in English): 136 points
Canadian work experience: 40 points
Skills transferability: 100 points
Canadian education: 15 points
Total CRS: 499
Since the most recent education category-based draw had a cut-off of 479, Taima is highly competitive and well-positioned to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
She can also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while her PR application is being processed, ensuring she maintains legal worker status.
Stage 1: Choosing the Right Study Program
Students must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The program must be PGWP-eligible.
For PGWP eligibility under the new rules, the program must align with the government’s list of approved fields of study.
Simply having a similar title is not enough; the program must match the official description.
Tip: Students should research Express Entry’s in-demand occupations, since these categories are updated annually.
Stage 2: Obtaining a PGWP
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit valid for up to three years.
Education was added as a PGWP-eligible field on June 25, 2025.
PGWP eligibility now depends on field of study and language proficiency, especially for programs below bachelor’s level.
Language & Field of Study Requirements
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degree | CLB/NCLC 7 | None |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral | CLB/NCLC 7 | None |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 | Must be in an eligible field of study |
| College or non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 | Must be in an eligible field of study |
General PGWP Requirements
Program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
Full-time student status throughout (except final semester).
Apply within 180 days of graduation.
Valid study permit during this period.
Stage 3: Pursuing Permanent Residence (PR)
Graduates of education programs enjoy unique advantages:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): One year of Canadian work experience qualifies them for Express Entry.
Category-Based Draws: Education professionals often benefit from lower CRS cut-offs.
Example: Education draw cut-off 479 vs. general CEC cut-off 534.
Competitive Advantage: With high demand for teachers and educators in Canada, graduates are positioned for success.
Key Takeaways
Education students now have a defined immigration pathway in Canada.
Starting with the right study program is critical.
A PGWP provides the work experience needed for PR.
Category-based Express Entry draws give education professionals a better chance of being invited with lower CRS scores.
This change opens the door for many aspiring teachers and education professionals worldwide to study, work, and build a future in Canada.