Education Students Now Have a Pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada

Recent changes to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s immigration system have opened a clear temporary-to-permanent residence pathway for international students studying in the field of education. This is a game-changer for students who dream of building their future in Canada.

How the New Policy Works

Previously, only certain fields of study were eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Now, education has officially been added to the PGWP-eligible list. It has also been included in the category-based selection for Express Entry, making it easier for graduates in education-related programs to qualify for permanent residence (PR).

How it works in practice:

1. Study an eligible education program (even at a level below a bachelor’s degree) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

2. Obtain a PGWP after graduation and gain Canadian work experience.

3. Work in a regulated education profession such as an early childhood educator or teaching assistant.

4. Qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and be targeted in education category-based Express Entry draws.

Real-Life Example: Taima’s Journey

Taima, a 27-year-old international student, studied Early Childhood Education at Sheridan College for two years. After graduating, she:

• Received a two-year PGWP

• Obtained her Certificate of Registration from the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators

• Worked full-time as an Early Childhood Educator (NOC 42202) for one year

Because of her Canadian education and work experience, her Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score reached 499 points — well above the recent education draw cut-off of 479. She is now on track to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

This example shows how even students without prior Canadian experience can quickly build a strong Express Entry profile.

Step-by-Step Pathway to PR

Step 1: Choose a PGWP-Eligible Education Program

• Select a program from a DLI that is eligible for PGWP

• Ensure the field is listed under IRCC’s approved fields of study for PGWP

• Aim for occupations that are in high demand under Express Entry category-based selection

Tip: Students starting on or after November 1, 2024 at lower-than-bachelor levels must study in an eligible field (like education) to qualify for a PGWP.

Step 2: Obtain a PGWP and Gain Canadian Work Experience

• Apply for a PGWP within 180 days of graduating

• PGWPs are open work permits valid for up to three years, depending on your program length

• Work experience gained through PGWP boosts your CRS score and makes you eligible for CEC

Language requirements:

• CLB 5 if your program is below a bachelor’s level

• CLB 7 if your program is bachelor’s level or above

Step 3: Apply for PR Through Express Entry

• After one year of full-time Canadian work, apply through CEC

• If your job falls under an education NOC code, you can also be selected in education category-based draws

• These draws have lower CRS cut-offs than general CEC draws (e.g., 462 vs. 534)

This dual advantage—Canadian education + education category eligibility—gives international graduates a significant boost.

Recent Express Entry Trends for Education

In 2025, IRCC has increasingly focused on category-based draws. Notably:

• September 17, 2025: 2,500 education candidates invited at 462 CRS

• May 1, 2025: 1,000 education candidates invited at 479 CRS

By comparison, CEC-only draws often have cut-offs above 530+, showing how education graduates enjoy a competitive edge in the pool.

Why This Matters for International Students

This new pathway gives students a clear, structured route from study to work to permanent residence. It particularly benefits:

• International students who want to stay in Canada post-graduation

• Early childhood educators and teaching assistants in high demand nationwide

• Skilled workers changing fields who can reskill in education and qualify faster for PR

For instance, a healthcare aide could complete a two-year early childhood education diploma, get a PGWP, gain Canadian experience, and qualify for PR—all within about three years.

Final Thoughts: Your Canadian Dream Starts Here

Canada’s decision to add education to PGWP eligibility and Express Entry category-based draws creates new opportunities for aspiring educators worldwide. This is your chance to turn your passion for teaching into a permanent future in Canada.

If you are an international student or planning to study in Canada, now is the perfect time to choose education as your field of study and start your journey toward PR.

Don’t wait—plan your path today, gain Canadian experience, and make your dream of becoming a Canadian permanent resident a reality.