Education Students Now Have a Direct Path to Permanent Residence in Canada
Canada has introduced significant policy updates in 2025, making it easier for international students in the field of education to transition from studies to permanent residence (PR).
The education field has now been included in:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, even for programs below a bachelor’s degree; and
- Category-based selection under Express Entry for education-related occupations.
This opens a clear study-to-work-to-PR pathway for students pursuing education programs across Canada.
Key Policy Highlights
- Education added to PGWP-eligible fields (including diploma-level programs).
- Graduates can obtain a PGWP, gain Canadian work experience, and apply under Express Entry.
- Education professionals now qualify for category-based draws, which generally have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws.
- Professionals must meet licensing or registration requirements in regulated provinces before they can work.
PGWP Eligibility Rules for Education Students
On June 25, 2025, IRCC added education as a PGWP-eligible field of study.
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Bachelor’s Degree | CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French | N/A | Eligible without restrictions |
| University Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate | CLB/NCLC 7 | N/A | Eligible without restrictions |
| University programs (non-listed) | CLB/NCLC 7 | Must be from eligible field of study | Education included |
| College/Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC 5 | Must be from eligible field of study | Education included |
Additional PGWP conditions include:
- Program length of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
- Full-time status in all semesters (part-time allowed in the final semester).
- Application for PGWP within 180 days of program completion.
- Valid study permit during the 180-day PGWP application window.
PR Pathways for Education Graduates
International graduates in education benefit from two main Express Entry pathways:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – after gaining at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience.
- Education Category-Based Draws – with CRS cut-offs lower than general draws, increasing chances of an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
| Express Entry Pathway | CRS Cut-Off (Recent) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| CEC (General) | 534 | Highly competitive, requires strong CRS score |
| Education Category Draw | 479 | Easier entry for education professionals |
Step-by-Step Immigration Pathway for Education Students
- Choose a PGWP-eligible education program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Obtain a PGWP after graduation.
- Meet licensing/registration requirements (if occupation is regulated).
- Gain Canadian work experience in an eligible education-related NOC occupation.
- Apply for Express Entry through CEC or category-based draws.
- Receive ITA and apply for PR.
- If eligible, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working while PR is processed.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
