Canada’s newly established alterations has elevated education students’ chances at obtaining Permanent Residency.
Individuals who have been studying in the education field are now eligible as one of the fields of study for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), while being added to category-based selection for Express Entry.
With this transformation, international students can study an education program (even at a level of study lower than a bachelor’s degree), obtain a PGWP to be able to gain work experience in Canada, and ultimately meet the qualifications for education occupation draws through the Express Entry system.
Here is an example of how this new regulation can help with CRS points system:
| Factor | Description | CRS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 | 110 |
| Education | Two-year College Diploma | 98 |
| English proficiency | CLB 10 in All Abilities | 136 |
| Canadian Worker Experience | 1 Year | 40 |
| Skill Transferability | Language + Education/Work | 100 |
| Additional Points | Canadian Education | 15 |
| Total | 499 |
In this example the total CRS points accumulated to 499, which with the most recent education-based Express Entry draw having a cut-off score of 479, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency can be received accordingly.
The overall process for those interested is divided into 3 stages.
Stage 1: Coming up with a Study Plan
Choosing the right study program based on your interests and conditions is critical. Ensure that you have enrolled through the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), as only DLIs can accept international students for PGWP-eligible programs. But Moreover, not every education program is PGWP-eligible. It is essential to make sure you have chosen a program that is listed as an approved field of study. Programs may sound often similar to one another, so always check to see if it matches the official PGWP-approved education program list.
Stage 2: Receiving a PGWP
Once you have graduated, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Here are the detailed requirements on what you need to qualify:
- Graduated from a PGWP-eligible DLI with a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec)
- Maintained full-time student status
- Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of graduation
- Valid study permit documents during the time of study
- Meet the required minimum language proficiency for their level of study as stated below
| Occupation | NOC Code | Sector(s) |
|---|---|---|
| College Bachelor’s | CLB 7 | None |
| University Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD | CLB 7 | None |
| Other University Programs | CLB 7 | Must be in an approved field |
| College Diploma or Certificate | CLB 5 | Must be in an approved field |
Stage 3: Submitting your PR application
With the possession of your degree along with a year of full-time Canadian work experience equivalent to an education occupation, you have now become a strong candidate who can apply for Permanent Residency.
Furthermore, with education now a priority in category-based Express Entry Entry draws, you may not need as high of a CRS score as candidates in non-priority streams. For example, recent education draws had a cut-off of just 479, compared to 534 in the general CEC pool, which has made the new regulations more advantageous for education students, helping them obtain PR more rapidly and efficiently.
