Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a significant update for international students enrolled in education-focused programs. Starting December 17, 2024, several programs in the field of education, including early childhood education and developmental service work, are now eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). This addition creates fresh pathways for international students to gain valuable work experience and enhances their chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.
A Sixth Category: Education Joins the List
IRCC’s recent update introduces a new category—Education—to the list of eligible fields of study for PGWPs. Before this, the list, updated on October 4, 2024, included five key sectors:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Skilled Trades
- Transportation
The expansion now ensures that education programs are recognized alongside these sectors, addressing Canada’s labor market needs in education-related roles.
Programs Now Eligible for PGWPs
The following education-related programs have been added to the list, along with their Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Developmental Services Worker | 19.0710 |
| Montessori Teacher Education | 13.1207 |
| Waldorf/Steiner Teacher Education | 13.1208 |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching | 13.1210 |
| General Teaching Assistants/Aides | 13.1501 |
| Child Development | 19.0706 |
| Child Care Services Management | 19.0708 |
| Child Care Provider/Assistant | 19.0709 |
| Early Childhood and Family Studies | 19.0711 |
Understanding the Field of Study Requirements
The field of study requirements, introduced in September 2024, tie PGWP eligibility to programs that address long-term labor shortages.
Here’s what you need to know:
- These requirements do not apply to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral university graduates.
- They apply to college graduates and vocational university programs.
- Students who obtained their study permits before November 1, 2024, are not subject to these requirements. However, students who apply for new study permits after this date must comply with the updated criteria.
New Language Requirements for PGWP Applications
In addition to the expanded list of eligible programs, IRCC has introduced language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility. These requirements vary depending on the level of education completed by international graduates and aim to better prepare students for the Canadian labor market.
What Is a PGWP and Why Does It Matter?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) grants international graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) the opportunity to work for a broad range of employers across Canada. The duration of the permit is typically proportional to the length of the academic program, ranging from eight months to a maximum of three years.
Here’s why the PGWP is essential:
- It enables international students to gain Canadian work experience, a critical factor for those applying for permanent residency.
- It enhances eligibility for pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system.
- It boosts Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, improving chances for immigration success.
How This Change Impacts Students
By including education-related programs in the PGWP-eligible fields of study, IRCC provides international students with more opportunities to contribute to Canada’s economy and address critical shortages in education-related occupations. This change underscores Canada’s focus on retaining skilled graduates who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Take Action Today
If you’re an international student pursuing one of these newly eligible programs, ensure you meet the updated requirements and prepare to apply for your PGWP. Reach out to us for guidance on learning more about this policy. Canada continues to make strides in supporting international students—stay informed and take advantage of these opportunities!
