Canada has made it easier for students in the field of education to study, work, and eventually get permanent residence (PR). Here’s a simple guide on how it works.
1. What’s New for Education Students?
Recent changes mean that students in education programs now have a clear route from studying in Canada to getting PR:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Education programs are now eligible for PGWPs, even if it’s not a bachelor’s degree.
- Express Entry Category: Graduates in education can now qualify for special draws in Express Entry, making it easier to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
In short, you can study education, work in Canada, and eventually apply for permanent residence.
2. Example: Taima’s Journey to PR
Let’s make it simple with an example:
- Who: Taima, 27, studied Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Sheridan College.
- Step 1: She graduates and applies for a 2-year PGWP.
- Step 2: She gets her Certificate of Registration from Ontario to legally work as an ECE.
- Step 3: Works full-time for 1 year in Canada as an early childhood educator.
- Step 4: Gains enough experience to qualify for Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) and education category draws.
Result: With her education and work experience, Taima’s CRS score makes her likely to receive an ITA for permanent residence.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to PR for Education Students
Step 1: Choose the Right Program
- Study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)—only these schools can admit international students.
- Make sure the program is PGWP-eligible. Simply having a similar title is not enough.
- Check which education jobs are in demand through Express Entry.
Step 2: Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- PGWP allows you to work in almost any job in Canada after graduation.
- Duration depends on your study program (up to 3 years).
- Requirements:
- Complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
- Study full-time (part-time allowed only in the last semester).
- Apply for PGWP within 180 days of graduation.
- Meet language requirements depending on program level:
- College programs: CLB 5 (English/French)
- University programs: CLB 7
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
- Work in your regulated profession (like early childhood educator) if required.
- Canadian work experience helps you qualify for Express Entry and increases your CRS score.
- Work for at least 6 months to qualify for education category draws.
- Work for 1 year to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
- Once eligible, submit your Express Entry profile.
- If invited, apply for PR and get an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
- While your PR application is processed, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to continue working legally in Canada.
4. Why Education Students Have an Advantage
- Lower CRS score required: Education category draws often need fewer points than general CEC draws.
- Canadian experience + education = higher CRS score: Both help you get an ITA faster.
- Regulated professions: Having a certificate (like ECE) improves your Express Entry profile.
Q1: Can I study a diploma in education and still get PR?
Yes! Even non-bachelor’s programs in education are now eligible for PGWP and PR through Express Entry.
Q2: How long do I need to work in Canada before applying for PR?
- At least 6 months for education category draws.
- 1 year for Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Q3: Do I need to know French?
No, English is enough, but knowing French can increase your CRS score.
Q4: What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
It allows you to keep working in Canada while your PR application is being processed.
Q5: How do I know if my program is PGWP-eligible?
Check the IRCC list of approved programs or your school’s international office.
6. Key Takeaways
- Studying education in Canada can lead to PR.
- PGWP and Canadian work experience are crucial steps.
- Regulated certifications improve your Express Entry chances.
- You don’t need a bachelor’s degree; diplomas also work.
- Plan your study and work carefully to maximize CRS points.
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