Canada: International students seeking work permits can study these courses

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has included study programs focused on early childhood education and developmental service work. The new eligible programs are Montessori teacher education, child development, Developmental services worker and childcare provider training.

These study programs are eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for international students by offering more pathways to remain in the country and gain valuable work experience. This policy change which became effective on December 17, 2023, is part of Canada’s broader efforts to attract and retain global talent.

“CBIE is pleased to see the addition of new eligible fields of study for the PGWP. Early childhood care was a glaring omission from the original list as it is a well-known area of labour shortage across regions,”

Canadian Bureau for International Education president, Larissa Bezo, said. These additions reflect Canada’s emphasis on addressing workforce demands in education and developmental services, sectors essential for the country’s growing population.

What international students gain through the PGWP pathway

The PGWP gives room for international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years upon the completion of  their studies by expanding the range of eligible programs,

Through this, Canada has opened more doors for international students to gain local work experience, which is a key step for those hoping to obtain permanent residency.

Plans to reduce temporary residents

International students should note that although the country remains a top destination for international students, there are plans to reduce temporary residents from 6.5 per cent of the population to 5 per cent by 2026.

This is part of the country’s strategy to manage immigration levels effectively.

Some of these changes are:

1. Curriculum licensing agreements were introduced which makes some programs ineligible for work permits. This became effective in May 2024.
2. New language requirements were introduced for PGWP applicants as of November 2024.
3. A selected number of fields of study were introduced to enable students to become eligible for PGWP eligibility. These programs were tied to long-term occupational shortages.
4. Cost of living requirements were doubled for study permit applicants, as of January 2024.
5. Express study permit processing for Nigerians via the Nigeria Student Express for Nigerians ended.
6. Canada introduced a limit on study permit applications m. This was a 35 per cent decrease in approvals for 2024.
7. Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) were introduced as certificates by provinces to manage intake numbers.
8. Spousal work permits had stricter regulations.