Discover how IRCC’s latest expansion on December 17, 2024, adds Early Childhood Education and Developmental Service programs to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, opening new doors for international students in Canada.
IRCC’s Latest Announcement
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the list of study programs eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Effective December 17, 2024, the new Education category joins the existing five PGWP categories aligned with occupation-based classifications in Express Entry:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transportation
New Education Programs
IRCC’s addition of an Education category includes programs focused on early childhood education and developmental service work. These programs are identified by their specific Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes:
| CIP Title | Code |
|---|---|
| Developmental services worker | 19.071 |
| Montessori teacher education | 13.1207 |
| Waldorf/Steiner teacher education | 13.1208 |
| Early childhood education and teaching | 13.121 |
| Teaching assistants/aide, general | 13.1501 |
| Child development | 19.0706 |
| Child care & support services mgmt. | 19.0708 |
| Child care provider/assistant | 19.0709 |
| Early childhood & family studies | 19.0711 |
Benefits for International Students
By introducing an Education category, Canada aims to address the growing need for qualified education professionals. Graduates of these programs can now apply for a PGWP under this new category and gain valuable Canadian work experience—often a key factor in qualifying for permanent residency.
This change not only strengthens Canada’s economy by filling critical labor market gaps but also offers international students a more direct pathway to establishing their careers and lives in Canada.
This update is a significant boost for aspiring educators. It encourages international students to pursue specialized education programs and helps Canada attract fresh talent to meet the high demand in early childhood and developmental services.
You might also like:
How to find CIP codes for Canadian programs
Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada
Important Note: The information on this page reflects what is currently available and is subject to change. IRCC and other government agencies frequently update policies, so please visit the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
Latest Update: January 12, 2025
