International students in New Brunswick have received a major immigration boost as the province has extended its Private Career College Graduate Pilot until December 31, 2027.
The extension allows eligible graduates from selected healthcare and early childhood education programs at Oulton College and Eastern College to continue accessing a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
The announcement was made on July 3, 2026, through New Brunswick’s official Important Notices page.
Support for Graduates Without a PGWP
The pilot is especially important for graduates of Oulton College and Eastern College because they are not eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Without this pilot, many graduates could face challenges in remaining in Canada after completing their studies.
The program enables eligible graduates with a qualifying full-time job offer to receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence while also obtaining authorization to work as their PR application is being processed.
Why the Pilot Was Extended
The pilot was originally scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.
According to the New Brunswick government, the extension until December 31, 2027 ensures that students currently enrolled in eligible programs can still benefit from the pathway, even if they graduate after the previous closing date.
Eligible Colleges
The pilot is available only to graduates from the New Brunswick campuses of:
- Oulton College
- Eastern College
Applicants must complete an approved program and receive a full-time, non-seasonal job offer that is directly related to their field of study.
Eligible Programs
Eastern College
Eligible study programs include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker
- Medical Administrative Specialist
- Personal Support Worker
These programs lead to occupations such as:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Social and Community Service Worker
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Personal Support Worker
- Home Support Worker
Oulton College
Eligible programs include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Assistant
- Child and Youth Care
- Human Services Counsellor
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Practical Nurse
- Primary Care Paramedic
Graduates may qualify for occupations including:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Teacher Assistant
- Social and Community Service Worker
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Paramedic
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the pilot, applicants must:
- Complete an eligible program at Oulton College or Eastern College.
- Receive a full-time, non-seasonal job offer related to their studies.
- Be at least 19 years old.
- Demonstrate CLB 5 language proficiency in English or French.
- Intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
Graduates must also complete all required immigration steps within 90 days of finishing their studies.
Work Permit While PR Is Processed
Successful applicants can apply for a T13 employer-specific work permit, allowing them to continue working in New Brunswick while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes their permanent residence application.
This helps graduates maintain legal status in Canada throughout the immigration process.
A Valuable Opportunity for International Students
Originally launched in September 2022, the Private Career College Graduate Pilot has become an important immigration pathway for international students who are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
The latest extension until December 31, 2027, provides eligible graduates with additional time to secure employment and build a future in New Brunswick.
If you’re planning to study or settle in Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program, Oasis Visas can help you explore the best immigration pathway based on your profile. Our experts provide end-to-end assistance with study permits, provincial nominations, work permits, and permanent residence applications. Contact Oasis Visas today to begin your Canadian immigration journey.
