New Brunswick has extended the Private Career College Graduate Pilot, a study-to-permanent-residence pathway for international graduates of select programs at Oulton College and Eastern College. The pilot will now remain open until December 31, 2027.
The pilot applies to international student graduates of eligible healthcare, child education, social development, and related programs at the New Brunswick campuses of Oulton College and Eastern College. Graduates must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in an eligible priority occupation directly related to their program of study.
Before the July 3, 2026 extension, the pilot was scheduled to close on December 31, 2026. The province said the extension is intended to accommodate international students currently enrolled in eligible programs who would not have graduated before the original end date.
The pathway is important because graduates of Oulton College and Eastern College are not eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit. The pilot allows qualifying graduates to receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence and obtain work authorization while their permanent residence application is processed.
Eligible colleges, programs, and occupations
Only graduates who completed an eligible program at a New Brunswick campus of Oulton College or Eastern College can apply through the pilot.
Eastern College
| Field | Program of study | Eligible occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Social Development | Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker | Social and community service workers (42201) |
| Education and Social Development | Early Childhood Education | Early childhood educators and assistants (42202) |
| Health | Medical Administrative Specialist | Medical administrative assistants (13112) |
| Health | Personal Support Worker | Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (33102); home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations (44101) |
Oulton College
| Field | Program of study | Eligible occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Social Development | Early Childhood Education / Educational Assistant | Early childhood educators and assistants (42202); elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100) |
| Education and Social Development | Child and Youth Care | Social and community service workers (42201) |
| Education and Social Development | Human Services Counsellor | Social and community service workers (42201) |
| Health | Medical Office Administration | Medical administrative assistants (13112) |
| Health | Medical Laboratory Assistant | Medical laboratory technician and pathologist assistants (33101) |
| Health | Medical Laboratory Technology | Medical laboratory technologists (32120) |
| Health | Practical Nurse | Licensed practical nurses (32101) |
| Health | Primary Care Paramedic | Paramedic and related occupations (32102) |
Main eligibility requirements
The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program is for international graduates of select one- and two-year programs at eligible private career colleges.
The pilot was launched in September 2022 and was originally intended to remain open for three years. The December 31, 2027 extension is the second extension of the pilot, following an earlier February 2026 extension that kept the program open through the end of 2026.
To qualify, candidates must:
- complete an eligible program of study at a participating private career college;
- have a qualifying full-time, non-seasonal job offer in an eligible priority occupation directly related to the program of study;
- be at least 19 years old;
- meet Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in all four language abilities;
- show a clear intention to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
90-day deadline after graduation
International graduates have 90 days from the program completion date shown on their transcript to complete several steps:
- secure an eligible job offer;
- apply for and receive a provincial nomination certificate;
- apply to the federal government for a T13 work permit.
The T13 work permit gives provincial nominees work authorization while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processes their permanent residence application. This can help nominees avoid losing status while waiting for a decision.
Candidates must continue to meet the conditions of their nomination while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Students who do not qualify for the pilot, or who will complete their studies after its closure date, are advised to review other immigration options available through New Brunswick.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
