When you graduate from college, the first thing on your mind should be settling into your new dream career. You worked hard, and now it’s time to reap the benefits! Unfortunately, the reality for many students is that nagging feeling in the back of their mind – loan repayment. The good news is that there may be an option that can help, which is Canada Student Loan Forgiveness.
This guide helps break down what Canada Student Loan Forgiveness is, how it works, which Oxford International Career Colleges programs lead to careers that may qualify, and how you can apply. Take a read through and by the end of this guide, you’ll know if Canada Student Loan Forgiveness is an option for you.
What is Canada Student Loan Forgiveness?
The Government of Canada offers Canada Student Loan Forgiveness to borrowers who work in eligible occupations in eligible communities.
Loan forgiveness can only be applied to the outstanding part of your federal loan and doesn’t apply to the provincial or territorial part of your loan.
This means that if you’re working in a qualifying occupation in an eligible community, your outstanding federal loan payments could be forgiven, without the need to pay it back.
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible to apply for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness if you meet the following criteria:
1. You have worked in an eligible occupation
2. You have worked in an eligible community
3. You have been employed in your eligible occupation for a full year (12 consecutive months)*
4. You have provided in-person services for a minimum of 400 hours, and
5. You have a student loan that’s in good standing (you must be up to date on your payments)
*This can be 10 consecutive months for Early Childhood Educators if you worked in a school.
You can apply for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness while you are in repayment, or you can apply if you’re currently studying or in your 6-month non-repayment period.
Important Things to Know
1. Once you have worked in an eligible occupation for a full year, you have 90 days to apply for the benefit
2. To remain eligible, you must re-apply every year – a reminder will be sent to you each year as long as the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program records show you’re still eligible
3. Loan forgiveness does not apply to:
- Loans that have been converted to a line of credit
- Private loans
- Ontario Medical Resident Loans
Oxford International Career Colleges Programs That May Qualify
If you are a past, current, or future student at Oxford International Career Colleges, it’s important to know what your financial aid options are. Canada Student Loan Forgiveness may apply to our OICC Halifax campus programs:
1. Continuing Care Assistant Certificate program
Those working as a Personal Support Worker or in a related position may be eligible for student loan forgiveness, including:
- Continuing Care Assistant
- Nurse aide/Nurse’s Aide
- Orderly
- Patient Services Associate
- Personal Support Aide (Medical)
- Health Care Aside/Health Care Assistant
- Nursing Attendant
- Long-Term Care Aide
- Patient Care Assistant
- Hospital Orderly
- Emergency Room Aide
2. Early Childhood Education Diploma and Hybrid Early Childhood Education Diploma programs
Those working as an Early Childhood Educator may be eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Eligible Communities
For the purpose of loan forgiveness, an eligible community is defined as:
- A rural area, or
- A population centre with no more than 30,000 people living in it
You can work in multiple eligible communities during the year, and you can even work for more than 1 employer as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements. To find out if you’re in an eligible community, use the postal code lookup tool.
Student Loan Forgiveness Amounts
Over a maximum of 5 years, you could receive $15,000 in loan forgiveness as an Early Childhood Educator or Personal Support Worker/related healthcare role:
- Year 1: $2,000
- Year 2: $2,500
- Year 3: $3,000
- Year 4: $3,500
- Year 5: $4,000
Student loan forgiveness will apply to your loan’s principal balance after the end of your 12 months of service. You will need to keep making your loan payments and keep your loan in good standing.
How to Apply for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
Early Childhood Educators and Personal Support Workers (or those working in related healthcare roles) must apply by mail. Instructions can be found on the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness page.
Before you apply, it’s important you take the following steps:
- Confirm that your profession and work location are eligible
- Ensure your Canada Student Loan is in good standing
- Ensure you have worked in an eligible occupation for 12 consecutive months (or 10 consecutive months if you worked as an ECE in a school)
- Track your employment dates and hours to confirm you’ve provided in-person services for a minimum of 400 hours
Don’t forget! You need to apply through the National Student Loans Service Centre within 90 days of completing each eligible year, and you must re-apply annually if you continue to qualify.
At Oxford International Career Colleges, we are committed to supporting our students every step of the way. From financial aid guidance and flexible installment payment plans to available scholarships, our team is here to help make your education accessible and achievable. If you’re considering joining our ECE or CCA programs, connect with us to learn more about your options and how we can support your journey.
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