The federal Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program has expanded to include 10 additional professions. The Government of Canada says these new occupations became eligible on December 31, 2025, and borrowers in these roles can start having applications reviewed in March 2026—with online systems updating to reflect the new occupations on March 16, 2026.
Official program page: Canada Student Loan Forgiveness (Government of Canada).
NSLSC update notice: What’s new (National Student Loans Service Centre).
The 10 new professions now eligible
The Government of Canada lists these occupations as newly eligible (in addition to doctors and nurses):
- Dentist
- Dental hygienist
- Early childhood educator
- Midwife
- Personal support worker
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Teacher
Source: Eligible occupations list (Government of Canada).
What “eligible community” means (population 30,000 or rural)
The program is meant to support workers who provide in-person services in smaller communities. The Government of Canada defines an eligible community as:
- a rural area, or
- a population centre with 30,000 people or fewer.
Source: Eligible communities definition (Government of Canada).
Basic eligibility checklist (what the government checks)
To qualify, the federal program generally requires that you:
- work in an eligible occupation and an eligible community,
- be employed in the eligible occupation for 12 consecutive months (or 10 consecutive months for teachers, social workers, psychologists, and early childhood educators when working in a school setting),
- provide at least 400 hours of in-person services during the period,
- have a Canada Student Loan that is in good standing, and
- apply within 90 days after completing each eligible year of work.
Source: Eligibility requirements (Government of Canada).
How much can be forgiven
The federal page confirms forgiveness applies only to the federal portion of your Canada Student Loan (not provincial/territorial portions, private loans, or lines of credit).
Maximum forgiveness depends on the occupation. The detailed rules were updated through federal regulations published in the Canada Gazette on December 31, 2025.
- Government overview: How much you can get (Government of Canada)
- Regulations (official): Canada Gazette: Regulations Amending the Canada Student Loans Regulations and related regulations (Dec 31, 2025)
How to apply (and what changes on March 16, 2026)
The Government of Canada notes that borrowers in newly eligible occupations must submit applications by mail until the online tool reflects the expanded occupation list, and that these applications will not be reviewed until March 2026.
- Application instructions: How to apply (Government of Canada)
- NSLSC announcement about the expansion: NSLSC “What’s new” (new occupations)
FAQ
Does this forgiveness apply to provincial student loans?
No. The federal program applies to the federal portion of your Canada Student Loan only. Official program details (Government of Canada).
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. The Government of Canada says eligible borrowers must reapply each year they want forgiveness for, and you generally have 90 days after completing each eligible year to submit your application. Reapplication and deadlines (Government of Canada).
What if I work in more than one eligible community?
The official rules focus on working in eligible communities and meeting the in-person service and time requirements. If your situation is complex (multiple employers/locations), follow the official application instructions and be prepared to provide complete employment verification. How to apply (Government of Canada).
Reality check
This program can reduce federal student debt, but it is not automatic. You must meet the occupation rules, work in an eligible community, provide in-person services (minimum hours), keep your loan in good standing, and apply within the deadline after each eligible year. If you are unsure whether your job title and duties match one of the listed occupations, or whether your work location meets the “eligible community” definition, use the official Government of Canada and NSLSC sources above before you plan around forgiveness.
