Canada is modifying its immigration policy to make it easier for more students, especially doctoral students, to become permanent residents, reports the CBC. Under changes announced Wednesday, Ph.D. students who have completed two years of a doctoral program and are in good standing at a recognized institution can apply for permanent residency under the skilled-workers program. Graduates who are a year out of their program are also eligible. About a quarter of the doctoral students at Canadian universities are foreign students and they are, according to a government statement, examples of the young and well-educated people Canada wants.

In recent years, Canada has been making it easier for foreign students to apply for permanent residency. Five years ago, it began allowing foreign students to work off campus while attending classes, and in 2008, it started allowing graduates to stay and work in their field for three years. Then they could apply for permanent residency under what’s called the Canadian Experience Class, which speeds up citizenship. Such changes have helped Canada increase the number of foreign students coming to study in the country.