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PGWP + Canadian work experience: correcting a common Express Entry points myth

Canada • Post-Graduation Work Permit • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • PGWP

    Lets you work in Canada after graduation, but doesn't itself carry the 'arranged employment' CRS points many assume.

  • Educational credential (Canadian institution)

    Contributes CRS points for Canadian education, separate from work experience points.

Step-by-Step

There's a common misconception that a regular job offer while on PGWP earns the same CRS points as an LMIA-backed 'arranged employment' offer — group members corrected this.

What group members advised:
  1. A regular job offer secured while on PGWP does not count for Express Entry arranged employment points, because those points require an LMIA-supported offer, which most PGWP holders won't have. Don't add the +50 (or similar) job offer points unless your offer is actually LMIA-backed.

  2. You will still get separate CRS points for your Canadian education (local education points), which is a distinct category from work experience or job offer points.


Takeaway: when estimating your CRS score on PGWP, count points for Canadian education and (once you hit 1 year) Canadian work experience — but don't assume a regular, non-LMIA job offer adds arranged employment points.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Don't: Don't count job offer points for Express Entry unless the offer is LMIA-supported — a regular job while on PGWP doesn't qualify.
  • Do: Remember to count your Canadian education (local education) points separately from work experience points.

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