Hi,
I have a question about applying for PR on a PGWP. Some background: I came to Canada on a study permit, completed a 1-year Masters and applied for a PGWP in October 2020 (while my study permit was valid). I landed a full-time permanent job and began working end of October on implied status (my PGWP is still processing). My PGWP will expire in a year and my current job should bump up my CRS score to 503 (enough to get an ITA).
However, I created an Express Entry profile this week only to discover that I can't claim 50 points for a job (even though it's full-time, permanent and non-seasonal). If I had known I would be able to claim those points on an employer-specific work permit, I wouldn't have applied for PGWP. Seems odd to me that a candidate with a full-time permanent job with a PGWP requires an LMIA to claim points, while someone with a 1-year contract job can claim it on an employer-specific work permit. Getting an LMIA is too time-consuming, and I'm reluctant to ask my employer for the favor. I would like to continue working for the same employer and apply for PR through Canadian Experience Class in a year, but my PGWP is non-renewable and will expire in 12 months. Is it possible to switch to another work permit after a year, so I can continue working while I apply through CEC? Or, is it possible to request IRCC to add the name of my employer on my PGWP (so I can claim points), since it's still processing? Do you have any other recommendations/suggestions? Incredibly stressed and appreciate your advice.
I have a question about applying for PR on a PGWP. Some background: I came to Canada on a study permit, completed a 1-year Masters and applied for a PGWP in October 2020 (while my study permit was valid). I landed a full-time permanent job and began working end of October on implied status (my PGWP is still processing). My PGWP will expire in a year and my current job should bump up my CRS score to 503 (enough to get an ITA).
However, I created an Express Entry profile this week only to discover that I can't claim 50 points for a job (even though it's full-time, permanent and non-seasonal). If I had known I would be able to claim those points on an employer-specific work permit, I wouldn't have applied for PGWP. Seems odd to me that a candidate with a full-time permanent job with a PGWP requires an LMIA to claim points, while someone with a 1-year contract job can claim it on an employer-specific work permit. Getting an LMIA is too time-consuming, and I'm reluctant to ask my employer for the favor. I would like to continue working for the same employer and apply for PR through Canadian Experience Class in a year, but my PGWP is non-renewable and will expire in 12 months. Is it possible to switch to another work permit after a year, so I can continue working while I apply through CEC? Or, is it possible to request IRCC to add the name of my employer on my PGWP (so I can claim points), since it's still processing? Do you have any other recommendations/suggestions? Incredibly stressed and appreciate your advice.