To claim the bonus points, you need to have an "offer of arranged employment". This means either LMIA or a special range of jobs that:
- is made by by an employer with a new positive LMIA that approves the offer and names you and your position OR
- if you’re currently working in Canada in a NOC 0, A or B job on a work permit that was issued based on an LMIA, and:
- you’re working for an employer listed on your work permit
- you’re authorized to work in Canada on the day you apply for a permanent resident visa, and when the visa is issued
- your current employer made you an offer to give you a full-time job for at least one year if you’re accepted as a permanent resident OR
- if you have a valid work permit for a NOC 0, A or B job that is exempt from needing an LMIA, and you:
- are currently working for an employer specified on the work permit
- have one year of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) for that employer
- have a valid job offer from that employer for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa
From above, you can see that your work permit must be employer specific. PGWP is an open permit that does not restrict employers.
Or for job that is LMIA-exempt, it must be one of the following:
- covered by an international agreement like NAFTA or GATS, and non-trade agreements. This can include professionals, traders and investors.
- covered by an agreement between Canada and a province or territory. This includes “significant investment” projects.
- exempt for “Canadian interests” reasons:
- “significant benefit” – if your employer can prove you will bring an important social, cultural, and/or economic benefit to Canada. This can include:
- general: Self-employed engineers, technical workers, creative and performing artists, etc.
- workers transferred within a company (intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge) – only those that will benefit Canada with their skills and experience
- workers under Mobilité francophone
- reciprocal employment – lets foreign workers get jobs in Canada when Canadians have similar opportunities in other countries
- general (such as professional coaches and athletes working for Canadian teams)
- International Experience Canada – a work abroad program for youth and young professionals
- people in exchange programs like professors and visiting lecturers
- designated by the Minister
- academics, including researchers, guest lecturers and visiting professors (sponsored through a recognized federal program)
- competitiveness and public policy
- medical residents and fellows
- post-doctoral fellows and people who have won academic awards from Canadian schools
- Charity and religious work (not including volunteers)
So in conclusion, PGWP is really not eligible for that point, UNLESS you have LMIA.
