You just graduated. You have your PGWP. The clock is ticking.
In the next 1-3 years, you need to: 1. Land a job (in a brutal market) 2. Accumulate 1,560 hours of skilled work experience 3. Position yourself for permanent residency
No pressure, right?
Here's the thing: most PGWP holders focus only on #1 and scramble on #2 and #3 later. That's a mistake. Your job search strategy should optimize for all three from day one.
Let me show you how.
The 2025-2026 PGWP Policy Changes You MUST Know
The rules changed significantly. Here's what matters:
New Requirements (As of November 1, 2024)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Language Test Required | CLB 7 minimum for university grads |
| Field of Study (non-degree programs) | Must be in eligible fields: STEM, healthcare, trades, education, agriculture |
| In-Canada Study | Must complete 50%+ in-class in Canada |
| Application Deadline | 180 days from receiving final grades |
Source: IRCC PGWP Eligibility
Good News for Some
| Change | Who Benefits |
|---|---|
| Master's degrees now get 3-year PGWP | Even if program < 2 years |
| Bachelor's degrees exempt from field of study requirement | CS, Engineering, etc. all qualify |
| Maintained status now clearly eligible | Students waiting for permit extension can still get PGWP |
Bad News for Others
| Change | Who It Affects |
|---|---|
| Spouse OWP restricted | Only master's/doctoral student spouses qualify |
| Private college curriculum licensing | These programs no longer PGWP-eligible |
| 178 fields removed (June 2025) | Though reinstated in July 2025, list changes frequently |
The PGWP Timeline: Your Countdown Starts Now
| PGWP Length | Program Type |
|---|---|
| 8 months - 2 years | Matches program length |
| 3 years | Programs 2+ years OR any Master's degree |
The Math That Should Worry You
| PGWP Length | Time for Job Search | Time to Accumulate 1,560 Hours | Buffer for PR Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ~3 months | 12 months full-time | Negative ❌ |
| 2 years | ~4-6 months | 12 months | 6-12 months ✓ |
| 3 years | ~6-12 months | 12 months | 12-24 months ✓ |
If you have a 1-year PGWP, you're in trouble. You need to find a job immediately and may need to explore other pathways (PNP, employer-sponsored LMIA).
The PR Pathway: Understanding CEC Before You Job Search
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the most common PR pathway for PGWP holders:
CEC Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | 1,560 hours (1 year full-time) in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Timeframe | Within past 3 years |
| Type of Work | Paid, authorized, NOT as full-time student |
| Co-ops/Internships | DO NOT COUNT |
Source: CEC Requirements
What Counts as Work Hours
| Scenario | Hours Counted |
|---|---|
| Full-time (30+ hrs/week) for 12 months | 1,560 ✓ |
| Part-time (15 hrs/week) for 24 months | 1,560 ✓ |
| Multiple part-time jobs totaling 30 hrs/week | Counts ✓ |
| Co-op during studies | ❌ Does NOT count |
| Unpaid internship | ❌ Does NOT count |
| Self-employment | ❌ Does NOT count for CEC |
CRS Points for Canadian Work Experience
| Years of Canadian Work | Points (with spouse) | Points (without spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| None or < 1 year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | 35 | 40 |
| 2 years | 46 | 53 |
| 3 years | 56 | 64 |
| 5+ years | 70 | 80 |
Translation: Every year of Canadian work experience adds significant points. This is why your job search strategy matters—you're not just looking for any job, you're looking for a TEER 0-3 job that builds toward PR.
The TEER System: Which Jobs Count for PR
Not all jobs count toward CEC. You need a job in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3:
| TEER Level | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management | Software Development Manager, IT Director |
| TEER 1 | University degree usually required | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer |
| TEER 2 | College diploma/apprenticeship | Computer Network Technician, Web Designer |
| TEER 3 | Trades/technical training | IT Support Technician |
| TEER 4-5 | ❌ DO NOT COUNT | Retail, Food Service, General Labour |
For software engineers and tech workers: Most roles are TEER 1 (NOC 21231, 21232, 21234). You're in good shape—just make sure your job title and duties align.
How to Verify Your Job's NOC/TEER
- Go to Canada's NOC website
- Search for your job title
- Check the first digit of the NOC code:
- 0 = TEER 0
- 1, 2, 3 = TEER 1
- 4, 5 = TEER 2
- 6, 7 = TEER 3
- 8, 9 = TEER 4 or 5 (don't count)
The Job Search Strategy: Optimizing for Employment AND PR
Priority 1: TEER Level First
| Job Option | Salary | TEER | PR Value | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Developer at startup | $60K | TEER 1 | ✅ Counts | Take it |
| "Tech Lead" at non-tech company | $80K | Verify NOC | Maybe | Check duties match TEER 1 |
| IT Support (help desk) | $45K | TEER 3 | ✅ Counts | Backup option |
| QA Analyst (manual testing) | $55K | TEER 2 | ✅ Counts | Good stepping stone |
| Retail + coding on the side | $35K | TEER 4 | ❌ Doesn't count | Avoid if possible |
Priority 2: Documentation From Day 1
Start collecting this evidence NOW:
| Document | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Offer letter with job title & duties | Proves TEER level |
| Pay stubs showing hours | Proves 1,560 hours |
| T4 slips | Tax proof of employment |
| Employment letter on company letterhead | For PR application |
| Job description matching NOC | Proves duties align |
Pro tip: Request an employment letter every 6 months with: - Your job title - Start date - Hours worked per week - Main duties (should match NOC description) - Supervisor's contact info
Priority 3: Hour Tracking
Create a spreadsheet:
| Week | Hours Worked | Cumulative Hours | % to 1,560 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 40 | 40 | 2.5% |
| Week 2 | 40 | 80 | 5.1% |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
| Week 39 | 40 | 1,560 | 100% ✓ |
The Express Entry Reality in 2025-2026
CRS Score Trends
| Draw Type | Recent CRS Cutoffs |
|---|---|
| CEC-specific draws | 531+ (as of early 2025) |
| Category-based (Canadian experience) | 470-530 |
| All-program draws | Paused since April 2024 |
Source: CIC News Express Entry Draws
What This Means for You
Good news: IRCC is prioritizing Canadian work experience. Category-based draws specifically target workers already in Canada.
Bad news: CRS cutoffs are still high. You need to maximize every point.
CRS Point Maximization Checklist
| Factor | Action | Potential Points |
|---|---|---|
| Language (English) | Aim for CLB 10+ (IELTS 8+) | Up to 136 points |
| Language (French) | Even basic French adds points | Up to 30 bonus points |
| Canadian work experience | 2+ years ideal | Up to 80 points |
| Education | ECA if foreign degree | Up to 150 points |
| Provincial nomination | Apply to PNP | +600 points (game changer) |
Provincial Nominee Programs: Your Backup Plan
PNPs are often easier than federal Express Entry and add 600 CRS points:
| Province | Tech-Specific Stream | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BC | BC PNP Tech | 29+ eligible tech occupations, faster processing |
| Ontario | OINP Tech Draws | Targets specific NOCs |
| Alberta | AAIP Tech Pathway | Growing tech scene, less competition |
| Saskatchewan | SINP Tech Talent | Smaller but accessible |
| Nova Scotia | NSNP Labour Market Priorities | Actively recruiting tech workers |
Strategy: Apply to Express Entry AND relevant PNPs simultaneously. Don't put all eggs in one basket.
See: Work Permit Sponsorship Guide
The Employer Perspective: What They Worry About
When employers see PGWP holders, they think:
| Their Concern | Your Response |
|---|---|
| "Will they leave after getting PR?" | "I'm committed to building my career here. PR is part of that plan." |
| "Is their work permit valid?" | Bring your PGWP to the interview, explain the timeline |
| "How long can they work?" | "I have X years remaining, which is [longer than typical job tenure]" |
| "Do we need to sponsor them?" | "No sponsorship needed during my PGWP. If things go well, we can discuss PR support later." |
The PGWP Advantage
Remind employers:
- No LMIA required — You're not a Temporary Foreign Worker
- Open work permit — You can work for anyone, anywhere in Canada
- Fully authorized — No legal risk for the employer
- Motivated — You have extra incentive to perform well
Timeline: The Ideal PGWP Journey
3-Year PGWP Example
| Month | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 0 | Graduate, apply for PGWP within 180 days |
| 1-6 | Aggressive job search |
| 6 | Land TEER 1 job, start tracking hours |
| 12 | Take language test, aim for CLB 10+ |
| 18 | 1,560 hours complete, eligible for CEC |
| 18-20 | Submit Express Entry profile |
| 20-24 | Receive ITA (if CRS sufficient) |
| 24-36 | PR application processing, PGWP expires, bridge open work permit if needed |
1-Year PGWP Emergency Plan
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 | Apply for PGWP + start job search SAME DAY |
| 0-1 | Apply to 200+ jobs, accept first TEER 0-3 offer |
| 1-12 | Work full-time, accumulate 1,560 hours |
| 6 | Simultaneously apply to PNPs |
| 10 | Explore employer LMIA sponsorship |
| 12 | If no PR pathway secured, consider leaving Canada to apply from abroad or LMIA route |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Taking a TEER 4-5 job | Hours don't count for CEC | Verify NOC before accepting |
| Not tracking hours | Can't prove 1,560 | Keep detailed records |
| Waiting to apply for Express Entry | Miss draws while waiting | Create profile ASAP after 1 year |
| Ignoring PNPs | Missing 600 bonus points | Apply to multiple provinces |
| Poor language test score | Massive CRS impact | Invest in test prep |
| Not saving documents | PR application requires proof | Keep everything from day 1 |
FAQ
Can I work while waiting for my PGWP to be approved?
Yes, IF: 1. You had a valid study permit when you applied 2. You applied within 180 days of completing your program 3. You applied before your study permit expired
Source: IRCC Work Eligibility
What if my PGWP expires before I get PR?
Options: 1. Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) — If you've submitted PR application and it's processing 2. Employer-sponsored LMIA — Employer applies for you 3. Provincial Nominee streams — Some offer work permit support 4. Leave and apply from abroad — Maintain status, apply to Express Entry from home country
Does my co-op experience count toward CEC?
No. Work performed as a full-time student (including co-ops) does not count toward the 1,560 hour requirement. Only work after graduation on your PGWP counts.
What if I get laid off during my PGWP?
Your PGWP remains valid. You can: - Look for new work immediately (open work permit) - Previous hours still count toward CEC - Continue toward PR goal
Can I start a business on PGWP?
Yes, but self-employment hours don't count toward CEC. If you want to be an entrepreneur, explore: - Start-up Visa Program - Self-employed persons class - Provincial nominee entrepreneur streams
Key Takeaways
- Your PGWP is a countdown timer — Every month without a TEER 0-3 job is lost progress
- Job search should optimize for PR — TEER level matters as much as salary
- Document everything from day 1 — You'll need proof for PR application
- 1,560 hours is the magic number — Track your hours religiously
- Apply to Express Entry + PNPs simultaneously — Don't rely on one pathway
- Language score is huge — Invest in IELTS/CELPIP prep, aim for CLB 10+
The PGWP is your bridge to permanent life in Canada. Don't waste it on jobs that don't move you forward.
Related Articles: - New Immigrant Job Search Guide - International Student Tech Job Guide - Work Permit Sponsorship Guide - Canada Tech Hiring Market 2026 - Browse All Open Positions
Sources: - IRCC: About the PGWP - IRCC: PGWP Eligibility - IRCC: How to Apply for PGWP - IRCC: Canadian Experience Class - IRCC: CRS Criteria - IRCC: PGWP Field of Study Requirements - EduCanada: New PGWP Rules - CIC News: 10 Biggest Policy Changes 2025 - CIC News: PR Pathways 2026 - McGill PGWP Cheat Sheet - SFU Next Steps After Graduation