Foreign citizens can work and reside in Canada for an extended period with one of the multiple employment visa types available, including the highly desired 3 year work permit in Canada.
This visa opens you to a world of possibilities in a country known for its rich cultural diversity, solid economy, and excellent standard of living.
Yet just who is qualified for this 3-year work permit? Let’s explore the specifics,
Who is Eligible for 3 Year Work Permit in Canada?
- Canada Work Permit System
The goal of Canada’s work permit program is to bring in skilled laborers from across the globe by providing opportunities to live and work in a vibrant and diverse community.
Work permits are issued by the Canadian government in two main categories,
Employer-specific work permits, which tie you to a single position with a specific employer
Open work permits, which let you work for any employer in Canada.
Both categories may apply to the 3 year work permit in Canada, depending on the application process.
Work permit – About the process – CLICK HERE
Eligibility Criteria for a 3 Year Work Permit in Canada
Depending on the type of work permit they are requesting, applicants must fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for a three-year visa in Canada.
The main requirements for eligibility are often an actual employment offer from a Canadian company, relevant education, and, in certain situations, a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The specific requirements differ according to the application route you are using.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- One of the most popular methods to get a 3-year work visa in Canada is through the Post-Graduation Work visa (PGWP).
- This permit is meant for foreign students who have finished their studies at one of Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLIs).
- The study program had to be at least two years long to be eligible for a PGWP with a three-year length.
- Graduates of the PGWP are free to work for any business in Canada, making it an essential step for anyone hoping to gain Canadian work experience for their permanent residency application.
Read: What jobs can I get as a student in Canada?
Employer-Specific Work Permits
- Another option for getting a 3 year work permit in Canada is through employer-specific work permits, although they need an offer of employment from a Canadian firm.
- A positive LMIA, which indicates no Canadian worker, is available and that a foreign worker is required to fill the position is typically required of the employer.
- Upon approval of the LMIA, the foreign worker may proceed to apply for a work visa, which may be granted for a maximum of three years, based upon the duration of the job offer.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Certain work permits are exempt from LMIA rules and can be awarded for up to three years under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
- Participants in foreign exchange programs, workers under free trade agreements (including those under CUSMA, the former NAFTA), and intra-company transferees are among the groups covered by the IMP.
- When it is concluded that the job being done would significantly benefit Canada’s social, cultural, or economic landscape, these work permits are typically granted.
Spousal Work Permits
International students and the spouses of certain skilled workers may also be qualified for an open work permit, which is typically granted for a maximum of 3 years.
With this kind of authorization, the spouse can work in Canada for any employer; neither a job offer nor an LMIA is required.
Spousal work permits are a great choice for couples who want to settle down in Canada together because they often last the same length as the primary applicant’s permit.
Bottom Line
Getting a 3 year work permit in Canada is a big step in starting a new life in one of the most accepting countries in the world.
Read: How to find accommodation in Canada as a student?
