Canada – Four Year Maximum Eliminated
Effective December 13, 2016, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program cumulative duration of four years no longer applies to all current and future work permit applications. The 4 year cap was implemented in 2011, however, there were many exceptions to the rule. Permits based on international treaties, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and intra-company transfers were not subject to the 4 year cap.
For those that did not meet the exemption, were required to leave Canada after 4 years, and were not subject to any other work permits for four more years. The cap limit of four years also placed a burden on employers, especially if the foreign national did not quality for permanent residence.