Canada – Four Year Maximum Eliminated
December 16, 2016
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.