TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS - 4 YEAR CAP

Are all TFW's affected?

The 4-year cap applies to all temporary foreign workers, except:

Those in managerial occupations (NOC-0) and professional occupations (NOC-A)
TFW's who have applied for permanent residency and received a certificate, approval in principal letter or positive selection decision (per required program)
TFW employed under NAFTA or applicable international agreements
TFW exempt from the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) process

I am covered by the gap, what should I do so I can remain in Canada?

Employees covered by the 4-year cap should take steps now – such as applying for permanent residency or securing work in an exempt category.

What happens when I reach the cap?

Employees who reach the 4-year cap will be required to leave Canada and will not be granted another work permit in Canada for an additional four years.

What if I am an Employer?

Even if the LMO your employee has is new, if they were previously employed under a work permit by another employer, they will only be eligible to stay in Canada for a total of 4-years.

Employers should review the status of each TFW:

Determine if they are affected
Review their options for remaining in Canada
Consider new LMO's to replace TFW's who will reach the cap

For more information on the 4 year limit please visit the CIC website.

For further information or for answers to any of your questions, please contact Sheela Gupta.