As of December 13, 2016, the cumulative duration limit of 4 years for a working visa no longer applies to all current and future work permit applications. Officers must continue to be satisfied that the requirements of section 183 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations are complied with, along with other eligibility criteria, such as the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This generally includes the requirements that temporary residents:
- leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay;
- not work unless authorized to do so;
- if authorized to work, not enter into an employment agreement, or extend the term of an employment agreement, with an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
- not study, unless authorized to do so.
If applicants wish to remain in Canada on a work permit and the period of time they have been working in Canada meets or exceeds four years, they may apply to extend their stay in Canada as workers, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. If applicants departed Canada because they had previously met the four-year cumulative duration limit, they may apply for a new work permit without having remained outside Canada for four years.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
