Temporary Foreign Worker Program Update
The existing nine-month maximum validity for LMIAs will be temporarily increased to eighteen months. This will help employers better manage their human resources needs and bring in foreign workers in a timely manner.
The Seasonal Cap Exemption currently provides employers in seasonal industries, such as fish and seafood processing, with access to foreign workers beyond the low-wage cap for an employment duration of up to 180 calendar days per year to address seasonal peaks. This will be permanently increased to up to 270 days.
When a foreign worker is approved for a work permit, the end date is typically set to align with the employment duration specified in the LMIA. LMIAs under the High-Wage and Global Talent Streams currently have a two-year maximum employment duration. Starting on April 4, 2022, the employment duration for LMIAs processed under these streams will be extended to a maximum of three years.
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