Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) has released new guidance for Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs), marking significant changes to the program as of October 3, 2024. These updates impose stricter requirements on employers seeking work permits for employees under the International Mobility Program.
The revisions mean that companies will now face tougher conditions, particularly in proving their multinational status and demonstrating that transferees possess the necessary specialized knowledge for their roles. Notably, the revised guidance requires that qualifying employers must have active revenue-generating operations in at least two countries before expanding into Canada.
Key Changes to ICT Criteria
The updated ICT guidance emphasizes:
- A clearer definition of “specialized knowledge” and criteria for assessing the qualifications of applicants.
- Refined eligibility requirements for foreign nationals seeking ICT-based work permits.
- Consolidation of all ICT-related instructions into a single, streamlined resource page.
- Reinforcement that ICT provisions are not intended for general workforce transfers between affiliated companies.
IRCC has also issued updates on free trade agreements associated with the International Mobility Program, including the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement, and others. The updates involve integrating ICT instructions for each free trade agreement into standardized, easy-to-access formats.
Part of Broader Reforms to Temporary Resident Programs
This adjustment is consistent with IRCC’s broader strategy to reduce the overall proportion of temporary residents in Canada. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated an objective to decrease temporary resident numbers from 6.5% to 5% of the population within three years. Recent changes also impact study permits, post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), and spousal open work permits.
IRCC’s upcoming Levels Plan, scheduled for release on November 1, will provide further insights, including temporary resident targets. The plan will outline immigration goals for the upcoming year and provisional targets for the following two years, emphasizing Canada’s ongoing efforts to balance the flow of temporary and permanent residents.