Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration authorities have tightened the rules governing work permits issued under the International Mobility Program’s C20 exemption, restricting eligibility to foreign nationals who are already employed by the sponsor company abroad.
On July 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada published updated instructions stating that for a C20 work permit, the worker must be currently employed by the company abroad; starting employment only upon arrival in Canada would not enable the intended exchange of knowledge or experience.
The change is framed under R205(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which governs reciprocal employment permits. The updated guidance clarifies that reciprocity can be demonstrated through opportunities provided to Canadians at a multinational company’s offices worldwide, not necessarily as a direct country-to-country exchange.
Notably, the updated instructions remove references to neutral labour market impact that appeared in earlier versions, aligning the policy with a criteria-based assessment of actual reciprocity rather than broad LM impact.
For employers and candidates who rely on the C20 pathway to expedite talent mobility, the update may necessitate adjustments in hiring timelines and eligibility assessments. Maple News will continue to monitor official notices and report on further developments.