Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released new guidance tightening the requirements for Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) work permits under the International Mobility Program. These changes, announced on October 3, are expected to significantly impact how multinational corporations bring foreign employees to Canada.
Under the International Mobility Program, ICTs allow foreign workers to transfer from a branch or affiliate office abroad to a Canadian unit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, the IRCC’s latest update aims to reduce misuse of the program and increase scrutiny over which employers and employees qualify.
One of the major revisions includes a firmer definition of a legitimate multinational corporation. Moving forward, companies must prove they have revenue-generating operations in at least two countries before establishing a presence in Canada. This condition is intended to ensure that only substantial, operating businesses can leverage the ICT route.
The new guidance also clarifies expectations around the requirement for “specialized knowledge.” Officers are instructed to critically assess whether an applicant truly possesses knowledge that is unique and vital to their role, and whether that role necessitates such expertise. This tighter interpretation may result in a greater number of refusals.
Eligibility criteria have been clarified further, eliminating previous ambiguities that may have allowed for broader interpretations. The IRCC has also consolidated all instructions related to ICTs onto one page, promoting greater transparency and consistency across visa officers.
Additionally, the IRCC strongly emphasized that the ICT pathway must not be exploited to relocate general workforce members to Canada. It must serve strategic business objectives—specifically, the transfer of key personnel with essential knowledge or leadership responsibilities.
Instructions also call for immigration officers to thoroughly document all supporting evidence within Canada’s Global Case Management System (GCMS), ensuring that application decisions are both accountable and verifiable.
This shift signals Canada’s intent to uphold the integrity of its work permit programs while ensuring that foreign talent continues to meet clear and justified business needs. Employers eyeing ICT work permits will now need to be better prepared with comprehensive documentation and a strong business case.
As global businesses look to Canada for expansion, understanding these new ICT rules will be crucial for successful talent mobility.