Learn about significant changes to Canada’s Intra-Company Transferee program, which simplify rules for international transfers and improve eligibility requirements’ clarity.

The Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) program has undergone significant modifications from Canada’s immigration department, demonstrating the department’s dedication to streamlining the immigration process. These amendments, which were published on October 3, simplify and add clarity to the staff instructions under section R205(a) of the International Mobility Program’s (IMP) Canadian Interests – Significant Benefit category.

Important Modifications to the Intra-Company Transferee Scheme

It is now explicitly stated in the revised criteria that applicants for ICT must have been transferred from a foreign office of a recognized multinational firm (MNC). Further elucidations are given regarding the evaluation of an applicant’s “specialized knowledge” and the veracity of a position’s need for such proficiency. Additionally, the requirements for foreign nationals wishing to be eligible for ICT have been streamlined, guaranteeing a clearer and more transparent examination procedure.

The modifications aim to give officers clear and consistent information by combining all ICT instructions onto one page. They also stress that the ICT route should not be used as a backdoor for transferring ordinary staff to Canadian offices. To improve the process’s integrity, officers are also urged to record all evidence in the Global Case Management System (GCMS).

Improved Guidelines for Free Trade Accords

Sections R186(s) and R204(a) have also been updated, standardizing the format and enhancing the guidelines for work permits under a number of free trade agreements, including those with the US, Korea, the EU, and other countries. The procedure is made more approachable and user-friendly by incorporating instructions into the specific pages for every temporary employment arrangement.

Towards Wider Reform: A Step

These adjustments are in line with the government’s larger plan to rebalance Canada’s temporary resident population. These ICT improvements, along with recent revisions aimed at study permits, post-graduation work permits, and low-wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, are part of a broader initiative to better manage Canada’s immigration system.

With the immigration Levels Plan set to be released on November 1st, and the inclusion of targets for temporary residents for the first time, Canada is further refining its immigration strategy and streamlining initiatives like the ICT.