IRCC Releases Updates on Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Program

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced updates on October 3, 2024, to its guidance for processing Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) work permit applications.

These updates introduce stricter requirements for employers and employees, making it more challenging to obtain work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Key Changes for Intra-Company Transferees

The new guidelines impose stricter requirements for employers seeking to transfer employees to Canada through the ICT pathway. Notable updates include:

• Employers must now prove that they are a multinational corporation (MNC) with revenue-generating operations in at least two countries before establishing a presence in Canada.
• Officers are required to assess an employee’s specialized knowledge and determine whether the applicant’s role genuinely requires such expertise. The definition of “specialized knowledge” has also been clarified to ensure a more rigorous evaluation process.
• The updated guidance consolidates instructions for ICTs into a single page, streamlining the process for officers and applicants alike.