Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) under the International Mobility Program in Canada have seen significant updates to the instructions governing their work permits under paragraph R205(a). These revisions are aimed at simplifying the process and improving clarity for immigration officers overseeing ICT applications.
Consolidated Guidance for ICTs
The instructions have now been consolidated into a single comprehensive page to streamline access and reduce the need for navigating multiple resources. This initiative simplifies the guidance process for officers assessing ICT applications.
Clarification on Eligibility Criteria
A critical element of these updates is defining that ICTs must originate from a foreign branch of an existing multinational corporation (MNC). The criteria for what constitutes a multinational corporation are now clearly outlined, assisting officers in eligibility assessments.
Eligibility and Requirements Breakdown
Additional guidance has been provided regarding essential eligibility criteria, including:
- Work Experience: Foreign nationals must demonstrate required work experience with their foreign enterprise.
- Employment Location: Clear guidelines specify where ICTs must be employed.
- Category Changes: Criteria are detailed for changing ICT categories when applying for new work permits.
- Permits Duration: Updated information on the maximum allowed duration for ICT work permits.
- New Enterprise Entry: Eligibility clarified for those entering Canada to establish new enterprises under administrative code C61.
Specialized Knowledge Specifications
Further elaboration is offered on what constitutes “specialized knowledge,” emphasizing:
- Clarity in Definition: Officers have a refined definition to refer to when assessing applicants’ specialized knowledge.
- Assessment Protocols: Instructions on evaluating specialized knowledge possession by applicants.
- Low-Skilled Occupations: Additional scrutiny is recommended for low-skilled occupations to confirm if specialized knowledge is genuinely required and possessed.
Additionally, this program does not intend to facilitate large-scale workforce transfers from enterprises to Canadian entities via the ICT category.
Enhancing Integrity and Compliance
Ensuring transparent and justified decisions, officers must record all pertinent evidence used in making final decisions on ICT work permit applications within the Global Case Management System (GCMS). If full evidence inclusion isn’t possible, a summarized note of evidence consulted should be provided.
By offering these detailed updates, Canada continues to enhance its immigration processes while ensuring compliance and fostering transparent decision-making.
