Happy October!

If you are in Canada, I hope you are enjoying the glorious colours of fall, or experiencing a beautiful season wherever in the world you are. This month, we’re sharing some important updates in immigration, along with a personal and meaningful firm accomplishment, plus a special client reminder.

Ontario Region Launches Francophone Pathway to Permanent Residence

The Superior East region in Ontario has recently unveiled its Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). This region, along the northern shore of Lake Superior, includes Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, and surrounding First Nations. Superior East is the last of six communities participating in the FCIP to roll out this employer-focused pathway for French-speaking foreign nationals.

Eligibility for the FCIP:

Candidates must have a job offer in a priority sector and occupation endorsed by the local economic development organization, and meet other criteria to qualify.

Priority Sectors:

• Health sector

• Education, law, social, community, and government services

• Sales and services

• Trades, transport, machinery, and related fields

• Natural resources, agriculture, and related production

Priority Occupations Include:

• Licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, and patient service associates

• Elementary and secondary school teachers

• Early childhood educators and assistants

• Cooks, food service supervisors, and cashiers

• Carpenters, electricians, welders, heavy equipment operators, and more

Note: Only employers operating in priority sectors and hiring for priority occupations may become designated employers. Candidates must have a minimum NCLC 5 in French, 1 year of related work experience (or qualifying international graduates), secondary school-level credentials, and sufficient settlement funds.

Eligible candidates may apply for a work permit while their PR application is processed after receiving a recommendation from the regional economic development organization.

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Program Updates

IRCC has released significant updates to the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) instructions under R205(a). These changes raise evidentiary and definitional standards for work permit eligibility under the International Mobility Program.

Key Policy Updates:

• Multinational Enterprise Definition (C61): ICT cannot be used to create a multinational structure for the first time. The business must already operate in two countries plus Canada.

• “Doing Business” Requirement: Virtual presence or an office alone is insufficient. Evidence of active business operations in Canada and abroad is required.

• Physical Commercial Premises Required: Applications may be refused if the Canadian entity operates from a residential or virtual address. Evidence of a commercial lease, payroll accounts, and active operations is required.

• Specialized Knowledge Standard (C63): Applicants must show advanced proprietary knowledge. Positions are typically TEER 0–2 with wages meeting or exceeding prevailing rates.

• Work Location & Employer Control: If working at client sites, the Canadian entity must maintain day-to-day supervision.

• Extensions & Duration Caps: Maximum stays: 7 years for executives/managers, 5 years for specialized knowledge workers. Start-up permits remain capped at 1 year.

Firm Announcement – Co-Chair Appointment

We are proud to share that Rema Aljajeh, Partner & Co-founder at R&R Law LLP, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Women’s Mentorship Core Committee at the London Chamber of Commerce. Rema looks forward to supporting and empowering women in the community through mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth.

Anniversary Discount Reminder

As a reminder, our 20% anniversary discount on professional/legal fees is still available for any application processed by our firm, valid until October 31, 2025.

Take advantage of this special offer before the end of the month!

Regards,

Rema and Rebecca