Intra Company Transfer (ICT)

Overview of Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit Program allows multinational businesses to transfer key employees to Canada without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program supports international businesses in improving management efficiency, expanding exports, and increasing their global competitiveness.

Foreign companies with a branch, subsidiary, parent, or affiliate in Canada can apply to transfer employees under the ICT visa Canada category. These transfers facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen business operations in Canada. Qualified professionals can work in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles under this program.

Eligibility for Intra-Company Transfers to Canada

To qualify for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit Program, both the employee and the company must meet specific requirements.

General Requirements for Employees

Employees applying for an ICT visa in Canada must meet the following conditions:

• Currently employed by a multinational company seeking to transfer them to its parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada.
• Have worked in a similar full-time position for at least one year in the last three years before applying.
• Transferring into an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge role in Canada.
• Coming to Canada for a temporary period under the ICT work permit.
• Must comply with all Canadian immigration regulations.

Company Requirements for ICT in Canada

Companies applying for Intra-Company Transfers to Canada must meet the following conditions:

• Secure physical premises in Canada to house the transferred employee (exceptions apply for executives and senior managers).
• Provide a realistic business plan for staffing and operations in Canada.
• Show financial capability to start and sustain business operations.
• When transferring executives or managers, the company must prove it is large enough to support its function.
• When transferring a specialized knowledge worker, the company must demonstrate that:

• The company is actively doing business in Canada.
• The Canadian operation guides and directs the work of the transferred employee.

Eligible Positions under ICT Canada

1. Executive Positions

Executives direct the company or a major division and make key decisions with minimal supervision.

2. Senior Managerial Positions

Senior managers supervise and control the work of other managers or key employees and have decision-making authority.

3. Specialized Knowledge Workers

Employees in this category must have advanced expertise in the company’s products, services, or processes, and their knowledge must be critical to business operations in Canada.

Benefits of the ICT Visa Canada

• LMIA Exemption – Avoids the complex Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
• Pathway to Canadian PR – ICT visa holders may transition to permanent residency through programs like the Express Entry system.
• Fast Processing – Priority processing is available for visa-exempt applicants, reducing wait times to as little as two weeks.
• Work Authorization for Dependents – Spouses of ICT visa holders may apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada.

Required Documents for ICT Work Permit

Applicants for an Intra-Company Transfer to Canada must provide the following:

1. Proof of Employment – A letter from the company confirming the applicant’s current employment, position, and responsibilities.
2. Work Experience – Documentation proving that the applicant has been employed full-time for at least one year in the last three years.
3. Job Description – Detailed explanation of professional responsibilities.
4. Position in Canada – Summary of the job in Canada, including the job’s title and duties/responsibilities.
5. Proof of Specialized Knowledge (if applicable) – Documentation showing the applicant’s expertise in a unique skill set.
6. Company Relationship – Evidence that the Canadian entity is a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate of the foreign company.
7. Intended Duration of Stay – A letter specifying the expected length of employment in Canada.

Processing Time for ICT Visa Canada

The processing time for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit varies:

• Standard Processing – 2 to 10 weeks, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
• Priority Processing – 2-week processing is available for visa-exempt applicants (excluding biometrics processing).

Financial Requirements for ICT Business in Canada

Companies need to prove financial well-being and continued service to the transferred employee. The company must:

• Prove it has the funds to start and operate a business in Canada.
• Show financial viability to compensate employees.
• Provide a business plan outlining projected growth and staffing requirements.

Legal and Professional Fees for ICT to Canada

The cost (legal + professional) for the ICT Work Permit is USD 45,000. that includes legal advice, assist with processing applications, and providing assistance during the transfer process.

Pathway to Permanent Residency through ICT

While the ICT visa in Canada is a temporary work permit, it can lead to permanent residency through the following programs:

• Express Entry – After gaining Canadian work experience, ICT workers may apply for Canadian PR through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Many provinces offer PNP pathways for ICT workers.

Key Considerations for Employers and Applicants

• The ICT program is not for general employment but for strategic transfers that benefit the company’s Canadian operations.
• Specialized knowledge workers must prove that their expertise is critical and not easily found in Canada.
• ICT employees must remain under the company’s payroll in their home country or Canada.
• The initial work permit is valid for up to 1 year for new offices and up to 3 years for established businesses, with renewals available up to a maximum of 7 years for executives and 5 years for specialized knowledge workers.

Why Choose the ICT Visa Canada?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit Program is an ideal route for multinational companies looking to expand their business in Canada. It allows businesses to efficiently transfer key employees while avoiding LMIA requirements. With fast processing times, PR pathways, and work authorization for dependents, it is one of the most attractive business immigration programs in Canada.

For companies looking to transfer skilled professionals and executives to their Canadian operations, the ICT Visa Canada offers a streamlined and effective solution.

Why Choose Lalani & Associates for Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) to Canada?

Lalani & Associates is a trusted immigration consultancy specializing in Intra-Company Transfers to Canada (ICT), offering expert guidance for a seamless process.

Key Benefits:

✔ Expertise – Strong track record in ICT visa Canada applications.
✔ Tailored Solutions – Customized strategies for businesses and professionals.
✔ Fast Processing – Efficient handling to avoid delays.
✔ End-to-End Support – Assistance from application to post-arrival services.
✔ High Success Rate – Proven experience in securing ICT work permits.

Get in touch now and make your Canada Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Program simple and stress-free!

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