Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) – Canada Work Permit
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is a widely used and efficient immigration route that allows employees of multinational companies to relocate to Canada. If you are currently working for an organization outside Canada that has a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada, you may qualify for a temporary work permit under this program
This work permit provides an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is highly regarded in Canada’s Express Entry system for permanent residency. In addition, your immediate family members may also accompany you during your stay in Canada.
Advantages of the ICT Program
- No need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Simplified and quicker application process
- Recognized Canadian work experience that enhances PR eligibility
- Spouses and children can also move to Canada
- Supports the movement of skilled professionals into the Canadian workforce
Eligibility Criteria for ICT Applicants
To apply for a work permit through the ICT stream, you must:
- Be employed by a multinational business with operations in both your current country and Canada (through a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary).
- Intend to work in Canada in a role that is either executive, senior managerial, or requires specialized knowledge.
- Have completed at least one continuous year of full-time work with the foreign company within the last three years.
- Be coming to Canada to perform similar duties to those carried out abroad.
- Ensure there is a genuine business relationship between both entities.
The International Mobility Program and trade agreements like NAFTA/CUSMA guide the interpretation of these job roles.
Types of Eligible Roles
1. Executives
- Oversee the direction and policies of the company or a major part of it.
- Report only to top-level leadership.
- Play a major role in strategic decision-making.
2. Senior Managers
- Lead company departments or entire operations.
- Supervise managers and professional staff.
- Implement policies and manage day-to-day operations.
3. Employees with Specialized Knowledge
- Bring in-depth expertise of the company’s processes, tools, or services.
- Use their unique skills to support business expansion and development in Canada.
Requirements for the Company
To sponsor an employee under the ICT program, a company must:
- Be actively conducting business outside and inside Canada.
- Demonstrate a qualifying relationship with the Canadian entity.
- Be operational in Canada, not just incorporated or registered.
In the case of new Canadian offices, the initial work permit is usually granted for one year.
To extend it, the company must provide proof that:
- The foreign and Canadian entities are still related and operating.
- The Canadian branch is actively doing business.
- There is an appropriate number of staff to carry out operations.
Permanent Residency Opportunities
Foreign nationals working in Canada through ICT may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Canadian work experience gained through ICT greatly enhances your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Contact us today to explore your options under the ICT Business Visa program.