Intra Company Transfer – ICT

This program allows high-skilled foreign nationals from multinational companies to work temporarily in Canada. It provides an LMIA-exempt work permit for foreign nationals transferring to a Canadian location within their company. It applies to employees at the executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge level.

Eligibility to apply for the ICT Program

The ICT Program welcomes individuals across three primary categories:

• Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Shareholders: This group encompasses individuals currently in executive positions within prosperous companies abroad. They aim to continue their leadership roles within Canada’s expanding operations.

• Senior Managers and Functional Managers: Eligible individuals in this category hold managerial positions within foreign companies. Their intention is to transition into similar roles within Canadian operations, contributing to the management and function of the business.

• Key Employees with Specialized Knowledge: This category includes employees possessing advanced and unique expertise crucial to the business. Their specialized knowledge enhances the effectiveness and success of Canadian operations, making them integral to the ICT Program.

Requirements for the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program in Canada

To apply for the ICT Work Permit (WP) and expand their business to Canada, entrepreneurs must meet specific criteria:

• Operational History: The home company must have been operational for at least 12 months, preferably 3 years, before expanding to Canada.

• Financial Stability: The home company should be financially sound and capable of supporting its operations in Canada.

• Work Experience: Applicants seeking an ICT WP must have worked or been engaged with the home company for at least 12 months within the past three years before applying for immigration.

• Corporate Relationship: The home company must have a relationship with the Canadian entity, either as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate company.

• Viability and Job Creation: Canadian operations should be viable, resulting in job creation for Canadians.

Factors assessed by immigration officers

• Business Plan: A comprehensive business plan demonstrating the viability of Canadian operations, revenue generation, and ability to cover costs and employee compensation.

• Job Creation: Confirmation that the expansion will create job opportunities for Canadians.

• Need for Management: Evaluation of whether the company will require executives or managers in Canada.

Investment required for Business

While there is no set amount, you’ll need to prove your business is financially healthy. Typically, you should show:

• Good Sales: Your company should make around $250,000 a year in sales to prove it’s doing well.

• Cash Access: Have at least $100,000 in easy-to-use cash to cover costs for the first year.

And, it’s smart to have more money available if needed to keep your Canadian operations running smoothly beyond the first year.

Application Process

The application process may vary depending on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries may benefit from agreements with Canada, resulting in a smoother immigration process under the ICT program.

Eligible candidates can submit work permit applications for an LMIA-exempt work permit. However, LMIA may be required in certain cases.

Application submission locations include Canadian Port of Entry (POE) if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, Visa Application Centre (VAC), and online.

Steps Involved

• Confirm Eligibility: Before applying for any immigration program in Canada, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Develop a Strategy: Create a solid plan on how to present your case effectively to the Canadian immigration authorities.

• Gather Strong Evidence: Collect compelling evidence to support your immigration application. Include detailed explanations of how you meet the eligibility criteria and why your presence in Canada is necessary.

• Register Your Company: Establish your company in Canada as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of your home company.

• Prepare a Business Plan: Craft a detailed business plan outlining your proposed activities, market research, and strategies for running a profitable operation in Canada. Include hiring plans and cash flow projections for at least 2-3 years according to industry standards.

• Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as bank statements, articles of incorporation, and evidence of investment funds, to prepare your work permit application.

• Submit Your Application: Once everything is in order, submit your work permit application and await a decision.

Work Permit Duration

• Work permits are typically issued for 1-2 years, extendable for up to 5 years for specialized knowledge workers and 7 years for executives and managers.

Transition to Permanent Residency

• After a year of full-time work in Canada, ICT holders can apply for PR through Express Entry.

• Job offers from their Canadian employer can earn them 50 or 200 extra points.

• These points boost their CRS score, increasing their chances for selection.

• Selected individuals receive an invitation to apply for PR from immigration authorities.

FAQs

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