The Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program of Canada is suited for international businesses that want to grow their current operations in Canada.
Canada has a program called the International Mobility Program that allows high-skilled foreign workers to temporarily work in Canada as an Intra-Company Transferee or other known as the ICT Canada. If an international company has a location within Canada that company can apply to have any of their employees transferred to the Canada location. Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer visa allows the company and employee to avoid applying for an work permit. Qualified intra-company transferees require work permits and are exempted from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). They provide significant economic benefits to Canada by transferring their expertise to Canadian businesses.
Requirements for International Mobility Program: Intra Company Transfer (ICT):
The following are the General Requirements to qualify for an Intra Company Transfer Visa Canada:
- You are currently employed by an international company and seeking entry to Canada in a parent, subsidiary, branch, or an affiliate of that company.
- You are transferring to a company that has a qualifying relationship (see below) and will be undertakign employment at a legitimate and continuing establishment of that company
- You are being transferred to a position in an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
- You have been employed continously (proved through payroll or other form) by the company that plans to transfer them outside Canada in a similar full-time position for at least one year in the three-yearperiod immediately preceding the date of initial application.
- You are coming to Canada for a temporary period only.
- You comply with all the immigration requirements for temporary entry.
Company Requirements for Intra Company Transfer:
- Generally, the company must secure physical premises to house the Canadian operation, particularly in the case of specialized knowledge. However, in specific cases involving senior managers or executives, it would be acceptable that the address of the new start-up not yet be secured; for example, the company may use its counsel’s address until the executive can purchase or lease a premise.
- The company must furnish realistic plans to staff the new operation.
- The company must have the financial ability to commence business in Canada and compensate employees.
- When transferring executives or managers, the company must
- demonstrate that it will be large enough to support executive or management function.
- When transferring a specialized knowledge worker, the company must
- demonstrate that it is expected to be doing business;
- ensure that work is guided and directed by management at the Canadian operation.
How Long is the Intra-Company Transfer Visa Valid?
The Intra-Company Transfer work permit is valid for one year. If you want to renew the work permit through Intra-Company Transfer you must provide evidence that:
- The Canadian and foreign companies still have a qualifying relationship
- The new office has engaged in the continuous provisions of goods or services for the past year
- The new office has been staffed.