Intra-Company Transfer Work Permits for Canada

Unlock Global Talent Mobility with Intra-Company Transfers to Canada

For multinational businesses with a presence in Canada, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program offers a strategic pathway to bring essential foreign workers to your Canadian operations. This specialized work permit stream allows companies to transfer key personnel – executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized knowledge – without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Samakav Immigration Corp. specializes in guiding businesses through the complexities of Canadian immigration. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) provide expert assistance, ensuring a smooth and compliant process for your intra-company transfers, from initial assessment to work permit acquisition.

Key Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Program

• LMIA Exemption: A significant advantage, as it bypasses the often lengthy and complex Labour Market Impact Assessment process, accelerating the transfer of talent.
• Strategic Talent Deployment: Enables companies to move critical employees with specific skills, experience, or proprietary knowledge to Canada, supporting business growth and continuity.
• Flexibility for Start-ups: Offers a viable option for foreign businesses establishing new operations in Canada to bring in essential management or specialized knowledge workers.
• Temporary Entry: Facilitates temporary assignments, allowing for project-based work or the establishment of new ventures with the possibility of renewal.

Who Qualifies for an ICT Work Permit?

The Intra-Company Transfer program is designed for specific types of employees and requires a qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities. Both the company and the employee must meet certain criteria:

Company Criteria:

• The foreign and Canadian enterprises must have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).
• Both entities must be actively 'doing business' – providing goods or services on an ongoing basis. The Canadian entity must be operational, not merely a physical location.

Employee Criteria:

• Must be currently employed by a multinational company and seeking to transfer to a qualifying Canadian entity.
• Must be transferring to a legitimate and ongoing establishment in Canada.
• Must have been continuously employed by the transferring company in a similar full-time position for at least one year within the three-year period immediately preceding the application date. (Exceptions may apply for recent corporate acquisitions/mergers).
• Must be coming to Canada for a temporary period only.
• Must comply with all Canadian immigration requirements for temporary entry.

Occupation Categories:

Transferred employees must fall into one of three specific occupational categories:

1. Executives: Primarily directs the management of the enterprise or a major component thereof.
2. Senior Managers: Manages all or part of the enterprise and supervises/controls the work of other managers or professional employees.
3. Specialized Knowledge Workers: Possesses an advanced level of expertise and proprietary knowledge of the enterprise's products, services, processes, and procedures.

Intra-Company Transfers for Start-Up Companies

Foreign businesses establishing a new Canadian enterprise can also utilize the ICT program to bring in critical workers. For start-up applications, additional requirements apply:

• Financial Capability: Evidence that the company can financially support the start-up costs and compensate employees.
• Business Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining realistic staffing and operational strategies for the Canadian venture.
• Physical Premises: Proof that physical premises have been secured or are in the process of being secured.

For executives or managers, the Canadian entity must demonstrate it will be large enough to support these functions. For specialized knowledge workers, the company must show it is expected to be doing business and that the work will be directed by management within Canada.

ICT work permits for start-ups are typically issued for one year and may be renewed if the qualifying relationship and active business operations continue, and the new Canadian operations have been adequately staffed.

Your Path to Canada with Samakav Immigration Corp.

Navigating the specific requirements for Intra-Company Transfers can be intricate. Samakav Immigration Corp. offers comprehensive support to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and compelling. Our RCICs are committed to providing personalized guidance, helping you understand eligibility, prepare necessary documentation, and submit a strong application.

Ready to transfer your key talent to Canada?

Contact Samakav Immigration Corp. today for a professional consultation. Let us help you facilitate a seamless transition for your employees and support your business expansion in Canada.

Schedule Your Consultation Now