In today’s globalized economy, the ability to move talent across borders is vital for businesses and employees. One such avenue for international workers to explore is the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program in Canada. This program allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate with a Canadian Work Permit, creating a pathway that could lead to permanent residence in Canada.
What is the Intra-Company Transfer Program?
The ICT program is designed to allow international employees to work in Canada temporarily by obtaining a Canadian work permit. If you work for a company that has an establishment in Canada, you may be eligible for this program. This opportunity is available to employees from any country and serves as a gateway to gaining valuable Canadian work experience, which is highly regarded under Canada’s points-based immigration system.
Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Program
- No LMIA Requirement: Employers are exempt from obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the process quicker and more cost-effective.
- Family Inclusion: Accompanying family members can join the transferee in Canada. Spouses or common-law partners can work on an open work permit.
- Pathway to Permanent Residence: The Canadian work experience gained can be used to transition to permanent residence, making it simpler to obtain Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points without an LMIA.
- Economic Benefit to Canada: Transferees bring significant economic value to Canada through their specialized skills and expertise.
Categories of Intra-Company Transferees
To be eligible under the ICT program, employees must fall into one of three categories:
- Executives:
- Direct the management of the enterprise or a major component.
- Receive general (if any) supervision from higher-level executives.
- Senior Managers:
- Manage all or part of the enterprise.
- Supervise or control the work of other managers or professional employees.
- Specialized Knowledge Workers:
- Demonstrate specialized knowledge of the enterprise’s product or service.
- Exhibit an advanced level of expertise in the enterprise’s processes and procedures.
In all cases, the worker must have at least one year of full-time work experience with the foreign enterprise and be coming to Canada for a comparable role. Additionally, a qualifying relationship must exist between the employer and employee for a work permit to be issued.
Work Permit Duration and Renewal
The initial work permits under the ICT program are typically granted for one year. However, renewals can be obtained by providing evidence that:
- The Canadian and foreign companies still share a qualifying relationship.
- The new office has continuously provided goods or services for the past year.
- The new office is appropriately staffed.
Transitioning to Permanent Residence
Intra-company transferees often find themselves in a favourable position to transition to permanent residence in Canada. Permanent residents can live and work anywhere in the country.
Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection system, launched in 2015, is the primary method for economic immigration. ICT transferees can gain CRS points, improving their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence without needing an LMIA.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Additionally, there are opportunities outside the Express Entry system, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which offer another route to permanent residence.
Ultimately, those who start working in Canada as intra-company transferees may eventually become naturalized Canadian citizens after gaining permanent residence.
The Intra-Company Transfer Program is a valuable tool for international workers seeking opportunities in Canada. It not only provides a streamlined process for obtaining a Canadian work permit but also offers pathways to permanent residence and citizenship. For businesses, it is a cost-effective method to bring in skilled international talent, benefiting both the company and the Canadian economy.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and unlock new opportunities in Canada? Learn more about the Intra-Company Transfer Program and how it can benefit you.
Contact us to book a consultation For more information and guidance on securing your Canadian Work Permit through the ICT program.