ICT Business Visa

Canada has launched the International Mobility Program to enable the skilled professionals from other countries to work there for a limited time. A key part of this initiative is the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) program, which allows employees to transfer to a Canadian branch if their company operates internationally. The government supports this program because it helps to strengthen the economy by bringing the specialized skills to businesses in the Canada. One major advantage of the ICT Visa is that companies can obtain work permits without going through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, making it easier to hire foreign talent.

What Are the Requirements for ICT Under the International Mobility Program

The General Requirements

To get a work permit through this program, you must meet specific requirements.

• Work for a company that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada.
• Apply for a job within the same company’s existing operations in Canada.
• Be transferred to Canada as a senior manager, executive, or a specialist with unique skills.
• Have minimum one year of the full-time work experience with the company outside Canada in the last three years.
• Plan to work in Canada for a limited time only.
• Follow all the immigration rules and the requirements for temporary entry.

The Company Requirements

The business must fulfill certain requirements to be eligible.

• Have physical location in Canada to run your business, especially if specialized skills are needed.
• Show a clear and practical staffing plan for your new operations.
• Prove that you have enough funds to set up the business and pay employees in Canada.
• Show that you can support roles requiring executive, managerial, or specialized skills.
• Provide proof that your business is active and needs specialized knowledge workers.
• Ensure that management is overseeing business operations in Canada.

Documents Needed for ICT Canada

• Proof that you work for a multinational company outside Canada and are applying to work at its branch, the subsidiary, or the affiliate in Canada.
• Confirmation that you have worked full-time in similar role outside Canada for minimum year in the past 3 years.
• Documents showing your position as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge worker.
• If applying for a specialized knowledge role, proof of your expertise and how it applies to the job in Canada.
• Clear details of your job title, responsibilities, and place in the company.
• The expected length of your stay in Canada.
• Proof of the connection between the company in Canada and the one outside Canada.

Time Required to Process an Intra-Company Transfer to Canada

The processing time for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) application usually takes between 2 to 10 weeks. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you may get faster processing. However, the estimated two-week timeline does not include the time needed for biometric processing.

What is the duration of an ICT Visa?

The ICT visa is issued for 1 year. To renew it, you must provide proof of:

• Proof that the Canadian and foreign companies still have a valid business relationship.
• Continued operations, including the supply of goods or services for at least one year.
• Evidence that the new office is properly staffed.

How CWC Can Help?

CWC offers a FREE assessment to help businesses determine their eligibility for the ICT visa. Our experts guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements. This visa allows companies to transfer skilled employees to Canada, supporting business growth. With CWC’s support, you can simplify the process and expand your operations smoothly.