ICT work visa – Intra Company Transferee

 

This program allows international companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to Canada in order to expand exports in Canada and increase competition in foreign markets. In simpler words, these companies transfer their key and expert people to their company’s branch in Canada in order to establish and develop their business.

Applicants can apply for a work permit without the need for an LMIA permit if:

• Currently employed and employed by an active and eligible company and willing to work in the Canadian branch of the same company. Active company means that it is regularly and continuously engaged in providing services and goods in its country.
• They are transferred to a company that is fully related to the company they are currently working in and continue to work legally and continuously in that company. Providing 18 to 24 months of work experience in the current company is mandatory.
• Their job positions are executive, senior management or have special expertise.
• have been continuously employed (through payroll or direct contract with the company) by a company that intends to place them outside of Canada in a similar full-time position (not a part-time equivalent) for at least one year in the previous three years Transfer from the date of initial request.

 

Necessary conditions for a company branch in Canada

• A company registered in Canada must have a specific physical address.
• If a company wants to establish a branch in Canada, it must have a realistic plan in its field of work to justify its new activities in Canada. Therefore, presenting a strong and justifiable business plan is one of the requirements of this program.
• The company must have the appropriate financial ability to start business in Canada and pay the salaries of the employees.
• If the company wants to move its executive or senior managers to Canada, it must show that the company’s business in Canada will be large enough to require the manager.
• If a company wants to send its expert workforce to Canada, it must be able to demonstrate that:
  • The expert must have a role in their business
  • His activity in Canada is under the supervision of the Canadian manager of the company.

Issuance of this work permit takes between 2 and 10 weeks and is initially issued for one year. It is also possible to extend it.

 

Obtaining permanent residence through ICT

This program does not automatically lead to permanent residence. After 1 year of work experience in Canada, the applicant can apply for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry and preferably through the “Canadian Work Experience” program.