ICT
A Guide to Canada’s Intra-company Transferees Program
2024
Canada’s Intra-company Transferees (ICT) program, an important part of Canada’s International Mobility Program, makes the transfer of executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers with significant benefits for Canada easier. This program is not just about personnel movement; it’s about using global talent to drive economic growth and enhance the transfer of unique skills to the Canadian workforce. The ICT program provides a streamlined process to transfer key employees for companies and helps employees benefit from international exposure and professional development opportunities.
Understanding Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) in Canada
To understand ICT, it’s imperative to understand its purpose. The ICT program, a cornerstone of Canada’s International Mobility Program, is designed for:
- Executives: Leading the company’s major decisions and policies.
- Senior Managers: Supervising the work of other managers or managing essential functions.
- Specialized Knowledge Workers: Possessing unique expertise crucial to the company’s interests.
Requirements and Key Documents
To understand ICT, it’s imperative to understand its purpose. The ICT program, a cornerstone of Canada’s International Mobility Program, is designed for:
- Executives: Leading the company’s major decisions and policies.
- Senior Managers: Supervising the work of other managers or managing essential functions.
- Specialized Knowledge Workers: Possessing unique expertise crucial to the company’s interests.
Employees need to have the following conditions:
- Employment History: Employees must have a minimum of one continuous year of full-time employment with the company in the last three years.
- Role Consistency: The role in Canada should align with the individual’s current position and expertise.
There are key documents you need to prepare before starting your application process:
- Company Documents: Evidence of the company’s business operations and plans for Canada.
- Employee Documents: Proof of the employee’s role, employment history, and professional qualifications.
- Business Plan: A detailed plan outlining the operations and staffing strategies in Canada. Demonstrating significant benefit is a key component.
Processing Times and Fees
Patience is key when it comes to processing times, as they can vary based on various factors, including the applicant’s country and region. While there are considerable application fees, the true investment is in the thorough preparation and strategic planning embedded in the application. Here’s the list of fees you need to keep in mind:
- Employer compliance fee: CAD 230.
- Work permit fee: CAD 155.
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 per family applying at the same time and place.
The Importance of Demonstrating Significant Benefit
The concept of “significant benefit” is an important one in the ICT program, playing a pivotal role in the approval process of applications. This requirement shows the necessity for transferees to contribute positively and substantially to the Canadian economy, culture, or society. Here are some ways you can prove your significant benefit:
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: Transferees are often expected to contribute to the Canadian economy through activities that might lead to job creation or enhancement of the local workforce’s skill set.
- Transfer of Expertise: ICT transferees frequently have specialized knowledge or skills that are not readily available in Canada.
- Cultural and Social Contributions: In addition to economic impact, transferees can also enrich the Canadian social fabric using diverse cultural perspectives and practices.
- Fulfilling Industry-Specific Needs: In sectors where there is a shortcoming of local expertise, the transfer of skilled workers under the ICT program can be crucial in meeting specific industry needs.
- Strengthening Global Ties: The program strengthens Canada’s position in the global market by making international business relations and partnerships easier.
Family Considerations
Embracing family inclusivity, Canada’s approach allows family members to accompany the transferee. This includes:
- Spouse or Partner Work Permits: Enabling spouses or partners to work in Canada.
- Dependent Children Study Permits: Allowing children to continue their education seamlessly.
Staff Transfer Limitations
Balancing the workforce is a delicate act. Initially, the transfer of key staff is limited, often to one in the first year for new startup branches. However, as operations grow, you can transfer additional staff, provided the ratio of local to foreign employees remains positive.
LMIA Exemption
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption under the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) program significantly streamlines the process of transferring key employees to Canada. This exemption means that companies do not need to prove that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position, allowing for a more efficient and less time-consuming process.
Work Permit Validity and Renewal
Initially, ICT work permits are typically granted for one year, especially for new operations. However, companies demonstrating growth and commitment are in a great position to renew their permits.
Permanent Residency Pathways
While the ICT pathway is primarily temporary, it can subtly lay the groundwork for permanent residency. This transition can be facilitated through alignment with programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs or Express Entry.
Your ICT Journey Simplified
At Meta Plus, our team of ICT experts is here to guide you through this intricate yet rewarding journey. We possess a deep understanding of the ICT pathway and its intricacies, ensuring that you make informed decisions that align with your specific goals. With our assistance, you can confidently navigate the application process, meet all requirements, and maximize the potential benefits for your business or personal aspirations. Preparing a winning business plan is our specialty. Let us help you seize the opportunities that the ICT pathway offers and pave the way for success in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) in Canada?
An ICT in Canada is a temporary work permit allowing international companies to transfer qualified employees (executives, senior managers, or workers with specialized knowledge) to their Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Who is eligible for an ICT work permit?
Eligible individuals are those currently employed by a multinational company and seeking to enter Canada to work in a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of that company in an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
What are the key requirements for companies under the ICT program?
Companies must be actively doing business, have a physical presence in Canada, and intend to establish or continue a legitimate operation. They should also have a realistic business plan and the financial ability to support the Canadian operation and staff.
What is a significant benefit?
A “significant benefit” in the context of the ICT program refers to the demonstrable positive impact that the transferee’s work will have on Canada’s economy, culture, or society, often evidenced by job creation, transfer of unique skills, or contribution to industry innovation.
How long is the ICT work permit valid?
Initially, ICT work permits are usually valid for one year. However, they can be renewed based on the company’s performance and adherence to its business plan.
Can family members accompany an ICT transferee?
Yes, spouses or common-law partners may be eligible for open work permits, and dependent children can apply for study permits, allowing them to accompany the main applicant.
What is the processing time for an ICT application?
Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific Canadian visa office processing the application. It can range from a few weeks to several months.
Is it possible to transition from an ICT work permit to permanent residency?
Yes, while ICT is not a direct pathway to permanent residency, it can facilitate the process through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry, especially for those who establish a significant presence in Canada.
Do ICT transferees need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
No, ICT transferees are exempt from the LMIA process, as the program falls under the International Mobility Program.
Can more than one employee be transferred under the ICT program?
Yes, initially, for a new startup branch, usually, only one key staff or executive is transferred. However, as the Canadian operation grows, the company may be eligible to transfer more staff, maintaining a positive ratio of Canadian to foreign employees.