What are Intra-Company Transfers?
Intra-company transfers (ICT) represent a key route for international employees to work in Canada. This program allows individuals employed by multinational corporations to move from a foreign branch, affiliate, or parent company to a Canadian entity within the same corporation. This transfer is often a crucial tool for businesses looking to expand into Canada or share critical knowledge across borders. For the employees, it provides an opportunity not only to work in Canada temporarily but also to potentially transition to permanent residency.
The ICT program allows foreign workers to obtain a Canadian work permit, enabling them to contribute to their company’s operations in Canada. Applicants are not required to undergo a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is typically necessary for foreign workers. This exemption simplifies and accelerates the process for both the employer and the employee. ICT workers contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, particularly by bringing specialized skills and knowledge that can enhance the country’s labor market.
Work experience gained as an intra-company transferee is highly valuable in the Canadian immigration system, especially for those considering permanent residency. This is because Canadian work experience is a major factor in the points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used for the Express Entry program, one of the primary pathways for economic immigration to Canada.
Company requirements for Intra-Company Transfers
To qualify for the ICT program, the company must be a multinational corporation with operations in more than one country. The Canadian branch must already be engaged in ongoing business activities or be in the process of establishing itself in the Canadian market. For new or start-up branches, the initial work permit is often limited to one year, but it can be extended if the company can demonstrate that it has made significant progress in its operations during that time.
The multinational company must also prove a genuine need for the employee’s transfer, particularly if the employee falls into the specialized knowledge category. This ensures that the ICT program is used to fill critical roles, rather than circumventing standard immigration procedures.
Eligibility criteria for Intra-Company Transfers
To be eligible for an intra-company transfer to Canada, employees must have at least one year of full-time work experience with the foreign entity of the multinational corporation. Additionally, they must be performing duties in Canada that are similar to their current role abroad. For a transfer to take place, the Canadian entity must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign branch, whether it’s a parent company, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office.
Duration of work permits
ICT work permits are generally issued for an initial period of up to three years. However, there are specific conditions for renewal. For executives and senior managers, the permit may be renewed for two years at a time, up to a maximum of seven years. Workers with specialized knowledge are eligible for a maximum of five years of work permit validity, with similar renewal intervals.
For start-ups or new operations in Canada, the initial work permit is usually valid for one year. After this period, the company must prove that it has made sufficient progress in establishing itself, such as engaging in continuous business activities and maintaining adequate staffing.
Advantages of ICT
One of the most attractive aspects of the ICT program is its potential as a stepping stone to permanent residency in Canada. Many intra-company transferees use the Canadian work experience they gain to bolster their CRS score in the Express Entry system.
Beyond Express Entry, intra-company transferees may also have the option to apply for permanent residency through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Certain provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, have streams designed to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers and managers, making these programs accessible to ICT participants. These pathways offer more flexibility, particularly for workers who may not meet the CRS thresholds required for Express Entry.
Ultimately, many ICT workers who initially come to Canada on temporary work permits can transition to permanent residency and, eventually, Canadian citizenship.
Conclusion
The Intra-Company Transfer program is a vital tool for multinational corporations and their employees. It allows companies to efficiently transfer talent and expertise to their Canadian operations, contributing significantly to the local economy. For workers, it presents an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be leveraged to secure permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
By simplifying the process of transferring skilled workers across borders and providing clear pathways to permanent residency, Canada continues to position itself as a destination of choice for global talent. The ICT program not only enhances Canada’s economic prospects but also offers foreign workers and their families a chance to establish a long-term future in one of the world’s most prosperous and diverse countries.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.
