Intra Transfer Company Visa
Canada Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
IRCC allows certain foreign workers to apply for employer-specific work permits under the International Mobility Program: Canadian interests – Significant benefit – Intra-company transferees. The Intra-Company Transfer work permit allows multinational organizations to transfer eligible employees from foreign branches to Canadian locations. It is one of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada through investment. This ICT visa allows companies to bring in employees who have the unique skills and knowledge to contribute to the growth of the company’s Canadian subsidiary.
Eligibility for the ICT Visa Canada
By virtue of the ICT program, Canadian companies with international presence can apply to temporarily transfer qualified employees to their Canadian entity. Eligible ICT work permits are exempt from LMIA as they provide significant benefits to the Canadian economy through skill transfer.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the ICT visa in Canada. These include:
- The applicant must be currently employed by the foreign parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the Canadian company.
- The applicant must have been employed continuously by the foreign company for at least one year within three years.
- The qualifying employment positions fall under three categories: executive and senior management, functional managers and specialized knowledge categories.
- The applicant complies with all the immigration requirements for the temporary resident.
- The applicant is transferring to an enterprise that has a qualifying relation with the enterprise in which they are currently employed.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Canada ICT Visa
Applying for an ICT Work Permit in Canada involves several steps. These include:
1. Initial Determination
First, the Canadian employer must provide a written offer of employment to the foreign employee. This offer should outline the duration of the assignment, the job title and description, and the salary and benefits package. The foreign employee will receive the same wages as Canadian employees in equivalent positions.
2. LMIA Exemption
In most cases, the Canadian employer must procure an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) before hiring a foreign worker. However, the ICT work visa exempts companies from obtaining an LMIA, streamlining the process for employers.
3. Gathering Required Documents
The applicant must gather all the necessary supporting documents. It includes proof of the employee-employer relationship, evidence of qualifications and expertise, and any additional documents required to establish the purpose and nature of the intended transfer.
4. Submitting the Application
Once the required documents have been compiled, the applicant can submit their ICT Work Permit application to the designated Canadian immigration authorities. It is important to ensure all forms are completed accurately, and all supporting documents are included.
5. Processing Time
The processing time for an ICT Work Permit may vary. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance, allowing sufficient time for the authorities to assess the application and issue the work permit.
Qualifying Job Positions
In addition, the occupation in Canada must fall under one of the three following categories, each catering to different positions within the organization.
- Executives : This category includes individuals who primarily direct a significant portion of business management. They are responsible for high-level decisions, policy implementation and overseeing the organization’s functions.
- Senior Managers : Senior managers are primarily responsible for managing the organization or its departments. They possess a high level of authority to hire, recommend and fire employees. They also have supervisory responsibilities over other employees.
- Workers with “specialized Knowledge” : This category includes individuals who have proprietary knowledge, advanced proprietary knowledge or specialized knowledge of the enterprise’s product, equipment, or service that contributes significantly to the company’s operations.
Canada Intra-Transfer Company Processing Time
The processing time for the Canada intra-transfer company varies depending on several factors. It includes the Canadian authorities’ workload, the application’s completeness and the applicant’s country of residency since each application may have its unique consideration. The Canada intra-company transfer visa takes 4-6 months to process after submission. However, it is advised to apply in advance to allow for a smooth and timely processing of the visa application.
How Can Our Consultants Help You?
ICT applications can be complex and intricate, and we support the Canadian entity employers as well as the applicant employees through the entire process. Our team of experienced consultants at Immitrust Immigration specializes in assisting individuals and organizations in obtaining a Canada ICT work permit. If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through the ICT program and looking for expert guidance and support, Contact us today.
