Intra company transfers

What is Intra-Company Transfers to Canada?

Intra-company transfers to Canada offer a streamlined pathway for international workers employed by companies with a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada. Through this program, workers can obtain a temporary work permit, which can later serve as a valuable stepping stone towards permanent residency, given the high value placed on Canadian work experience under the country's points-based immigration system.

This program also benefits family members, allowing spouses or common-law partners to work in Canada on an open work permit. Employers gain from this process as well, since they are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the transfer quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective. This exemption is particularly advantageous because qualified intra-company transferees bring significant economic benefits by transferring their expertise to the Canadian labor market.

To qualify, both the Canadian and foreign companies must have an active operational relationship, and the employees must have been employed in a similar position for at least one year within the past three years. The positions must fall into specific categories such as executives, senior managers, functional managers, or those with specialized knowledge. This program facilitates easier transitions for companies and their employees, enhancing business operations and personal career growth within Canada.

Benefits and Process

• Temporary Work Permit: Approved applicants receive a temporary work permit.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Work experience gained in Canada as an intra-company transferee is highly valued under Canada's points-based immigration system and can facilitate the transition to permanent residence.
• Family Accompaniment: Family members can join the transferee, and spouses or common-law partners can obtain open work permits.
• LMIA Exemption: The process is quicker and simpler than the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) route because it is exempt from this requirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Companies

To be eligible for an ICT work permit, companies must:

• Have a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship between the enterprises inside and outside of Canada.
• Be operational and actively providing goods and services in both locations, not just maintaining a physical presence in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Employees

Employees must:

• Be employed by a multinational company seeking to transfer them to a Canadian branch.
• Be transferring to a qualifying company in Canada for a legitimate, ongoing role.
• Have been continuously employed full-time by the company for at least one year in the three years preceding the application. Part-time employees may be considered based on additional factors.
• If affected by a corporate acquisition or merger, employees must have worked for an affiliate company for at least one year in the previous three years.
• Intend to stay in Canada temporarily and comply with all immigration requirements.

Eligible Occupations

The occupation in Canada must fall under one of the following categories:

1. Executives and Senior Managers:
• Executive: Directs the management of the enterprise or a major component.
• Senior Manager: Manages all or part of the enterprise and supervises other managers or professional employees.
2. Functional Managers:
• Manages an essential function to achieve the company's goals without necessarily managing employees.
3. Specialized Knowledge:
• Demonstrates advanced expertise and proprietary knowledge of the enterprise's products, services, processes, and procedures.

ICT Work Permits for Start-Up Companies

Foreign businesses establishing a new Canadian enterprise can use the ICT program to bring critical workers for start-up operations. Requirements for an ICT Start-Up visa include:

• Financial Support: Demonstrate the ability to cover start-up costs and compensate employees.
• Business Plan: Outline realistic staffing and business plans.
• Physical Premises: Show evidence of secured or in-process premises.
• Executive/Management Support: For executives or managers, demonstrate the operation's capacity to support such roles.
• Specialized Knowledge Support: For specialized knowledge workers, show active business operations with management oversight in Canada.

The ICT Start-Up program offers a one-year temporary work permit, renewable if the qualifying relationship and active business operations are maintained, and the new Canadian operations are staffed appropriately.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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