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Expanding your business to new markets is an exciting but challenging venture. Canada, with its robust economy, welcoming immigration policies, and diverse workforce, is an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in North America. One of the most efficient ways to achieve this is through the Canada Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program. This program allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to their Canadian branches, helping to streamline the expansion process.

What is the Canada Intra Company Transfer Program?

The Canada Intra Company Transfer program is a work permit category that enables international companies to transfer qualified employees to their Canadian offices without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program is particularly beneficial for businesses that already have an established presence in Canada or are planning to set up a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

Who is eligible for the Canada Intra-Company Transfer?

To qualify for the Canada Intra-Company Transfer program, both the employee and the company must meet specific criteria:

• Company Eligibility: The company must be a legitimate and operational multinational organization with a qualifying relationship between Canadian and foreign entities. This could be a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
• Employee Eligibility: The employee must have been employed with the foreign company for at least one year within the last three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position. Additionally, the employee must be coming to Canada to perform a similar role.

Benefits of the Canada  Intra-Company Transfer

1. Streamlined Process: The ICT program offers a quicker and more straightforward process for obtaining a work permit compared to other pathways. Since it does not require an LMIA, businesses can avoid the lengthy and complicated assessment process.
2. No Impact on the Canadian Labour Market: The ICT program is designed to facilitate the transfer of essential personnel without negatively affecting the Canadian job market. This makes it an attractive option for both businesses and the Canadian government.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Employees transferred to Canada under the ICT program may eventually be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs like the Express Entry system.
4. Global Expansion: By establishing a presence in Canada, companies can access new markets, build international networks, and strengthen their global brand.

Steps to Expand Your Business to Canada via the Intra-Company Transfer Program

1. Establish a Canadian Entity: Before applying for an ICT work permit, your company must establish a legal entity in Canada, such as a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents to demonstrate the qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, the employee’s role and experience, and the company’s legitimacy.
3. Submit the Application: The ICT work permit application can be submitted online or at a visa application center. Ensure that all required documents and fees are included to avoid delays.
4. Await Approval: Processing times can vary, so it’s important to plan ahead and submit your application well in advance of your intended start date.
5. Begin Operations: Once the work permit is approved, the transferred employee can begin working in Canada, helping to establish and grow the business in the new market.

The Canada Intra-Company Transfer program is a strategic tool for businesses looking to expand into the Canadian market. By facilitating the transfer of key personnel, it allows companies to establish and grow their Canadian operations efficiently and effectively. If you’re considering expanding your business to Canada, the ICT program could be your gateway to success.