What is Intra Company Transfer or ICT Program?
The ICT (intra-company Transfer) pathway is an immigration avenue within the International Mobily Program, enabling eligible foreign business owners to locate their businesses in Canada and obtain a work permit. Under this pathway, individuals can acquire an ICT Work Permit, leading to potential |permanent residence (PR) status. Additionally, in many instances, the principal applicant’s spouse may receive an open work permit, while their children may be eligible for study permits.
Who Can Apply for ICT Program?
The intra-company transfer program aims to attract well-established companies worldwide to expand their operations into Canada. This program offers opportunities for three main categories of individuals:
-Business owners, entrepreneurs, and shareholders of successful companies currently holding executive positions within their company, intending to engage in similar roles in Canada.
-Senior managers and functional managers employed in foreign companies, planning to assume comparable positions in Canada.
-Key employees possessing advanced specialized knowledge that is unique or uncommon.
Applicants in these categories must also fulfill various additional requirements outlined below to secure a work permit through the ICT program.
ICT Requirements?
Entrepreneurs with successful businesses abroad can apply for the ICT Work Permit to expand to Canada.
Additional requirements include:
- The home company must operate for at least 12 months (ideally 3 years) before expanding to Canada.
- Financial stability of the home company to support Canadian operations.
- Applicant must have worked with the home company for at least 12 months in the past three years.
- The home company must have a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship with the Canadian company.
- Canadian operations must be viable and lead to job creation for Canadians.
For initial expansions to Canada, officers will verity
- A solid business plan demonstrating viability and revenue generation.
- Job creation potential for Canadians.
- Need for executive ur managerial roles in Canada.
It’s crucial for first-time applicants to showcase a strong business case and explain the rationale behind expansion to Canada.
-Business owners, entrepreneurs, and shareholders of successful companies currently holding executive positions within their company, intending to engage in similar roles in Canada.
-Senior managers and functional managers employed in foreign companies, planning to assume comparable positions in Canada.
-Key employees possessing advanced specialized knowledge that is unique or uncommon.
Applicants in these categories must also fulfill various additional requirements outlined below to secure a work permit through the ICT program.
Investment Amount for the ICT program?
The Canadian government doesn’t stipulate minimum investment thresholds for companies expanding to Canada, However, firms must exhibit financial stability and possess sufficient capital to sustain their new Canadian operations and hire local employees.
Based on our experience, companies should showcase robust annual gross sales surpassing $250,000 and have access to liquid funds of at least $100,000 to cover initial operational expenses for the first year. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate access to extra funds or assets to support the Canadian business if it doesn’t achieve self-sufficiency by the end of the first year.
How to Apply for ICT?
Before applying for any immigration program in Canada, candidates must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for that specific program. They should then develop a comprehensive strategy for presenting their case to Canadian immigration authorities. This involves gathering strong evidence to support their application and providing detailed explanations on how they meet the eligibility requirements and why their presence in Canada is necessary.
For first-time ICT applicants, follow these steps:
- Register your company in Canada as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of your home company.2. Develop a business plan outlining proposed activities, market research, hiring plans, and cash flow projections for 2-3 years.3. Gather all required documents (bank statements, articles of incorporation, proof of investment funds, etc.) and prepare your work permit application.4. Submit your work permit application and await a decision.
It’s important to note that the process can vary significantly depending on the applicant’s nationality. Some countries have agreements with Canada that facilitate a smoother immigration process under the ICT.
For citizens of visa-exempt countries, it may be possible to apply for an ICT Work Permit at the port of entry (POE).
Based on our experience, companies should showcase robust annual gross sales surpassing $250,000 and have access to liquid funds of at least $100,000 to cover initial operational expenses for the first year. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate access to extra funds or assets to support the Canadian business if it doesn’t achieve self-sufficiency by the end of the first year.
Canada Intra Company Transfer Visa Processing Time
It’s important to note that ICT applications for executive and managerial staff are frequently processed by the CPC-Edmonton office in Canada. This office utilizes a case processing technology called “Chinook,” which often results in expedited decision-making. If your application is directed to the CPC-Edmonton office, you can expect a decision within 1-2 months. However, based on our experience, rejection rates from the CPC-Edmonton office tend to be higher compared to other offices. Therefore, seeking advice from an immigration lawyer to strategize the submission location for your application is advisable.