Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) under the International Mobility Program allow multinational companies to temporarily relocate key, high-skilled employees to their Canadian operations. This LMIA-exempt route not only supports management effectiveness and international competitiveness, but also aids in expanding Canadian exports.
Who Qualifies?
For the Employee:
- You must be currently employed by a multinational company and planning to transfer to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate.
- Your role in Canada must be with a legitimate and ongoing operation.
- You should be transferred into an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position. (Recent updates have removed the “senior” designation for managerial roles, broadening eligibility.)
- You must have been employed full-time in a similar role for at least one year during the three-year period immediately preceding your application.
- The transfer must be temporary, and you must comply with all immigration requirements for temporary entry.
For the Company:
- The organization must have a qualifying relationship between its foreign and Canadian entities.
- A physical presence or a clear plan for Canadian operations is required. In some cases for executive transfers, a temporary address (such as that of legal counsel) is acceptable until a permanent location is secured.
- The company must provide credible staffing plans and demonstrate financial stability to support its Canadian operations and employee compensation.
- There must be clear evidence that the Canadian operation can sustain the role for the transferee.
Required Documentation
- Evidence that the applicant is employed by a multinational company outside Canada and is being transferred to a related Canadian entity.
- Proof of continuous, full-time employment (minimum one year within the past three years) in a similar role.
- A detailed outline of the applicant’s position, including job title, duties, and organizational placement.
- For specialized knowledge positions, documentation demonstrating that the applicant possesses the required expertise and that it is essential for the Canadian role.
- An outline of the proposed position in Canada, covering the job title, responsibilities, expected duration of stay, and a description of the relationship between the Canadian and foreign companies (tangible proof may be requested).
Processing Time
The standard processing time for ICT applications ranges from 2 to 10 weeks. For applicants from visa-exempt countries who qualify for priority processing, decisions can be issued in as little as 2 weeks (biometrics processing is not included in this period).
Validity and Extensions
Typically, the ICT work permit is valid for one year. To extend your stay under the ICT program, you must provide updated evidence that:
- The qualifying relationship between the Canadian and foreign companies remains intact.
- The Canadian operation is actively engaging in the provision of goods or services.
- The Canadian office is fully staffed and operational.
Recent updates have streamlined extension guidelines to ensure that continued eligibility is clearly documented.
This guide reflects the most recent IRCC updates as of late 2024 and early 2025, helping both multinational employers and employees understand the current requirements and procedures for intra-company transfers to Canada.