Canada Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program

The Canada Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program provides an opportunity for eligible business owners and companies operating outside Canada to expand their business operations into the Canadian market and transfer key employees to Canada. Through this pathway, we assist eligible business owners with establishing their Canadian operations and navigating the work permit process for themselves and eligible employees.

An overseas company may establish a qualifying relationship with a Canadian business through a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship. This allows businesses to expand their existing operations into Canada while transferring essential management personnel and specialized workers who have the knowledge and experience required to support the Canadian operation.

Eligibility Criteria for Business Owners

To establish a business in Canada through the ICT pathway, applicants should currently be operating a legitimate and active business outside Canada. The existing business should demonstrate genuine commercial activity and an established source of revenue, with our programme criteria. Applicants should also have a genuine plan to establish and operate a related business or expansion of their existing business in Canada. Applicants should be below 55 years of age & should fulfil the IELTS requirement as minimum 6.0 overall with a Bachelor’s degree.

The Canadian operation should have a legitimate connection with the existing overseas company, such as a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship. The business expansion should be commercially viable and demonstrate a genuine intention to establish and operate the Canadian business.

Eligibility Requirements for Employees

The ICT pathway can also allow qualifying businesses to transfer key employees to Canada to support the Canadian operation. Employees must generally be currently employed by the overseas company and have worked for the company for at least one year within the previous three years in a qualifying role. Applicants should be below 55 years of age & should fulfil the IELTS requirement as minimum 5.0 overall.

Managers and executives may be required to provide evidence of their professional experience and qualifications, including relevant educational credentials and English-language ability where applicable. Employees being transferred on the basis of specialized knowledge may need to demonstrate their specialized expertise through relevant professional qualifications, experience, and supporting documentation. The exact requirements depend on the position, business structure, and applicable Canadian immigration rules.

Benefits of the ICT Program

The ICT pathway can provide businesses with the opportunity to establish operations anywhere in Canada and transfer key management personnel and specialized employees to support the company’s Canadian expansion. Eligible applicants may also be able to bring their immediate family members when relocating to Canada.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, a spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, while eligible dependent children may be able to obtain study permits. Family members may also have access to Canada’s healthcare system where they meet the applicable provincial eligibility requirements.

The programme can also provide business owners with an opportunity to expand into the North American market and develop their company’s presence in Canada, with potential access to wider commercial opportunities, including the United States market.

Expand Your Business to Canada

For established business owners looking to take their company into the Canadian market, the Intra-Company Transfer pathway can provide a structured opportunity to establish a Canadian operation while transferring the people who are essential to its success. From business establishment and corporate structuring to work-permit applications for business owners and eligible employees, we support clients throughout the process and help them understand the requirements at each stage.