Apply for Canada Intra Company Transfer From Dubai 2024

Why Canada Canada Intra Company Transfer?

•  Establish your current business operations in Canada
•  Easy path for Canada PR
•  Get a study permit for your children
•  Get an open work permit for your Spouse
•  Great opportunity to create employment in Canada

The Canadian immigration system provides various avenues for business immigration. One such avenue is the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program, which is designed for international companies seeking to expand their presence in Canada. This program offers detailed information on its requirements, advantages, application procedures, and pathways to transitioning to permanent residency.

Canada Intra Company Transfer

The Canada Intra Company Transfer (ICT) program, falling under the International Mobility Program, enables qualified foreign business owners to relocate their businesses to Canada and obtain a work permit. Through the ICT pathway, individuals can obtain an ICT Work Permit and eventually apply for permanent residence (PR). Additionally, in most cases, the main applicant’s spouse will receive an open work permit, and their children will be eligible for a study permit.

Intra Company Transfer Canada represents just one of the available business immigration programs. Take advantage of our free instant assessment to explore your migration options. During our hour-long strategy meeting, you’ll also receive guidance from our business immigration lawyers.

Eligibility for the Canada Intra Company Transfer Program

The Canada  intra company transfer program was created with the aim of enticing established firms from around the world to expand their operations in Canada. This program benefits three main categories of individuals: business owners, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders of profitable companies who hold executive positions and aspire to succeed in Canada.

Additionally, senior managers and functional managers who are currently employed in a foreign company and wish to assume similar roles in Canada, as well as key personnel with specialized expertise, are eligible under this program.

Individuals falling into these categories must also meet various other requirements outlined below to qualify for a work permit under the ICT program.

Intra-company transfer Canada requirements

Entrepreneurs who have successfully established businesses in their home countries can apply for an ICT work permit (WP) to expand their enterprises in Canada. However, there are several additional requirements that entrepreneurs must fulfill to obtain a work permit under the ICT program:

1. The company in the entrepreneur’s home country must have been operational for a minimum of 12 months (preferably three years) before expanding into Canada.
2. The original company must be financially stable and capable of supporting operations in Canada.
3. The individual applying for an ICT WP must have been employed by the original company for at least 12 months within the last three years before applying for immigration.
4. The original company should have a relationship with the Canadian company as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate, and the operations must be viable, leading to job creation for Canadians.

Furthermore, if it’s the first venture into Canada for a foreign firm, immigration officers will also assess the following:

• Is there a well-thought-out business plan demonstrating the feasibility of operations in Canada and the ability to generate sufficient revenue to cover costs and employee salaries?

Will this expansion lead to the creation of jobs for Canadian citizens?

Will the operations in Canada be big enough to hire an executive or a manager there?

For companies applying for their first Canada Intra Company Transfer application in Canada, it’s crucial to demonstrate that expanding into Canada is a sound business decision. Moreover, they need to show that their newly established operations in Canada are likely to thrive and grow sufficiently to hire local employees. Therefore, for companies venturing into Canada for the first time, it is essential to present a strong business case and provide a clear rationale for expansion, in addition to meeting the basic eligibility requirements for ICT applications.

Investment amount required for initial growth of business in Canada

The federal government of Canada has not set a specific minimum investment requirement for companies looking to establish themselves in the country. However, it is imperative for these companies to demonstrate financial strength and have sufficient capital to support their new operations in Canada and hire local talent.

Based on our experience, we recommend that companies show robust gross sales exceeding $250,000 per year and possess liquid funds amounting to at least $100,000 to cover operational expenses for the first year. Additionally, besides the initial investment capital, applicants must demonstrate access to additional funds or assets to sustain the Canadian business if it does not achieve self-sufficiency by the end of its first year.

Step by step process to apply for an Intra Company Transfer work permit

To apply for any Canadian immigration program, applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the specific program. Additionally, it’s essential for applicants to develop a robust strategy to effectively demonstrate their potential to Canadian immigration authorities.

Furthermore, applicants need to compile substantial evidence to bolster their immigration applications. This includes providing detailed descriptions of how they intend to fulfill the eligibility criteria and outlining the reasons why they seek to establish themselves in Canada.

If this happens to be your first ICT application, you need to follow the steps as follows:

Step 1: Register your company in Canada as a parent, subsidiary, or an affiliate

Step 2: Devise a business plan charting out the proposed business activities, market research, and how you would plan to run its operation profitably in Canada. Ensure to include your recruitment plan and cash flow projections for the next two to three years in keeping with industry standards.

Step 3: Collect all the essential documents (such as articles of incorporation, bank statements, proof of investment funds, etc.) and prepare your work permit application; and

Step 4: Submit your application for the work permit and await the decision.

Certainly! It’s important to note that the immigration process can vary significantly based on the nationality of the applicant. Some countries have agreements with Canada that provide special pathways for their citizens, such as the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program.

When applicants hail from visa-exempt countries, it is possible to apply at the port of entry (POE) for an ICT WP.

Processing time of Canada intra company transfer visa

Standard processing times typically apply to Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit applications, and you can verify these times on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website specific to your country.

Based on our experience, the average processing times for specific offices worldwide are as follows:

Please note that applications for ICT executives and managers are usually processed by the CPC-Edmonton office in Canada. This office utilizes a case processing technology called “Chinook,” which results in expedited decisions. If you submit your application to the CPC-Edmonton office, you can expect a decision within one or two months. However, we’ve observed that the refusal rates from the CPC-Edmonton office are generally higher compared to other offices. Therefore, it might be beneficial to consult with an immigration lawyer to plan where to submit your application.

Duration of ICT work permits

ICT work permits typically have a duration of one to two years. However, if utilized by a startup firm, the validity of the work permit is typically one year. Nationals from visa-exempt countries may be granted a three-year work permit. Additionally, ICT work permits can be renewed for an additional two to three years, allowing for a total duration of up to five years for skilled knowledge workers and seven years for executives and managers.

Immigration officers may issue one-year work permits to individuals employed by newly established companies in Canada. Nationals from the United States and other citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, etc., can benefit from the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between their countries and Canada, securing a three-year ICT work permit.

As per the program, one can get a WP via a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption (C12).

Switching from Canada ICT to PR

After completing one year of full-time employment with a Canadian company, foreign nationals may become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry program. Depending on their job roles, foreign nationals can receive an additional 50 or 200 points for arranged employment (job offers) from businesses located in Canada.

This boost in points often substantially increases their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, making them more likely to be selected under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category of the Express Entry (EE) stream and receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR from Canadian immigration authorities.

FAQs

• What are the eligibility criteria for Canada Intra Company Transfer? Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific visa category and immigration program. Generally, individuals must be employed by a multinational company with a branch in Canada and have specialized knowledge or executive/managerial roles.
• How long does the Canada Intra Company Transfer process take? The processing time for Canada Intra Company Transfer varies depending on various factors, including the specific visa category, country of origin, and volume of applications. Generally, processing times range from a few weeks to several months.
• Can family members accompany the employee during the Canada Intra Company Transfer? Yes, family members of the employee may accompany them during the Canada Intra Company Transfer process. However, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and obtain appropriate visas or permits.
• Are there any restrictions on employment during the Canada Intra Company Transfer? Employment restrictions may apply depending on the specific visa category and immigration program. Generally, individuals are restricted to working for the sponsoring employer and may require authorization for secondary employment.
• What are the tax implications for individuals undergoing Canada Intra Company Transfer? Tax implications vary depending on the individual’s tax residency status, employment income, and duration of stay in Canada. It is advisable to seek professional tax advice to understand the specific implications for your situation.
• Can individuals undergoing Canada Intra Company Transfer apply for permanent residency in Canada? Yes, individuals undergoing Canada Intra Company Transfer may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada through various immigration pathways, such as the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs.