How to move to Canada through the ICT program?
The ICT program grants a great chance to company owners and knowledgeable workers from other countries to advance their business or position in Canada. The IMP permits ICT to facilitate the ability of foreign businesses to transfer personnel to Canada via gaining work permits. Immigration may culminate in permanent residency, and your family may be issued working and study permits. In this blog, you’ll learn about who can participate in the ICT program, what are the required requirements, and how to get an ICT work permit.
What is the intra-company transfer (ICT)?
ICT is one of the forms through which business owners or employees with special skills from other countries may bring their businesses or jobs into Canada through the IMP. This program assists you in obtaining a work permit, and this can result in permanent residency in Canada. In most instances, your spouse can get a work permit and your children can get a study permit.
ICT is only one of the immigration possibilities for business. You can book an appointment with our experienced immigration consultant to start your journey in applying for the ICT program.
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Who can apply for the ICT program?
ICT is a program for individuals employed by companies seeking to venture into Canada. The program applies to three main groups:
- Business Owners and Executives: managers or entrepreneurs in their organization who wish to carry on with similar operations in Canada.
- Senior or Functional Managers: Those presently employed in a managerial capacity in their present organization and may wish to undertake a similar status in Canada.
- Employees with Specialized Skills: Owners who have specialized knowledge or skills valuable to the firm.
What are the ICT program requirements?
If you are a business owner looking to expand into Canada through the ICT program, here’s what you need to qualify:
- Your Business Must Be Active: Your company must be at least 12 months old; however, it would be best if it were three years old.
- Financial Stability: Your business must have adequate capital to finance operations in Canada.
- Work Experience: You must have been employed with your business for more than a year in the last three years.
- Company Relationship: The Canadian business must be related to your current company as a parent; the Canadian business must be the parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of the applicant business.
- Job Creation in Canada: Your business in Canada should be able to provide employment opportunities for employment-seeking Canadians.
If this is the first time your company is expanding to Canada, immigration officers will also check:
- Does your business plan show that your Canadian branch will be successful?
- Will your expansion create jobs in Canada?
- Will the business require a manager or an executive in Canada?
On the first application, it is crucial to bring good arguments about why it is beneficial to expand to Canada to avoid rejection of the application and further demonstration of all relevant eligibility criteria.
How to apply for an ICT work permit?
It is crucial to meet the program’s requirements and start your application well. Here are the steps:
- Register Your Business in Canada: Incorporate your company in Canada as a parent for your current company, a subsidiary, or a related company.
- Create a Business Plan: Explain your business activities related to the Canadian market, recruitment strategy, and budgetary estimate for the operations in the subsequent two to three years.
- Prepare Your Documents: Always keep your documents together, as they include bank statements, business registration documents, and investment proofs.
- Submit Your Application: All in all, after you compile all the documents and have a good application, just submit it and then wait for whatever decision is arrived at.
Note: It can therefore slightly differ depending on the citizenship of the applicant. Applicants from visa-restricted countries need to apply for an ICT work permit before arriving in Canada; however, applicants from visa-exempt countries can apply for an ICT work permit at the port of entry (POE).
What is the ICT work permit processing time?
ICT work permits normally come with a validity of 1 to 2 years. Permits, as a general rule, are for 1 year for start-up companies. Citizens of the visa-exempt countries may be granted a 3-year residence permit. Renewals can add up to a total stay of up to 5 years for specialists and up to 7 years for directors/managers.
For newly established businesses in Canada, the work permits may only be valid for one year. People from countries that have free trade agreements, such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, may enjoy the permit that will be granted for 3 years. Some of the applicants are exempted from the LMIA and may be issued a permit through the LMIA exemption (C12), but some require an LMIA.
The ICT program facilitates a strategic route for firms and specialists to either create or improve their presence in Canada. Meeting the expected criteria and sending the correct application allows you to get a work permit that grants you access to continued opportunities in Canada. For business owners, managers, and those with specialized skills, the ICT program could represent the key to advancing either your career or your business. For personalized guidance, you can contact us for assistance with your application.
