Intracompany Transferee (ICT)
Expanding into the Canadian market or strengthening your presence in Canada here often requires the right talent in the right place.
For multinational companies, the ICT program provides a streamlined way to transfer key personnel to Canadian branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates, without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
As part of the International Mobility Program (IMP), the ICT pathway is designed to bring critical expertise to Canada while helping businesses grow and maintain a competitive global edge.
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Who Can Apply?
The ICT category allows companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge. Success hinges on meeting specific eligibility requirements and submitting a thoroughly documented application. It’s not just about proving the transferee’s qualifications; you also need to demonstrate the strategic value of their move to Canada.
To qualify, both the Canadian and foreign offices must be part of the same multinational company, such as parent companies, branches, or affiliates. The transferee must have been employed in a similar role at the foreign office for at least one year in the past three years. These roles fall into three categories:
Executives
Individuals who direct the organization or a major division.
Managers
Professionals overseeing a team or managing essential business functions.
Specialized Knowledge Workers
Employees with unique expertise essential to the company’s products, services, or processes.
What to Include in Your Application
When applying under the ICT program, thorough documentation is the key to gaining approval. Your application should leave no doubt that the transfer is vital to your business operations in Canada. Here’s what the government is looking for:
Proof of Corporate Relationship
This includes organizational charts, incorporation documents, and evidence of the relationship between the Canadian and foreign entities.
Job Descriptions and Responsibilities
The transferee’s role must clearly align with the ICT categories of executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge. Detailed descriptions help demonstrate this alignment.
Employment History
Provide records showing that the transferee has been employed with the foreign office for at least one year in the last three years.
A strong application highlights not only the transferee’s qualifications but also their unique contributions to the Canadian operation. This means demonstrating how their expertise will drive innovation, lead teams, or support growth in specific ways.
Optimizing Your ICT Application for Approval
ICT applications are processed under the International Mobility Program (IMP), meaning they bypass the LMIA requirement. While processing times vary by country and case complexity, missing or incomplete documentation will cause significant delays. Employers should ensure every detail is meticulously prepared to avoid setbacks.
Once approved, the transferee is issued a work permit that allows them to work legally in Canada. However, it doesn’t end there. Employers are required to remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws, which includes the possibility of audits to confirm adherence to regulations regarding wages, roles, and conditions.
What sets a successful ICT application apart is clarity and alignment. Your application should clearly demonstrate the following:
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The Canadian and foreign offices are part of the same multinational network.
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The transferee’s role fits one of the three eligible categories: executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge.
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The transfer serves a critical business purpose, whether it’s expanding operations, building a team, or launching new initiatives.
Providing organizational charts, robust job descriptions, and evidence of the transferee’s unique qualifications strengthens your case. A well-documented business rationale that explains why the transfer is essential to Canadian operations will make all the difference.
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