Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — Canada Work Permit
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program allows executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers of multinational companies to transfer to their Canadian office without an LMIA. It is also available to entrepreneurs establishing a new Canadian branch or subsidiary.
Who Is This For?
- Executive or senior manager who directs primary company operations or supervises other managers
- Specialized knowledge employee with advanced expertise in the company's products, services, or processes
- Minimum 1 year of full-time employment at the foreign company within the past 3 years
- Canadian company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (branch, subsidiary, or affiliate)
- Entrepreneurs establishing a new Canadian branch with a realistic business plan and financial capacity
- No age restrictions — language requirements are flexible
How It Works
- 1
Eligibility Assessment
ITC iLand evaluates your corporate relationship and job role to confirm ICT applies — whether it's a standard transfer or a new branch establishment.
- 2
Corporate Document Preparation
We compile corporate relationship documents: employment contracts, payroll records, articles of incorporation, business plan (for startups), and evidence of the Canadian office.
- 3
Personal Document Preparation
Gather your passport, identity documents, employment letter, and evidence of your specialized knowledge or managerial role.
- 4
Work Permit Application Filing
We file the ICT application online — no LMIA needed. Processing takes 2–10 weeks.
- 5
Arrive & Launch Canadian Operations
Enter Canada on your work permit. Startups have one year to fully establish Canadian operations before renewal.
- 6
Extend or Apply for PR
Managers can renew for up to 7 years total. After one year of skilled Canadian work experience, you qualify for Express Entry CEC or a PNP stream.
Why ITC iLand for This Program?
ITC iLand has processed ICT applications for Iranian business owners, European multinationals, and Asian entrepreneurs. We specialize in structuring both standard corporate transfers and new branch establishments that carry no LMIA fee or wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ICT specifically allows entrepreneurs establishing a new Canadian branch to enter on an initial one-year work permit. You must have a realistic business plan, financial capacity, and evidence of initial business establishment steps.
Managers can stay up to 7 years total (initial 3 years + renewals). Specialized knowledge workers are limited to a cumulative maximum of 5 years. Both categories are LMIA-exempt.
Your spouse or common-law partner typically qualifies for an open work permit — meaning they can work for any employer in Canada. Children can enrol in Canadian schools.
Yes. ICT is open to companies from any country establishing or transferring to a Canadian branch. Sanctions do not affect ICT eligibility per se, although other considerations may apply. Consult ITC iLand for your specific situation.
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