Canada ICT Program
Canada Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Program Overview
The Canada Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Program is a work permit category under the International Mobility Program that enables multinational companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to Canada to work in a Canadian branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. It is designed to help global companies expand operations in Canada, promote knowledge transfer and support economic growth by bringing executives, senior managers and workers with specialized knowledge to Canadian operations. The ICT work permit is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), simplifying the application process and reducing processing timelines compared to other employer specific permits.
WHY Choose Canada ICT Program?
The ICT Program offers multinational companies and their employees an efficient way to enter the Canadian market without undergoing the LMIA process, which is typically required for most work permits. Qualifying employees can live and work in Canada temporarily while contributing to the growth and alignment of corporate operations. Spouses of ICT work permit holders are generally eligible for open work permits and dependent children can attend Canadian schools. The experience and Canadian work history under an ICT permit can also support future permanent residence pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Program Benefits
- Enables executives, senior managers and specialized knowledge workers to transfer to Canada without LMIA.
- Faster processing compared to LMIA required work permits.
- Allows employees to continue working for a qualifying multinational company in Canada.
- Spouses may be eligible for open work permits.
- Dependent children can attend Canadian public schools.
- Helps companies maintain operational continuity and knowledge transfer across borders.
- Work experience in Canada may support Express Entry or other permanent residence pathways.
- No minimum investment requirement, making it accessible for knowledge driven transfers.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Participants must meet specific criteria to qualify for an ICT work permit:
- The employee must be currently employed by the foreign multinational company and be transferring to an affiliated Canadian entity (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
- The applicant must have worked full time for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years in a role comparable to the position offered in Canada.
- The role in Canada must be as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker.
- Documentation must show the Canadian and foreign entities have a qualifying corporate relationship and are actively doing business.
- The transfer is typically temporary in nature and evidence may be required to demonstrate the intent to return to the foreign position after the Canadian assignment.
APPLICATION FEES
The cost of applying for an ICT work permit includes Canadian government work permit processing and employer compliance fees payable at the time of submission. Additional costs such as biometric fees, medical examinations and police certificates may also apply. Professional advisory and legal service fees for preparing and submitting the ICT application are payable upfront and are non refundable. Any translation, notarization, document authentication, or third party service costs are payable separately by the applicant or employer.
STEPS AND TIMELINE
- Confirm corporate eligibility and qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the Canadian entity.
- Identify a qualifying role (executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker) within the multinational company.
- Prepare all required personal, professional and corporate documentation, including evidence of employment history and job duties.
- Submit the Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay applicable compliance fees.
- File the ICT work permit application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or at the Canadian port of entry, as applicable.
- Undergo processing and potential background or immigration checks. Typical decisions may arrive within weeks to a few months.
- Receive the ICT work permit and enter Canada to begin the transfer assignment.
- Maintain compliance with program requirements, including employment with the Canadian entity and business activity.
- Renew the work permit as needed, up to maximum periods depending on role and category.
