Intra Company Transfer Canada – A Pathway To Canada PR

Last Updated On : January 29 , 2025

Canada has a strong English tradition, a growing French-speaking population, and a strong multicultural society. Its reputation as a safe and attractive place to live makes it a natural destination for multinational corporations that want to develop businesses or relocate. Intra-company transfers to Canada are a great pathway to Canada PR.

The main advantage is that your company can take advantage of Canada PR without you having to leave your current employer or company. This is important because it is not something that everyone can do.

The employer you are currently with would not be able to sponsor you for PR, which requires legal and administrative assistance. The Canada PR allows you to make changes to your immigration status and stay and work in Canada.

Intra Company Transfer Work Permit to Canadian PR

Permanent residency (PR) is a status given to people who are not citizens of Canada. With PR, you can live in the country and work without any time limit.

International intra-company transfer Canada offers a pathway to Canada PR for foreign nationals of companies that have offices in Canada, are legally registered in Canada, offer employment opportunities to Canadians or permanent residents, and have a business plan or a work permit application in process.

This category is ideal for foreign nationals who are on assignment to Canada on behalf of their company. The employment must be with the Canadian branch of the foreign company, not its foreign office.

After one year of gaining Canadian work experience as intra-company transferees with an ICT work permit, if you are applying for an express entry program for PR, an additional 50 points will be added to your CRS score, most likely increasing your chances of getting an ITA [Invitation to Apply] for Permanent Residence.

How do I apply for an Intra Company Transfer Work Permit?

Applying for an intra-company work permit varies based on the applicant's nationality.

If the applicant is from the visa-exempt nationals, they can apply for the intra-company transfer work permit at the port of Entry (POE).
If the Intra-company transfers to Canada from the US, they can apply at POE. The waiting period will be shorter for them.
Others have to apply online.

Intra Company Transfer Canada Processing Time

The processing time for an Intra Company Transfer Canada application is usually 1 to 2 months from the moment of application. Sometimes, it may go up to 3 to 4 months in rare cases. This processing time can vary depending on the type of application you are applying for and the immigration category you fall under.

The processing time for all Canadian immigration programs is dynamic and is constantly changing based on the number of applications and the current levels.

Intra Company Transfer Canada applications can be processed faster if the applicant has a priority processing of work permits under the global skills strategy. Qualified applicants can get the Intra-Company Transfer visa within 2 weeks.

Documents Required for Intra Company Transfer to Canada include:

Filled and signed application forms for the LMIA-exempt work permit
Family Information form
Home Country letter (to be provided by your local HR of the foreign nation ).
One (1) digital photograph size of 34 x 55mm.
Copy of Offer of Employment Canadian entity.
Copy of resume.
Copies of appointment letters and relieving letters from current and previous employers.
Proof of Personal funds, including income tax returns for the past two years.
Copies of Bank Statements for the past three months.
Copies of salary slips for the past three months.
Acknowledgement of completion of Medicals.

How Long Is an ICT Work Permit Valid?

The initial Canada ICT visa is valid for the time of the employee's job offer, as indicated on their employment contract. It is usually granted for one year. If the employee continues to work for the same employer, the ICT work permit can be renewed two to three times.

The maximum work permit duration for intra-company transferees is seven years for executives and senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers can stay for five years.

6 Major Benefits of Intra Company Transfer Work Permit

Some of the key benefits of the ICT work permit program are:-

Live and work in Canada: Your spouse also can work in Canada during your employment period. Kids can go to Canadian public schools for free or nominal fees.
No English language test is required: You can obtain a work permit to work in Canada without taking English or French language proficiency tests.
Access to free health care: Health care is provided by the government for free medical health coverage after 3 months of work in Canada.
You can reside in your home country: The best part is that you can reside in your home country. You don't have to stay in Canada on a full-time basis.
Business opportunities: If you want to expand your business, you need access to Canadian and US markets. Canada has a stable and secure banking system, financing capital, and many business opportunities.
Permanent residency: After 3 years of stay in Canada with a temporary work permit, you will be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residence (PR). After getting PR, you can even apply for Canadian citizenship, which is the most desirable passport in the world.

Move To Canada From India Through Intra Company Transfer Work Permit

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program allows companies in India to transfer their employees, managers, or executives to one of their offices in Canada. This program is ideal for professionals already employed by a company with operations in both India and Canada, enabling them to work in Canada without needing to search for a new job or employer.

One of the key benefits of the ICT program is that it provides an LMIA-exempt work permit. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is typically required to prove there are no Canadians available for the role. However, under the ICT program, this requirement is waived, simplifying the process for both the employee and employer.

To qualify, professionals must hold a senior or specialized role and demonstrate their expertise aligns with the company’s business needs in Canada. Their work in Canada contributes significantly to the country’s economy by bringing advanced skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

Our RCIC, Mr. Paul Abraham, has been active in this particular aspect. Thus, he is the best person to guide you through the entire process. The PAIC team takes care of your immigration application from scratch to the end.