International Mobility Program

Facilitating Talent Mobility Through Intra-Company Transfers

The Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) program enables multinational companies to transfer key employees to their Canadian branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates. This program is designed to facilitate the temporary relocation of skilled workers, ensuring that Canadian businesses can leverage the expertise of international talent without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The ICT program plays a vital role in strengthening global business operations and fostering the growth of Canadian enterprises.

Understanding the Intra-Company Transferees Program

The ICT program allows companies with a qualifying relationship—such as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate—between a Canadian and a foreign entity to transfer employees with specialized knowledge, executive, or managerial roles to Canada. This program is crucial for businesses that need to bring in talent with specific expertise or experience that is critical to their operations in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Intra-Company Transferees

To qualify as an intra-company transferee, both the company and the employee must meet certain criteria:

• Qualifying Relationship: The Canadian company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity, such as being a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. This relationship must be demonstrable and ongoing.
• Employment Requirements: The employee must have been employed continuously by the foreign company for at least one year in the last three years, in a similar position to the one they will occupy in Canada.
• Position Requirements: The transfer must be for a position that falls under one of the following categories:
  • Executives: Employees who direct the management of the enterprise or a significant component of it.
  • Managers: Employees who manage the organization, a department, or a subdivision, and who supervise other managers or professional employees.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Employees who possess proprietary knowledge or expertise crucial to the Canadian operation’s functioning.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Assist

Navigating the ICT program involves a detailed understanding of both the eligibility requirements and the documentation needed to support an application. Our immigration lawyers provide comprehensive support to ensure that your intra-company transfer is successful. We assist with:

• Determining Eligibility and Qualifying Relationships: We evaluate your company’s structure and the employee’s role to confirm eligibility under the ICT program, ensuring that all criteria are met.
• Document Preparation and Submission: Our team meticulously prepares the necessary documentation, including proof of the qualifying relationship, detailed job descriptions, and evidence of the employee’s experience, to support the application.
• Compliance with Canadian Regulations: We ensure that your business and the transferee remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws throughout the duration of the transfer, minimizing the risk of any legal issues.

Leveraging the ICT Program for Business Success

The ICT program offers significant advantages for businesses looking to strengthen their Canadian operations with experienced international talent. By facilitating the seamless transfer of key employees, this program helps companies maintain global continuity and operational excellence. Our legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your intra-company transfers are handled efficiently and effectively.