Expand Your Business Presence in Canada
Canada is one of the world’s top destinations for global business expansion. For multinational companies, relocating key employees to manage or grow Canadian operations is a critical step.
At Helem Immigration Solutions Inc., we specialize in helping international businesses and their employees leverage the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition to the Canadian market.
We support companies transferring key employees to Montreal and other Quebec locations, as well as anywhere else in Canada.
What is an Intra-Company Transfer?
An Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) allows multinational companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Unlike many other work permits, the ICT program is LMIA-exempt, making the process faster and more efficient.
Eligible Employee Categories
To qualify for an ICT, the employee must fit into one of these categories:
- Executives: Responsible for directing major components of the company.
- Senior Managers: Overseeing a significant department, division, or the entire organization.
- Specialized Knowledge Workers: Employees with unique expertise, advanced skills, or proprietary company knowledge.
The LMIA-Exempt Advantage
Because ICT work permits are exempt from the LMIA requirement, employers avoid the lengthy process of demonstrating labor shortages. This exemption provides companies with a streamlined pathway to relocate talent.
Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Program
The ICT program offers multiple advantages for both employers and employees:
- Faster Processing: No need for an LMIA simplifies the process.
- Business Growth: Ensures experienced staff are positioned in Canada to manage expansion.
- Employee Development: Provides international career advancement opportunities.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many ICT work permit holders later qualify for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Requirements for Intra-Company Transfers
To qualify for the program, both the company and the employee must meet certain conditions:
- Corporate Relationship: The Canadian entity must be a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the foreign company.
- Duration of Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the past three years.
- Valid Role: The position in Canada must be executive, managerial, or specialized in nature.
- Documentation: Companies must provide proof of operations, financial viability, and the role of the transferred employee.
At Helem Immigration Solutions, we carefully assess eligibility before filing applications, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.
Our Services for Intra-Company Transfers
Navigating the ICT process requires detailed documentation and strategic planning. Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment: For both companies and employees.
- Document Preparation: Corporate structure, financial documents, and employee credentials.
- Application Submission: Professional preparation of ICT work permit applications.
- Strategic Guidance: Support with compliance, renewals, and long-term immigration pathways.
We ensure that multinational businesses can focus on growth, while we handle the complexities of immigration compliance.
Intra-Company Transfers to Quebec
Because an intra-company transfer is LMIA-exempt, the joint LMIA process with the Government of Quebec does not apply. The transferred employee applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit, and an ICT generally does not require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Companies setting up or growing operations in Montreal should still plan for Quebec requirements that apply to their business and employees once they are established, including French-language obligations in the workplace.
Intra-Company Transfers: Frequently Asked Questions
How long must the employee have worked for the company?
The employee must have worked full time and continuously for the foreign company for at least one year in the three years before the application.
Does the Canadian company have to be related to the foreign company?
Yes. The Canadian business must be a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate of the foreign company, and both must be actively doing business.
Can an employee be transferred to open a new office in Canada?
In some cases, yes. Transfers to establish a new office are possible, with additional evidence such as secured physical premises in Canada and a realistic plan to staff and develop the business.
Is an LMIA required for an intra-company transfer?
No. The ICT is LMIA-exempt, which usually makes the process faster than an LMIA-based work permit.
You can also explore all our immigration services in Montreal.
Begin Your Intra-Company Transfer Application Today
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your Intra-Company Transfer application with confidence.