Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Open a Canadian branch of your multinational company and transfer key executives, senior managers or specialized-knowledge staff to Canada.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa
The ICT visa is a temporary immigration route that lets a multinational company open a branch in Canada and transfer its key personnel to work there. It is designed to help international companies expand into Canada, improve management effectiveness and grow exports.
Benefits of the ICT program
- Exempt from LMIA
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residence after one year
- Spouse receives an open work permit; children receive study permits
- No high-level English requirement
- Fast transfer of the company and its staff to Canada
- Children can attend Canadian public schools free of charge
The ICT route also lets you test the Canadian market and your business's performance before deciding to move your capital fully. Working with an immigration lawyer ensures every step is done correctly.
ICT and LMIA — are they related?
No. LMIA is a separate document that Canadian employers usually need before hiring a foreign worker; it confirms that no qualified Canadian worker is available for the role. ICT applications are exempt from LMIA.
Requirements for the company
- The company must have been actively operating for at least one year before the transfer
- Sufficient financial resources to support Canadian operations
- Ability to generate about CAD 250,000 in gross annual sales and access to at least CAD 100,000 in cash
- A detailed, realistic business plan for the transferred employees
- A confirmed Canadian address for the new operation
- For managerial transfers: proof of a genuine, large-enough management structure
- Proof that the employee plays a key role in the business and is supervised by management
Requirements for the employee
- At least 12 months of employment with the company in the last 3 years
- Full-time employment for at least one year in one of three qualifying roles
- Executive — sets objectives and policies of the organization
- Senior Manager — manages the organization or a department, supervises staff, can hire and fire
- Specialized Knowledge — key employees with unique knowledge or skills in a specific field
Maximum stay in Canada is 7 years for executives and senior managers, and 5 years for specialized-knowledge employees. After that, the employee must spend at least one year outside Canada before qualifying for another ICT permit.
What's included
- LMIA-exempt · PR eligibility after one year
- Open work permit for spouse, study permit for children
- Executives / senior managers up to 7 years; specialists up to 5
How TIA guides your file
Initial Assessment
We review your goals, background, immigration history, and available options.
Strategy & Document Plan
You receive a clear explanation of the recommended pathway and required documents.
Application Preparation
Your forms, letters, and supporting documents are organized and reviewed carefully.
Submission & Follow-Up
We support the process after submission and help you understand updates or further requests.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of business qualifies for ICT?
Which employees can be transferred?
Can my family join me on ICT?
Ready to explore this pathway?
Book a free initial consultation and get a clear next step for your case.
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