Canada continues to be a popular destination for international professionals and global businesses looking to expand. One of the most efficient ways to bring key employees into the country is through an Intra-Company Transfer (ITC). This program allows the company to transfer staff from an international branch to a Canadian one, offering a streamlined immigration route under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). Unlike many work permits, the ICL route does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it faster and more accessible for both the employer and the employee.
What is an Intra-Company Transfer to Canada?
An Intra-Company Transfer (ITC) is designed for employees of multinational companies who need to move from a foreign office to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. The purpose is to help businesses grow their presence in Canada while retaining experienced and trusted employees.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for an Intra-Company Transfer to Canada?
To qualify for an intra-company transfer, both the company and the employee must meet certain conditions.
- Company Requirements:
The foreign and Canadian entities must have a qualifying relationship, meaning they are either a parent company, a branch, a subsidiary, or an affiliate of each other. Both companies must be actively conducting business, and the Canadian branch must be fully operational or in the process of becoming operational. It cannot be a shell company or an unstaffed office, or just a paper office.
- Employee Requirement:
The foreign entity must currently employ the employee and must be transferred to a similar role in Canadian operations. They should have worked full-time at least one continuous year in the last three years for the foreign company. Only specific roles are eligible for the transfer, including executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge positions.
Types of Roles Eligible for Intra-Company Transfer to Canada
There are three main categories of positions that qualify under the ICL program:
- Executives: Individuals who direct the management of the business or a key part of it.
- Senior manager: Those who manage departments or functions within the company and supervise other employees.
- Specialized knowledge workers: Employees with advanced expertise or proprietary knowledge essential to the company’s products, services, and processes.
These roles are meant to ensure that only essential and high-value personnel are transferred to support business continuity and growth. The intra-company transfer program is an efficient solution for businesses looking to bring employees to Canada. The process still requires careful planning and detailed documentation. LMM Canada can help you navigate the process smoothly with expert guidance and end-to-end support, reach out today to get started!