ICT Business Visa

The ICT Business Visa, or Intra-Company Transfer Visa, is a type of visa that allows multinational companies to transfer skilled employees to a branch, affiliate, or subsidiary office in Canada. This facilitates the temporary relocation of key personnel to fulfill specific roles within the company. Here are the key aspects of the ICT Business Visa:

Key Aspects of ICT Business Visa

1. Purpose:

   • Facilitates the transfer of key personnel, including managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers, to a Canadian branch or affiliate of their multinational company.

2. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Requires that the employee has been employed by the multinational company for a specified period (typically at least one year) in a similar capacity prior to the transfer.
   • The employee must have specialized knowledge essential to the company’s operations in Canada, or they must be in an executive or managerial position.

3. Application Process:

   • The Canadian employer (branch or affiliate) must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the need for the intra-company transfer.
   • The employee applies for a work permit under the ICT category, providing proof of their employment with the multinational company and details of the transfer.

4. Duration:

   • Allows for temporary relocation of employees for a specified period, typically up to one year initially, with possible extensions based on the specific circumstances of the transfer.

5. Family Members:

   • Accompanying family members (spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children) may also apply for open work permits and study permits, respectively, to join the employee in Canada.

6. Conditions:

   • Employees under the ICT Visa must comply with the terms of their work permit, including maintaining employment with the sponsoring company and adhering to Canadian immigration regulations.

Benefits

• Business Continuity: Facilitates the transfer of skilled personnel to manage operations or projects in Canada, ensuring continuity and expertise within multinational companies.

• Global Mobility: Supports international business operations by enabling the temporary relocation of key employees without the need for extensive recruitment and training processes.

• Skill Transfer: Promotes the exchange of specialized knowledge and skills between multinational company offices, enhancing global competitiveness and innovation.

The ICT Business Visa is instrumental in facilitating the temporary transfer of skilled personnel within multinational companies, contributing to Canada’s economy while supporting global business operations and partnerships.