Intra Company Transfer or C12 Category
The Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) program is a category under Canada's International Mobility Program (IMP), enabling multinational companies to transfer key personnel to Canada for temporary work assignments. This program supports global operations, fosters economic growth, and enhances competitiveness.
Key Features of the Intra-Company Transferee Program:
Eligibility: To qualify for the ICT program, employees must have worked for a multinational company in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role for a specified period. Transfers must be to a related entity in Canada, such as a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
Categories: ICT offers three main categories:
Managerial: For those overseeing departments, supervising staff, and making personnel decisions.
Executive: Directing major functions, setting policies, and exercising wide decision-making authority.
Specialized Knowledge: Possessing critical expertise essential to Canadian operations, including product knowledge or advanced techniques.
Work Permits: Approved ICT applicants receive work permits allowing them to work for their Canadian entity. These permits are often LMIA-exempt, streamlining the hiring process for employers.
Duration: Initial permits for managerial and executive roles are typically up to three years, extendable to a maximum of seven years. Specialized knowledge transferees may stay up to five years initially, with extensions based on assignment specifics.
Spouse and Dependents: Family members of ICT transferees may qualify for open work permits and study permits, facilitating their employment and education opportunities in Canada.
The ICT program plays a pivotal role in facilitating temporary transfers within multinational companies, bolstering Canadian operations and promoting global business relationships and knowledge exchange.