Intra-Company Transfer Work Permits
Are you interested in transferring within a multinational company and working in Canada? The Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit offers a streamlined process for qualified individuals to work in Canada temporarily. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline different types, requirements and process for applying to Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit, ensuring that you have all the information you need to pursue this opportunity.
Requirements for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
To be eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit, you must meet specific requirements. These requirements include:
- Employment with a Multinational Company: You must be currently employed by a multinational company with a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the Canadian entity. The qualifying relationship can be a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
- Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time work experience within the past three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity with the foreign company. This experience should be directly related to the position you will be transferring to in Canada.
- Job Offer in Canada: You must have a valid job offer from the Canadian entity of the multinational company. The job offer should specify the position, duties, duration of employment, and compensation.
- Transfer within the Company: The purpose of the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit is to transfer within the same multinational company from a foreign location to Canada. You must provide evidence of your intention to transfer and continue working for the Canadian entity.
Types of Intra-Company Transfer Work Permits
There are different types of Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permits available in Canada, depending on the specific circumstances of the transfer. The main types of ICT work permits include:
- Intra-Company Transfer – Executive: This category is for executives within a multinational company who are being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or parent company. Executives are individuals who primarily oversee the management of the organization or a significant part of it.
- Intra-Company Transfer – Managerial: This category is for managers within a multinational company who are being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or parent company. Managers are individuals who primarily manage the organization, a department, or a specific function.
- Intra-Company Transfer – Specialized Knowledge: This category is for employees with specialized knowledge within a multinational company who are being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or parent company. Specialized knowledge refers to knowledge that is uncommon and not easily acquired in the industry or field.
- Intra-Company Transfer – Graduate Trainee: This category is specifically designed for recent graduates who are being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or parent company of a multinational organization for training purposes. It allows them to gain practical experience and enhance their skills within the company.
It’s important to note that the specific eligibility requirements and criteria may vary for each type of ICT work permit. The applicant must meet the relevant criteria for their intended category, such as demonstrating the necessary work experience, skills, and the qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities.
Additionally, the duration of the ICT work permit can vary depending on the category and the specific circumstances of the transfer. It is typically granted for a specific period, allowing the individual to work in Canada temporarily.
It’s recommended to consult with an immigration professional or lawyer who specializes in Canadian immigration to determine the most suitable ICT work permit category for your circumstances and to guide you through the application process. They can provide personalized advice and assist you in meeting the requirements for the specific type of ICT work permit you are seeking.
Process for Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
The process for applying for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Documentation: This application requires the employer to provide company documentation such as the job offer, proof of the qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, and evidence of your work experience.
- Biometrics and Medical Examination: As part of the application process, you may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements for entering Canada.
- Work Permit Approval: Upon review of your work permit application, IRCC will make a decision. If approved, you will receive a work permit allowing you to work for the Canadian entity of the multinational company.
- Arrival in Canada: Once you have your approved work permit, you can travel to Canada and present your work permit and other required documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon arrival. The CBSA officer will verify your eligibility and grant you entry into Canada.
- Employment in Canada: As an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit holder, you are expected to fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in your job offer and work permit. This includes complying with Canadian laws, regulations, and employment standards.
How will an Intra-Company Transfer work permit help in Canadian Permanent Residency?
A work permit can be a stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residency in Canada. While a work permit itself does not directly grant you permanent residency, it can contribute to your eligibility for certain immigration programs. Here’s how a work permit can help you in obtaining permanent residency in Canada:
- Canadian Work Experience: Many immigration programs prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience. By working in Canada on a valid work permit, you can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can enhance your profile when applying for permanent residency. Canadian work experience demonstrates your adaptability to the Canadian labour market and your ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.
- Express Entry System: The Express Entry system is a popular pathway to permanent residency in Canada. It uses a points-based system to rank eligible candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Having Canadian work experience can earn you additional points in the Express Entry system, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many Canadian provinces and territories have their own Provincial Nominee Programs, which allow them to nominate individuals who meet their specific labour market needs. Some PNPs have streams dedicated to foreign workers already working in Canada on a valid work permit. If you have gained Canadian work experience in a province or territory and meet their eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for a provincial nomination, which significantly enhances your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is a federal immigration program that targets individuals with Canadian work experience. If you have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet other requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the CEC. By working in Canada on a work permit, you can accumulate the required Canadian work experience to qualify for this program.
- Job Offers and Employer Support: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can strengthen your permanent residency application. With a work permit, you have the opportunity to establish connections, network, and secure employment in Canada. A job offer from a Canadian employer may make you eligible for certain immigration programs or provide additional points in your application.
It is important to note that each immigration program has its own specific requirements, and obtaining permanent residency is not guaranteed solely by having a work permit. It is advisable to consult with an immigration professional or lawyer who can assess your individual circumstances, advise you on the best pathway to permanent residency, and guide you through the application process.
By leveraging your Canadian work experience and exploring the immigration programs available, a work permit can be a significant advantage on your journey towards obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
How can we help?
Don’t let the complexities of the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit process hold you back. Take the first step towards your Canadian work opportunity by hiring our firm today.
Mandelbaum Immigration Lawyers can conduct an assessment for you. Simply provide us with your name, email address and phone number by emailing us at info@dmandelbaum.com, and our office will contact you to arrange a consultation with a lawyer.