Intra Company Transfer (ICT) for Immigrating to Canada [2025 Update]

1. Overview: What is the Intra Company Transfer Canada pathway?

2. How it works: ICT inside the Canada International Mobility Program

3. Eligibility & required documentation

1. Corporate relationship documents: incorporation documents, share registers, organizational charts, intercompany agreements, or ownership statements proving the connection between the foreign employer and the Canadian entity.
2. Job description and role justification: a clear description that shows the position is managerial/executive or demands specialized knowledge; include reporting lines, responsibilities, and how the role contributes to the Canadian business.
3. Work history: proof of at least one year of continuous, full‑time employment with the multinational (or group) in a similar capacity, especially for manager/executive transfers—though exact duration expectations can vary by case.
4. Employer support letters: an employer letter describing the purpose and duration of the transfer, salary and benefits, duration of assignment, and an explanation of why the transferee’s presence in Canada is necessary.
5. Immigration forms and identity documents: valid passport, completed IRCC work permit application forms, and biometrics where required. Non‑English documents must be translated and certified.

Tip: precise, consistent documentation (dates, titles, reporting relationships) reduces requests for additional evidence and increases the chance of a smooth adjudication.

4. Application process & forms

1. Decide where to apply: the employee can generally apply from outside Canada, at a Canadian port of entry (if eligible), or from inside Canada if currently authorized to work. The choice affects forms and processing steps.
2. Employer Portal & offer of employment: most LMIA‑exempt employers must submit the offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee (unless exempt). The employer will receive an offer number to attach to the work permit application.
3. Complete IRCC forms: the employee completes the appropriate IRCC work permit application (online or paper where accepted) and attaches employer documentation, the employer offer number, and other supporting documents (e.g., IMM forms and checklists).
4. Biometrics and visa processing: depending on nationality, applicants may need to provide biometrics and obtain a temporary resident visa or eTA in addition to the Canada ICT work permit.
5. Decision & entry: once approved, the applicant receives a port‑of‑entry letter of introduction, and immigration officials will issue the actual work permit upon arrival to Canada (where applicable).

5. Processing times, Global Skills and tips to speed up

Processing times for a Canada ICT Visa or employer‑specific work permit vary by visa office, completeness of documentation and whether an expedited stream applies. The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) can provide faster processing for certain high‑skilled positions and employers that qualify, though eligibility criteria must be satisfied. Where GSS applies, two‑week processing targets can sometimes be reached for qualifying applications, but IRCC cautions that processing can still vary due to workload and completeness of submissions.

Practical speed tips: use the Employer Portal correctly to avoid missing offer numbers; provide complete corporate proof; submit biometrics promptly; and when possible, apply under GSS‑eligible channels if the role and employer meet the thresholds.