Canada Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program, also known as the ICT Work Visa, is a type of Canadian work permit that allows managers and key personnel of a company to work temporarily in Canada. It is the easiest and fastest way for Iranian business owners and entrepreneurs to obtain a work permit if they can establish a branch of their company in Canada.

If you own a company in Iran, the Canadian government has introduced this work visa for managers of foreign companies to quickly enter Canada and make a positive economic impact.

Compared to other Canadian work permit methods, the ICT visa has better and simpler conditions. The biggest advantage is no LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) required. This program targets individuals who, by transferring their expertise to Canadian operations, create significant economic benefits for Canada.

Who Can Apply for Canada’s ICT Visa?

1. Foreign Companies (Including Iranian Companies)

Companies outside Canada, including Iranian firms, can establish a branch in Canada and use the ICT program to transfer managers. They can enter Canada with family immediately and start working and generating income a benefit not easily available in other immigration routes.

2. International Companies

If an international company has a head office, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada, it can transfer employees via ICT. If you work for an international firm and are a key employee with specialized knowledge, this is a strong migration path.

3. Entrepreneurs Starting Canadian Startups

Entrepreneurs planning to launch a startup in Canada can use ICT to bring themselves and key project staff. Even without a physical office, executives can apply.

Key Benefits of the ICT Visa

• No LMIA required.
• Short processing time for ICT applications.
• Faster issuance via Global Skills Strategy.
• Eases startup establishment in Canada.
• Family accompaniment for the principal applicant.
• Open Work Permit for spouse.
• No age limit.
• No high language proficiency needed.
• Potential pathways to Canadian permanent residency.

Minimum Requirements for the ICT Visa

Both company and employee conditions must be met. Key factors assessed:

1. Job Position
2. Work Experience
3. Effective Relationship between Canadian office and transferred employees

1. Job Position

Transferred employees must hold one of these roles:

• Executive Manager: Primarily directs the company or a major component, supervises other managers/professionals.
• Senior Manager: Manages essential functions but may not supervise staff.
• Specialized Knowledge Worker: Advanced expertise and proprietary knowledge of company’s products, services, processes.

2. Work Experience

• Minimum 1 year full-time employment with the foreign company in the past 3 years.
• Must be transferred to perform the same role in Canada. For specialized knowledge, proof of expertise and need in Canada required.

3. Effective Relationship Between Canadian Office & Transferees

• Transferees must currently work for a foreign company.
• Active relationship between foreign employer and Canadian entity.

Employees don’t need to relocate permanently, but must occupy a position in the Canadian branch. A clear employer-employee relationship with the Canadian company is required, especially for client-site workers.

Requirements for Startup Companies in the ICT Program

Foreign business owners can register a company in Canada and apply for ICT. Entrepreneurs launching startups can bring themselves and key staff. Startups must prove ability to establish operations, including:

• Financial capacity to start business and pay salaries.
• Realistic business plan for operations, staffing, and management.
• Physical premises secured (or in progress). For executive-only transfers, future premises acceptable.
• For executives: Prove company scale requires managerial role.
• For specialized workers: Prove need for expertise and managerial oversight in Canada.

Processing Time & Validity of ICT Visa

Processing Time

• Average: 2–10 weeks.
• Force majeure: Can be 2 weeks with evidence.
• Add time for biometrics and security checks.

Initial Validity

• 1 year (up to 3 years max).
• Startups: Initial 1 year.

Executives/Senior Managers:

• Max 7 years total (with 2-year extensions).

Specialized Knowledge Workers:

• Max 5 years total (with 2-year extensions).

Extension Conditions

• Active relationship between foreign and Canadian entities.
• Canadian office actively providing goods/services in the past year.
• Local staff hired.

Converting ICT to Permanent Residency

ICT provides temporary residency but is a strong pathway to PR via two routes:

Path 1: Federal Express Entry

• 1 year Canadian work experience qualifies for Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• 1 year = 35 CRS points (single); 2 years = 46, 3 years = 56.
• CEC cutoffs historically 350–400 — lower than FSW pre-COVID.

Path 2: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

• Many PNPs have lower language requirements ideal if language skills are limited.

Advantages of the ICT Program

• Fast entry & business execution for managers, entrepreneurs, specialists.
• Global business expansion.
• No LMIA.
• Short processing.
• Global Skills Strategy acceleration.
• Startup facilitation.
• Family inclusion.
• Spousal open work permit.
• No age/language barriers.
• PR pathways.

Required Documents for ICT

• Proof of current full-time employment with foreign company (payslips, contract).
• Job description (title, duties, organizational position).
• Proof of managerial/specialized skills needed in Canada.
• Proof of active relationship between foreign and Canadian entities.
• Invitation letter from Canadian company.
• Business plan (for startups).

Apply via Canada’s ICT Program

If you own a business, submit your request for ICT consultation.

ICT Application Steps

1. Establish Business (Startups Only) Register company, prepare business plan, secure (or plan) premises.
2. Job Offer Canadian employer submits offer via Employer Portal and pays $230 compliance fee.
3. Work Permit Application Apply online or paper. Select LMIA-exempt (C12). Spouse can apply for provincially restricted Open Work Permit.
4. Biometrics Required for applicant and family (14–79 years).
5. Enter Canada Receive approval letter → Work permit issued at port of entry (or mailed if applying inside Canada).

Government Fees

Note (2025 Update): The ICT program remains LMIA-exempt under IMP C12. No major changes as of November 2025. Global Skills Strategy still offers 2-week processing for NOC 0/A roles.

At ITCiLand, we specialize in Iranian-owned company transfers from company registration to family PR pathways. Contact us today for a free eligibility review.