ICT Visa Canada 2025 | Requirements, Costs, and Intra-Company Transfer Process

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is one of the most prominent methods for work-based immigration to Canada, aimed at transferring skilled labor. This visa allows companies to transfer their key employees from other countries to Canada and obtain temporary work permits for them. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the necessary requirements, related costs, and the steps involved in applying for an ICT visa in 2025. 

What is the ICT Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is a type of work visa that allows companies to transfer their skilled workforce from abroad to Canada. This visa is designed to facilitate the relocation of key employees to Canada, allowing them to work for a specified period. With its various categories, the ICT visa addresses the diverse needs of businesses and helps expand their operations within the Canadian labor market.

This visa is particularly effective for meeting the specific needs of companies and attracting skilled workers. Overall, the ICT visa is a tool that enhances the quality and diversity of services provided by companies in Canada. For this reason, many businesses are eager to use this visa to support their development and growth in Canada.

What are the Objectives of the ICT Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is designed with the goal of creating job opportunities for skilled labor and assisting companies in attracting the best international talent. This visa allows businesses to easily transfer the workforce they need from other countries to Canada, enabling them to benefit from their expertise and skills. The primary objective of this program is to facilitate the intra-company recruitment and transfer of employees, which in turn supports the growth and sustainable development of businesses.

Additionally, the ICT visa allows the Canadian government to address labor market needs by attracting foreign workers, while also creating new job opportunities for the local workforce. This visa can also play a role in reducing poverty and promoting economic balance across various regions of Canada.

Differences Between the ICT Visa and Other Work Visas in Canada

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa has distinct features that make it an attractive option for multinational companies and senior employees when compared to other work visas in Canada:

1. No Need for a Job Offer: Unlike many Canadian work visas, such as the Express Entry programs that require a job offer from a Canadian employer, the ICT visa allows individuals to transfer to Canada without the need for a direct job offer. This visa is specifically for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred within the company from abroad.
2. Exemption from LMIA: One of the key benefits of the ICT visa is the exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. This exemption accelerates the visa process and allows for a quicker entry of skilled workers and managers into Canada.

3. Focus on Managerial and Specialized Roles: The ICT visa is primarily designed for senior managers, middle managers, and individuals with specialized knowledge in a specific field. While many other work visas are based on a points system evaluating skills and work experience, the ICT visa focuses on the managerial and specialized role of the applicant.
4. Duration of Stay: The ICT visa allows senior and executive managers to stay in Canada for up to 7 years, while employees with specialized knowledge can stay for up to 5 years. In contrast, other work visas typically have shorter validity periods and may require additional steps for extension.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): ICT visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry program after one year of working for a Canadian company. This visa offers special advantages for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of obtaining permanent residency.

These differences, along with the benefits mentioned, make the ICT visa an attractive option for multinational companies and senior employees, helping to facilitate the immigration process to Canada.

What organizational ranks can benefit from the ICT visa?

The intra-company transfer (ICT) visa is primarily designed for positions that operate in management, skilled, and specialized fields with advanced knowledge. Some of the positions that can benefit from this visa include:

Senior Managers Individuals who operate in high-level management positions and are responsible for overseeing the large-scale operations of the company, including managers who supervise a business unit or a large section of the company.

Middle Managers Managers who directly lead their teams and work to improve the performance of different business units. These individuals hold significant responsibilities at various executive levels within the company.

Specialized Knowledge Workers Employees who possess deep and specialized skills and knowledge in a technical, operational, or organizational field and are considered essential for the company’s operations. This category includes information technology specialists, engineers, and scientific and technical experts.

Requirements for Obtaining an ICT Visa in 2025

To obtain an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa in 2025, certain general requirements must be met. The employer’s company must be a legitimate entity in Canada and must have the need to hire skilled workers from outside the country. Additionally, the applicant must have relevant work experience and sufficient expertise to qualify for this visa. These requirements are designed to ensure the recruitment of skilled and effective workers for the Canadian labor market.

Furthermore, applicants must submit the necessary documents to the Canadian immigration office. These documents include evidence of the applicant’s work experience and specialized skills, as well as confirmations from the Canadian employer. Adhering to these conditions and requirements can help applicants successfully process their ICT visa application.

General Requirements for ICT Visa Application

To apply for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa, several key conditions must be met. First, the applicant must be employed by the parent company outside of Canada, and their job must be related to establishing or developing the business of the company in Canada. Additionally, the parent company must have at least one active branch outside of In the country origin. This branch can be located in any other country and must represent a legitimate and ongoing business activity. Only under these circumstances can the third branch be transferred to Canada through the ICT visa. Furthermore, the individual must have at least one year of work experience within the same company in the past three years. These conditions are part of the visa review process and are applied to ensure the transfer of skilled labor to Canada.

The Canadian government, by setting these requirements, aims to attract skilled workers with specialized skills and international experience that can contribute to the enhancement of services and products in the Canadian labor market. Additionally, applicants must have the financial ability to support their living expenses in Canada and provide documents to prove this. These conditions provide more transparency and efficiency to the ICT visa application process, ensuring that all steps are processed and approved smoothly and as quickly as possible.

Is Specific Work Experience Required for ICT Visa?

Yes, relevant work experience is a necessary condition for obtaining an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa. Applicants must have at least one year of work experience with their parent company outside of Canada in the past three years in order to qualify for this visa. This requirement ensures the necessary expertise and experience to perform the duties in Canada, and the work experience must be related to the job the applicant will undertake in Canada.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their professional abilities in the relevant field and provide the necessary documentation. These documents may include certificates, employment references, international credentials for participating in professional courses, and related academic qualifications. In general, having relevant work experience can increase applicants’ chances of receiving the ICT visa and facilitate their faster entry into the Canadian labor market.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permits for Startups

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is an excellent option for international businesses looking to expand their operations to Canada. This program allows foreign companies to transfer their key employees to Canada to establish a new business. When applying for an ICT visa for startups, applicants must prove their company’s ability to establish itself in Canada through the following:

• Provide evidence that the company can independently fund the initial startup costs and is capable of paying employee salaries.
• If the parent company is based in In the country origin, there must be at least one other branch outside of In the country origin for the company to qualify for transferring the third branch to Canada through the ICT program.
• Preparing a business plan that outlines realistic goals for hiring staff and operating in Canada.
• Providing documentation that shows the company has secured or is in the process of securing an appropriate physical location.
• If the plan involves transferring executive managers or senior managers to Canada, the company must demonstrate that it is large and structured enough to support the managerial and executive duties.
• For the transfer of employees with specialized expertise, the company must ensure that the business will be actively operating and that tasks will be supervised by internal management in Canada.

The ICT program for startups provides a one-year temporary work permit, which can be extended if the qualifying relationship continues and the business activities of the company persist. Additionally, the new business in Canada must have made efforts to hire the necessary staff.

Which companies can apply for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit for Canada?

To apply for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit, companies must meet the following criteria:

• Foreign companies and companies operating in Canada must have a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship.
• Foreign companies planning to transfer a new branch to Canada must have at least one active branch outside In the country origin in addition to their main branch in In the country origin. This requirement ensures that there is an extensive and international business relationship between the companies and the ability to manage operations in Canada.
• Both companies must be actively conducting business, meaning they must be continuously providing goods or services. Additionally, the company in Canada must actively participate in business operations and not simply have a physical location in Canada.

These conditions ensure that businesses have the operational and financial capacity to support their activities in Canada.

Conditions for employees to obtain an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit

Employees wishing to obtain an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit must meet the following conditions:

• They must currently be employed by a multinational company and be transferring to work in one of the company’s branches, subsidiaries, parent company, or affiliated entities in Canada.
• They must be transferred to a company that has a valid relationship with their current company and work in a legitimate and stable entity of that company in Canada.
• They must have worked continuously and full-time (through wages or contract) for at least one year in the past three years in a similar position at the current company requesting their transfer to Canada.

• If the employee has worked part-time, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may consider other factors such as the duration of employment with the foreign company, the similarity of the job position to the proposed role in Canada, the significance of the part-time role, and the possibility of misuse of the ICT work permit.
• In cases of a recent corporate merger or acquisition, the employee does not need to have worked exactly one year with the current company, provided they have worked for at least one year in the past three years with an affiliated company. The successor entity must demonstrate that it has assumed the commitments, assets, and liabilities of the parent company and continues to operate in the same business sector.
• The employee should only travel to Canada for a temporary period.
• They must comply with all Canadian immigration requirements for temporary entry.

Required Documents for ICT Visa Application:

For applying for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa to Canada, applicants and associated companies must provide documents in three main categories:

1. Documents required from the applicant:
   • Valid passport
   • Resume and educational documents (no need for ECA confirmation)
   • Employment letter from the current employer in the home country, detailing job position and duration of employment
   • Employment contract with the Canadian company
   • Job offer from the Canadian company (no LMIA required)
   • Personal financial documents (such as six-month bank statements)
   • Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
   • Medical documents (in some cases)
   • Digital photo
   • Proof of ties to the home country (such as marriage certificate, assets, and family documents)

2. Documents Required from the Foreign Company (Home Company):

• Company registration documents
• Financial and banking documents (such as financial statements and balance sheets)
• Shareholder certificate and share registration
• Tax registration certificate

3. Documents Required from the Canadian Company (Host Company):

• Certificate of company registration in Canada
• Documents related to the company’s incorporation and board of directors
• Company registration number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Business plan that confirms the company’s ability to manage and pay salaries

These documents, along with immigration forms, are used to review the application. Additionally, for certain specific positions such as executives or senior managers, the Canadian company must demonstrate its ability to manage and finance operations. It is crucial to note that submitting complete and detailed documents can significantly expedite the review process.

Costs Associated with the ICT Visa for Canada

The costs related to the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa include various sections, which are explained in detail below:

Main Visa Application Fees

• Work Permit Application Fee
  The fee is CAD $155 for each applicant, which must be paid along with the submission of the application.
• Employer Compliance Fee
  The fee is CAD $230, paid by the employer to facilitate the transfer of employees under the ICT program to Canada.

Additional Costs

• Biometric Fees
  For each individual: CAD $85
  For families: Maximum CAD $170
• Medical Examination Fees
  The cost of medical exams varies depending on the country and the approved physician, typically ranging from CAD $100 to $300.
• Police Certificate Fees
  The cost of obtaining a police certificate depends on the country of origin and can range from CAD $20 to $100.

How to Manage the Costs Associated with an ICT Visa

Managing the costs of the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa requires careful planning and a full understanding of all expenses involved. Applicants should first identify all the primary and secondary costs associated with the visa application and create a financial plan based on those costs. This plan should include the main costs, additional costs, and a budget for any unforeseen expenses.

Additionally, seeking financial and immigration advice from reputable institutions, such as the Hejazineia Immigration Agency, can help applicants better manage their costs. These consultations may include guidance on reducing expenses and optimizing the use of available financial resources. Overall, with careful planning and leveraging available resources, applicants can effectively manage the costs related to the ICT visa and avoid financial issues during the immigration process to Canada.

Familiarizing with the Steps and Required Documents for Intra-Company Transfer with an ICT Visa

The process of an intra-company transfer with an ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) visa involves key steps that must be followed by both the employer and the employee to ensure the success of the process. Below are the steps of this process explained in sequence:

1. Identifying the Need for Workforce Transfer
   • The parent company must clearly identify the need to transfer an employee to Canada and specify the business and technical reasons for the transfer. These reasons can include transferring technical knowledge, managing specific projects, or expanding the company’s operations in Canada.
2. Defining the Employee’s Role
   • The employee’s role should fall into one of two categories:
     • Executive Management (Executive or Senior Managerial)
     • Specialized Personnel with Specific Knowledge

3. Preparing the Documents and Company Information

• Documents Related to the Parent Company and the Canadian Company:
  • Information about the registration of both companies (the parent company and its branch in Canada) and the nature of their business activities.
• Work History of the Applicant in the Parent Company:
  • Documents showing that the employee has worked full-time for the parent company outside of Canada for at least one year in the past three years.

4. Preparing the Job Offer

• Official Job Offer:
  • The Canadian company must provide a formal job offer to the employee, specifying the job duties and the level of responsibilities.
• Employer Compliance Letter:
  • The Canadian employer must complete the Employer Compliance Form and pay the associated fee (typically $230 CAD).

5. Preparing and Submitting the Visa Application Documents

• Completing the Visa Application Form:
  • The employee must carefully fill out the application forms with their personal, professional, and educational information.
• Submitting Documents:
  • The required documents include identity documents like a valid passport (with at least six months of validity), official identification cards, proof of work experience, the job offer, and the employer compliance letter.
• Paying the Fees:
  • The fees include the visa application fee and the employer compliance fee.

6. Submitting the Application to the Canadian Immigration Office

• After completing the forms and preparing the documents, the application is submitted either online or in person to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

7. Medical and Biometric Examinations

• Medical Examinations and Biometric Information:
  1. The applicant may be required to undergo medical examinations and provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs), which have separate fees.

8. Application Review and Visa Issuance

• Application Review:
  1. IRCC reviews the submitted application and documents. If everything is in order, the ICT visa will be issued, allowing the employee to enter Canada.
• Processing Time:
  1. The processing time can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and position.

9. Moving to Canada and Starting Work

• After the visa is issued, the employee can travel to Canada and begin working in the designated role at the Canadian company.

Timeframe Required for the ICT Visa Application Process

The processing time for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa depends on multiple factors, including:

1. Number of applications at the time of submission: The volume of applications has a direct impact on the processing time.
2. Completeness of the documents: Applications that are submitted incomplete may require more time for processing.
3. Type of visa: Some types of visas require more time for review.

In general, the processing time for an ICT visa may take between 2 to 6 months; however, this time may vary depending on the specific conditions of the applicant and the workload of the Canadian immigration office. Our experts at the institute always advise applicants to allow enough time to complete the application and necessary follow-ups.

Key Points to Accelerate the Process:

1. Collecting accurate and complete job and identity documents.
2. Translating documents into English or French if necessary.
3. Using the IRCC online portal to submit and track documents.
4. Checking daily and being prepared to respond to any additional requests from the Canadian immigration office.

Is it possible to extend the ICT visa?

Yes, the ICT visa is extendable, provided that the initial conditions are still met. If the employer still requires the transferred specialized worker and the collaboration between the parent company and the Canadian company continues, the visa can be extended. Applicants should submit the extension request to the Canadian immigration office at least 30 days before the visa’s expiration date.

Can an ICT visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, holders of an ICT visa can use economic immigration programs, such as Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class, to obtain permanent residency. Work experience in Canada, language proficiency, and employer endorsement can help individuals earn higher points in these programs.

Final Words

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is an efficient and attractive option for transferring skilled labor to Canada, allowing companies to bring key employees from other countries to Canada. This visa not only provides short-term benefits, such as work experience in Canada, but also offers the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency. By meeting the requirements and submitting the necessary documents, companies and applicants can take advantage of this opportunity to expand and strengthen their business presence in Canada. For further consultation and information about this excellent work immigration opportunity to Canada, you can contact our experts at Hejazineia Immigration.