December 15, 2020
There’s no denying that Canadian immigration can be a lengthy and involved process. If you are a business owner interested in establishing yourself in Canada, you may be able to fast-track your Canadian immigration process through the Intra-Company Transferees Program (ICT).
In 2016, the Canadian Immigration Authorities made changes to the Express Entry system which allowed intra-company transferees to earn extra points towards their CRS score without requiring them to receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Ever since then, ICT has been an increasingly popular pathway to Canadian permanent residence for business owners and their employees.
Through ICT, entrepreneurs and select essential personnel can come to Canada in order to assist in the day-to-day operations of an existing Canadian division of the company, or to introduce their business to the Canadian market for the first time.
ICT provides business owners with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of expanding their business within Canada, a pathway towards Canadian permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.
What Are The Advantages of Immigrating to Canada Through ICT?
Successful entrepreneurs are able to make use of their tried and true business model while gaining traction within the Canadian economy. This also serves to further enhance the reputation of their already existing business, while providing them with valuable experience in Canada.
This immigration pathway provides business owners with the freedom to choose where in Canada they would like to live. Unlike other immigration programs such as Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, for example, ICT does not require eligible candidates to be bound to a specific location. Business owners are free to establish themselves wherever they feel is most viable for themselves and the success of their enterprise.
Intra-company transferees may also bring their families with them to Canada. They will be granted access to Canada’s renowned medicare system, as well as free schooling for children, and subsidized tuition for post-secondary education.
What Are the Requirements of Canada’s ICT program?
Employees that qualify as intra-company transferees provide significant economic benefit to Canada by bringing their skills to the labour market. The ICT program does not require employers to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), however a Canadian work permit is still required. Qualified intra-company transferees are eligible for a one-year work permit for newly established affiliates / subsidiaries of overseas companies and up to 3 years for existing Canadian businesses, after which they may apply to have their permits renewed.
These employees must be in an executive or senior managerial position, or otherwise have specialized knowledge that is essential to the operations of the company. They must already have been employed by the company’s overseas subsidiary for a minimum of one year within the past 3 years.
The company must also secure a physical location to house the business, such as an office or warehouse. A business plan is required to demonstrate that the business is financially viable and has the ability to contribute to and compete within the Canadian marketplace.
How ICT Can Provide a Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After a year of successful operations in Canada, business owners within the executive category will be granted approximately 250 additional points (200 points for arranged employment + additional points for transferable skills factors) toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, effectively moving them to the top tier of candidates within the Express Entry pool. These candidates are virtually guaranteed to receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Permanent residents who have lived in Canada for at least three years are eligible to submit an application for Canadian citizenship. This requires meeting the physical residency obligations, demonstrating proficiency in one of the official Canadian languages (English or French), and passing a citizenship test demonstrating a keen knowledge of all things relating to life in Canada, including a citizen’s rights and responsibilities.
If you are a business owner who is interested in immigrating to Canada, leveraging your successful business may be the best way to do so. By expanding your business operations in Canada, you can establish yourself and your business on an international scale, gain valuable experience within the Canadian market, all while working toward the ultimate goal of obtaining Canadian citizenship for you and your family.
