INVEST IN CANADA

Permanent Residency to Citizenship Opportunities for High Net-worth Individuals and Entrepreneurs with

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER (ICT)

Talent and Wealth Mobility

Intra-Company Transfer Program (ICT)

Connecting Talent, Shaping Futures with Canada's Intra-Company Transfer Program

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program, a key part of the International Mobility Program - Canadian Interests, [R205(a)] (exemption code C12), offers a unique opportunity for qualified foreign workers to temporarily transfer to a related Canadian parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their employer. This program is designed to facilitate the growth and expansion of international businesses in Canada. The ICT Program facilitates the transfer of key personnel, including executives, senior managers, or individuals with specialized knowledge, within multinational companies, enabling the relocation of skilled employees with management experience or specialized expertise.

KEY FEATURES

Temporary Work Permit: Through the ICT Program, eligible foreign workers can obtain a LMIA-exempt work permit to temporarily work in Canada while contributing to their company's Canadian business.

Pathway to Permanent Residence: The ICT work permit can serve as a stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residence in Canada, providing foreign workers with the opportunity to establish themselves and their families in the country.

Spousal and Dependent Benefits: In most cases, the principal applicant's spouse and dependent children can also benefit from the ICT Program by obtaining open work permits and study permits, respectively.

Facilitating Global Talent Mobility: The ICT Program is a vital bridge that connects international talent with Canadian business opportunities, empowering multinational companies to foster innovation, drive progress, and unlock the full potential of their Canadian operations.

Overall, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program facilitates the relocation of crucial personnel from a foreign company to its Canadian parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. This allows the company to establish or solidify its presence in the Canadian market.

Acquiring an ICT Work Permit (renewable up to 5 or 7 years) serves as a fast-track strategic entry point into Canada, providing skilled individuals with a pathway to permanently establish themselves in the country. By leveraging their expertise, these professionals contribute to Canada's economy and society, making the ICT Program a valuable opportunity for skilled workers.

Intra-company Transfer, work permit, non-direct PR immigration Canada

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The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program's criteria typically include factors and requirements such as the relationship between the foreign company and the Canadian entity, the nature of the employment, the applicant's qualifications, and their intended role in Canada.

PARENT COMPANY

Qualifying Relationship
- The foreign company must have a qualifying relationship with the Canadian company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, such as a parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship.

Ongoing Business Operations
- The foreign company must have been actively conducting business operations for at least one year prior to the proposed transfer.

Financial Stability
- The parent company must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to support its operations in Canada.

TRANSFERRED PERSONNEL

Executive
- Owners, key shareholders or partners of the company. Executives typically oversee the company's management, set organizational objectives and policies, make strategic decisions independently, and receive oversight from higher-ranking executives.
- Must have been associated or employed by a qualifying parent company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.

Senior Managerial
- Senior managerial positions involve overseeing company operations, supervising other managers, and controlling work processes.
- Must have been employed by a qualifying parent company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.

Specialized Knowledge Workers
- This classification necessitates individuals to showcase advanced expertise in the company's products or services, vital processes, and procedures. Their specialized knowledge must significantly contribute to the company's competitive edge, demonstrating expertise uncommon in the Canadian market.
- Must have been employed by a qualifying parent company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.

CANADIAN BRANCH, SUBSIDIARY, OR AFFILIATE

Active Business Operations
- There must be a genuine need to transfer the foreign worker to the Canadian entity.
- The Canadian parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate must be actively conducting business operations.

Ability to Employ and Remunerate the Workers
- The Canadian entity must have the ability to employ and remunerate the foreign worker for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- Operations in Canada should be a feasible venture that leads to the creation of jobs for Canadians.

BUSINESS PLAN

Applicable if it is an initial expansion to Canada and must address the following:

Demonstrate that Canadian operations will be financially viable, covering costs and compensating employees adequately.
Does this expansion contribute to the local economy and lead to job creation for Canadians?
Is the parent company of a scale that necessitates an executive or manager position in Canada?

This rigorous process ensures the selection of skilled foreign workers and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities in Canada. It promotes the transfer of expertise and knowledge while guaranteeing the smooth integration of foreign workers into the Canadian economy.

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Note: These criteria are general and may change under IRCC regulations. It is essential to refer to official government sources for specific program details and the most up-to-date eligibility criteria. For accurate and current information on Canadian immigration policies, consider consulting licensed immigration practitioners.

The process involves two stages: Work Permit application and the optional Permanent Residence application.

I - ICT WORK PERMIT

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

Ensure all requirements and qualifications are met for the home company, the personnel to be transferred, the commercial ties between the parent entity and its Canadian branch or subsidiary, and financial capability.
Business exploratory visit to the city/province of interest is strongly recommended.

Step 2: Business Plan

Register the business as a parent, affiliate, or subsidy of a foreign company in Canada
Draft a comprehensive business plan detailing:
- Proposed Business Activity:
  - Provide a clear description of the proposed business activity, including the products or services to be offered.
- Market Research:
  - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the target market, competition, and industry trends.
  - Analyze the market demand and potential for the proposed business venture.
- Business Operations Plan:
  - Explain how the applicant plans to operate the business profitably in Canada.
  - Include details on the management structure, operational processes, and strategies for ensuring the business's success.
- Hiring Plan:
  - Outline the plan for hiring Canadian citizens or permanent residents to staff the business.
  - Provide projections on the number of jobs that will be created.
- Financial Projections:
  - Include cash flow projections for at least 2-3 years, in line with industry standards.
  - Demonstrate the financial viability and sustainability of the proposed business venture.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The list is non-exhaustive:

Articles of incorporation
Profit and loss statements.
License to do business
Business tax returns
Bank statement to prove investment funds
Work reference letter
Pay stubs
Shareholder certificates.
Employment contract
Invitation Letter from the Canadian company
Proof of language proficiency
Proof of education
Proof of financial resources to support the applicant's living expenses in Canada
Proof of private health insurance that covers the applicant in Canada
Police certificates from the applicant's home country and any other countries if applicable

Step 4: Application Submission for Temporary Work Permit (LMIA-exempt in most cases)

Submit the complete application file to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The initial ICT Work Permit (work visa) is typically valid for one to two years duration and is renewable (up to 5 years for specialized knowledge workers and 7 years for executives & managers).

II - WORK PERMIT CONVERSION TO PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS

After maintaining at least 1 year of managing the business and work experience in Canada under the ICT program, the applicants and their accompanying families may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Depending on their preferences and how well they meet the criteria, the following permanent residence pathways may be considered:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) of the Express Entry System
- Various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Specific requirements and application processes for each PR pathway will be customized accordingly at the opportune moment.

The application process and list of required documents are not exhaustive. Additional documents may be required based on the applicant's specific circumstances. Residents from member countries of International Trade Agreements can benefit from facilitating regulations and favourable treatment, including those from Australia (CPTPP), Japan (CPTPP), Mexico (CPTPP), New Zealand (CPTPP), Chile, Colombia, Peru, Korea, the European Union (CETA), the United States (CUSMA), and Mexico (CUSMA).

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Note: These application processes are general and subject to change under IRCC regulations. It is essential to refer to official government sources for specific program details and the most up-to-date processes. For accurate and current information on Canadian immigration policies, consider consulting licensed immigration practitioners.

Various immigration programs for high net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.

This True North country, known for its stable and robust economy, provides a secure environment for your investments. Canada boasts a high standard of living, significant purchasing power, a strong and reliable banking system, and a well-regulated financial market, making it an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Investing in Canada goes beyond financial gain. It means tapping into a vibrant and growing economy, benefiting from a supportive business environment that fosters global growth, and enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Allumé Immigration will help you navigate the process and seize the opportunities that Canada offers.

Innovation Ecosystem

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Canada actively encourages innovation through programs offering grants, tax breaks, and R&D funding, making it attractive for companies developing cutting-edge technologies. SKILLED WORKFORCE Canada boasts a highly educated and skilled multilingual workforce, providing access to top talent essential for businesses looking to grow and thrive in the competitive global market. THRIVING STARTUP CULTURE Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal boast a vibrant startup scene with access to venture capital and angel investors. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX Canada ranks 15th among the 132 economies featured in the GII 2023.

Business Environment

OPEN AND STABLE GOVERNMENT Canada offers a politically stable environment with clear and transparent regulations, fostering trust and predictability for businesses. FAVORABLE TAX STRUCTURE Canada has a competitive corporate tax rate and offers various tax benefits for investors and entrepreneurs, such as capital gains deductions. SAFETY AND SECURITY Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, offering peace of mind for investors and their families. WORLD BANK DOING BUSINESS REPORT Canada typically ranks in the top 20 for ease of doing business in the World Bank Doing Business Report.

Access to Global Markets

LOCATION AND TRADE AGREEMENTS Canada's strategic location and its various free trade agreements with major economies, including the United States, Mexico, the European Union, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region (USMCA, CETA, CPTPP), give businesses in Canada preferential access to international markets, making it an ideal hub for global expansion. MULTICULTURAL MARKET Canada's diverse population presents a large and varied market with a high demand for innovative products and services. This multicultural population serves as excellent brand ambassadors to their countries of origin. CULTURAL RICHNESS More than 450 ethnic or cultural origins were reported in the 2021 Canada Census.

Other Advantages

DUAL CITIZENSHIP Canada recognizes dual citizenship, allowing investors and entrepreneurs to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Canadian citizenship. NATURAL RESOURCES Canada is rich in natural resources, creating opportunities for investment in sectors like mining, forestry, and clean energy. HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE Canada offers a high standard of living with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for top talent and investors seeking a good work-life balance. WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT Published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This report ranks countries based on factors like income, life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity. Canada consistently ranks in the top 15.

Dynamic and thriving start-up culture in major cities

Why invest in Canada?

Explore Your Options

It’s crucial to understand the various provincial and federal business investment and immigration programs that Canada has to offer.

These programs are strategically designed to align with applicants' diverse profiles and aspirations, optimizing their chances for business development and ultimately achieving permanent residency and citizenship.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER (ICT)

SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT (C11)

START-UP VISA (SUV)

PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS

PNP ENTREPRENEUR STREAM

QUEBEC ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM

QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM (QIIP)

Invest in Canada Key Benefits

Expand your business into a stable and thriving economic environment with access to the U.S. and global markets.

Obtain a work permit to start operating your business in Canada immediately and bring your family with you.

Gain access to Canada's world-class healthcare system, education, and social benefits.

Enjoy a high quality of life in one of the most livable countries in the world.

Become eligible for permanent residency whether your business venture is successful or not.

Pave the way to Canadian citizenship for you, your spouse, and your dependent children.

Find the Optimal Pathway

There are two main categories of pathways for business immigration available to foreign investors and entrepreneurs:

Direct PR: These programs offer a clear path to permanent residency from the outset. Examples include the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), Start-Up Visa (SUV), and all Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams.

Non-direct PR: Programs such as the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) and C11 Significant Benefit initially allow applicants to enter Canada on a temporary basis, with the potential to transition to permanent residency later by combining with another PR program.

Applicants and their families from both categories can benefit from arrangements that allow them to enter Canada early to establish their businesses.