What Is An ICT Canada Visa Processing Time?
The ICT Canada Visa Processing Time is one of the most frequent questions people ask while considering this pathway to get a temporary work permit. The Intra-Company Transfer work permit, often the ICT work permit or C12 work permit, is the most well-known LMIA-exempt work permit among all Canadian immigration programmes.
In this post, we’ll go over all you need to know about the processing timelines for these lucrative work permits. Given that this program enables people to make job offers to themselves or essential employees for transfer to Canada with a closed work permit, understanding the ICT Canada Visa Processing Time is necessary.
In recent years, Intra Company Transfer Canada has become a well-liked stream of Canadian immigration. It enables qualified candidates to work in the country for a branch, affiliate, or joint venture of their business. The programme is a part of the LMIA-exempt International Mobility Programme (IMP). Applicants must have an active business in their native nation to be eligible. If the investment is not coming from a country with which Canada has a free-trade agreement, it must show substantial economic advantages for Canadians. This permit is ideal for international business owners who want to expand their current operations to Canada since it encourages the transmission of senior-level or specialized-knowledge, high-skilled employees to work there to share their knowledge with Canadian subsidiaries temporarily.
Work permits are required for qualified intra-company transferees; however, they are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These highly skilled professionals contribute significantly to Canada’s economy by imparting their expertise to Canadian businesses.
You would typically require an employment offer from a Canadian business that fits under one of the excluded categories to receive a C12 work permit. A duplicate of the offer letter and the LMIA exemption code that relates to your circumstance must be sent to you by the employer. This group contains separate international pacts like NAFTA, GATS, and other unique circumstances.
The IRCC must receive your work permit application and the necessary supporting documents, including your passport, photos, and documentation of your credentials.
It’s vital to remember that precise guidelines and regulations could change based on your circumstances and the exempt category you fall under. For accurate and current information catered to your needs, it is advised to examine the official IRCC website or seek professional RCIC advice.
You can read more about the ICT work permit program’s specifics in this article, including its requirements, advantages, application process, and pathways to permanent residency.
What is Intra Company Transfer Canada?
Intra Company Transfer Canada enables qualified people to work temporarily in the nation and support the expansion and development of its industries. The Canadian government provides a C12 work permit to make it easier for foreign employees to enter the country since qualified and talented foreign workers are essential to the economy.
ICT Visa Process Highlights
The ICT visa program falls under the IMP of the Canadian immigration department, and Individuals applying through the C12 work permit applicant must follow the instructions described below.
1. An active company in home country
An existing active functioning company in their country of residence is required. Additionally, it has been in business for at least a year and can afford to invest in Canada.
2. Register business in Canada
To be eligible for a work permit under a federal program, a corporation must register as a foreign company’s parent, affiliate, or subsidy and register its company as a branch, subsidiary, or joint venture in the country.
3. A qualifying relationship
The parent firm and its authority over the Canadian branch must have a special connection.
4. Send employees to Canada
If it’s a new branch, they can send one executive or important employee from outside to launch and supervise operations during the first year.
5. Get an employment number
Obtain an employment number: The IMM 5802 form must be submitted with an employment number or a valid authorization from the Immigration Program Guidance Branch.
6. Pay the employer compliance fee
Employers must pay the employer compliance fee to hire a temporary employee under the International Mobility Programme (IMP).
7. Significant economic benefit consideration
If you are not from a nation with which Canada has a Free-Trade Agreement, you must show that your investment in the Canadian branch or subsidiary will have a significant economic benefit for Canadians.
8. Gathering supporting documents
Applicants must present proof of their education, work history, valid job offers, and other necessary documents. The likelihood of work permit approval can be increased by following the qualifying requirements, presenting a solid application, and responding to any issues the immigration authorities may have.
9. Apply for work permit
The selected candidates will be given work permits. The initial ICT visa Canada validity is usually only good for a year. The IRCC may sometimes provide a two-year work visa if the Canadian firm is a subsidiary of the formed foreign corporation. The C12 work permit can be renewed several times for seven years, extending for two to three years at a time.
Canada intra company transfer visa rejected
ICT Visa Canada Rejection Rate
Although the Canada intra company transfer visa rejected rate is not publicly available at IRCC, we can provide the C12 approval rate compared to other IMP work permits (LMIA-except). By digging into The statistics, it shows around 20K applicants were approved within the previous years.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
Total ICT Visa Canada – NAFTA/CUSMA (T24), Other FTAs, Significant Benefit (C12 WP) | 17,155 | 17,585 | 17,605 | 18,870 | 21,340 | 13,885 |
Total IMP – LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Holder | 34,760 | 43,785 | 51,725 | 57,365 | 39,935 | 157,685 |
ICT Canada Visa Processing Time
The IRCC website has information on your country’s ICT Canada Visa Processing Time. The application is typically processed and approved by IRCC in 4 to 12 weeks.
The initial determinant of processing time is whether the application is submitted online or via paper-based processing. Due to its simplicity in management and verification by the IRCC officer, online applications are often handled more rapidly.
Depending on the country where the applications are submitted, the processing period for an online C12 application submitted outside the country may change. The following factors, however, may have an impact on this timeframe:
1. Applicant's country of residency
2. The type of TRV applications
3. How soon can the IRCC process your application?
4. The IRCC office's workload
5. The application's completeness
6. If It is easy for the IRCC to check the documents or information
7. If IRCC may need to interview the applicant.
8. If the applicant's needs medical and background check
People may occasionally qualify for quicker processing timeframes under particular programmes or agreements. For instance, the applicant can qualify for a 2-week processing period under this stream if they are a citizen of a country that benefits from the Global Skills Strategy.
Similarly, applicants from countries like the United States or Mexico with bilateral trade agreements with Canada can gain faster processing due to those accords. (The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA))
Additionally, some Intra Company Transfer Program applications can be handled at the US-Canada border in 3–6 hours. The candidate must apply outside the country, have a legitimate employment offer in skill type 0 (managerial) or skill level A (professional), and have a valid Canadian visitor visa or eTA to be eligible for this expedited service. Otherwise, ICT Canada Visa Processing Time, as usual, will be used. This is because a paper application, commonly known as flagpoling, may be submitted at the border.
Please be aware that ICT work permit applications for managers and executives are routinely processed by the IRCC office, ostensibly employing a case processing tool called “Chinook Canada“; as a result, decisions are made quickly.
The IRCC officer may conduct interviews or seek extra paperwork during processing to confirm the applicant’s eligibility. Rapid and precise responses are required to guarantee that any requests from the IRCC are processed promptly.
A letter of introduction or a letter approving the C12 permit will be sent to the applicant after approval. The applicant is now able to enter the country with this document. The letter must be shown to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agent who will grant the C12 work permit once the applicant arrives in the nation.
Remembering that ICT Canada Visa Processing Time is approximations and might change depending on several variables is critical. Therefore, it is advisable to check the IRCC website or consult a qualified immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ICT permit processing times.
In conclusion, processing time for ICT work permit might take several weeks to months. The length of time varies on several variables, including the applicant’s nation of residency, the complexity of the application, and the availability of accelerated processing. It is essential to acquire all required paperwork, react quickly to IRCC requests, and keep up with any changes or modifications to the immigration procedure to guarantee a smooth and fast process.
Canada ICT Visa To PR
The process for obtaining a Canadian permanent residency for an ICT visa work permit holder is similar to that of international students who come to Canada to study and get their PR through Express Entry or PNPs.
Transferred employees within a company are typically great candidates for Canadian permanent residence. Someone with an ICT visa work permit can join the Express Entry pool. In that situation, they can utilize the Canadian work experience gained through intra-company transfers to PR and submit an Express Entry application for permanent residence after a year.
Depending on their status, a foreign national may be eligible to get 50 or 200 more points for a valid job offer through their company in the country, enhancing their chances of being selected from the Express Entry pool of applicants. The foreign national’s CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score can be increased with a genuine job offer, increasing their chances of being chosen for the EE programmes’ FSW category and receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR from the IRCC.
A passing score on the English Test (IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE) or French (TEF or TCF) and the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) will be required to advance in the Express Entry Pool of applicants.
How Can We Help You To Get A ICT Visa To Canada?
When it comes to business immigration, there are various business and immigration rules and regulations applied. Given the interplay between them and the complicated procedural framework, the pathway to permanent residency requires detailed planning and engagement. So, it’s better to have a skilled and experienced team on your side to help you finally get your temporary or permanent residency. Our objective is to maximize alignment between your business and immigration goals.
As you found in this article, many considerations exist when applying for a C12 category work permit. Canada looks for entrepreneurs as much as it needs skilled workers. The business immigration pathway might be more challenging than skilled worker immigration if you lack the proper guidance and assistance. Our RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) and his professional team are experts in the Business Visa Application process. We have extensive business experience and can guide you in creating a solid business plan that boosts your application’s approval chances.
At Arnika Visa, if you want to apply for Intra Company Transfer Canada, we can assist you from filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents; we take care of it all. We provide comprehensive guidance at every step to ensure you make the right decision to maximize your chances of obtaining a work permit and, finally, submit your work permit application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Here are the details of our professional services offering you:
- Business advisory services: We have provided business advisory services to help business owners for many years. We are experts at analyzing entrepreneurs, startups, and small to medium-sized companies. Our activities consist of four major areas: infrastructure, real estate, land development, and alternative investments. Our expertise ranges from concept development and financing to execution. We assist business owners and management teams through active mentoring, coaching, and writing reports focused on the options, challenges, and issues facing your business and detailing alternative suggestions as possible solutions to move forward. Our business advisory services program is valuable; you can rely on our expertise to help you stay focused and on track. Some areas in which we help our clients include Business Planning, Management, Operations, Staffing, Financing, Expansion, New Ventures, Marketing, Product(s), and Services.
- Work permit Guidance: We know the Canadian work permit application details and how to increase your chance of visa approval. So, we guide you professionally from the first step until you enter the country. Our highly knowledgeable RCIC provides one-on-one consultations during your TRV application preparation. Plus, you will receive End-to-End customized and personalized guidance and support at all stages of the work permit process and ongoing email and phone support (Q&A answered) on documents preparation by the RCIC’s expert team (Terms & Conditions apply under the communication policy section of your retainer agreement).
- Travel Plan: We draft the purpose of your visit to the country per your educational and experience profile, which should be consistent with your temporary stay, given the details you will provide in your application. The IRCC officer wants to ensure you don’t want to facilitate your entry to the nation by utilizing an IMP Work visa.
- Financial Plan: We draft your financial plan per your available funds and all financial resources to address the visa refusal reason based on the insufficient financial resources for your visit to the nation. The financial plan should be consistent with your temporary stay, given your current financial situation, which does show that you are financially established in your country of residence.
- Supporting Documents: Our RCIC has read all IRCC application packages or forms, IRCC offices outside Canada’s instruction guide, and a federal court decision on work permit refusal claims, so he is well-informed about all essential documents before applying for a Canadian work permit. We provide you with a Detailed Personalized Documents Checklist and Guidance, which is way beyond the IRCC office requirements around the globe, including consulting on required and optional supporting documents and drafting and finalizing all supporting documents by the RCIC’s expert team.
- RCIC’s Tailored Submission Letter: Our RCIC (Mr. Reza Eslami, R710241) will draft you a Tailored Submission Letter addressing the IRCC’s Office to support your permit application.
- Immigration Package Preparation and Submission: We prepare the complete Immigration Application, including the Immigration Forms Completion and application Submission and authorized representation, to the IRCC on your behalf. Regarding the ICT Work permit, our expert teams ensure that all necessary & supporting documents are prepared on time and to a high-quality standard when guiding entrepreneurs toward work permit approval.
- The Port of Entry Support: Before granting permission for a foreign individual to enter the country, border services officials (CBSA officers) must ensure you have met all admissibility requirements. If needed (Border Services officers’ questions), Our RCIC provides you with the Port of Entry Support upon arrival.
At Arnika Visa, our expert team provides first-world-class support so you can focus on your family and business. If you are an entrepreneur interested in immigrating to Canada, contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your options and how we can guide you to achieve your immigration goals.
Hi, I wanted to learn more about how to address the concerns and re-apply for the C12 work permit (Intra company transfer Canada visa) that was just refused today. I have a letter of support from an incubator. All documents were in line with the WP, yet they refused my application because of the Purpose of the visit and financial ties to the country. I have had three prior refusals for a Visit Visa to Canada. However, I have often visited the US, UK, and EU for holidays and business. What do you suggest I do now? Thanks
To address the ICT work permit refusal, carefully review the refusal letter, clarify and detail your travel’s purpose, bolster financial ties evidence, and emphasize the new supportive additional documents and information. Highlight positive travel history. We suggest that you seek an Expert RCIC guidance who specializes in Canada ICT visa refusal cases. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact Arnika Visa. Thanks
Hi, the visa to move our company to Canada (ICT work permit) is the same as buying a business in Canada (or buying a franchise) and getting the visa for that? Is the business plan for these two types of IMP categories visas the same, or should different things be considered to get approval for our work permit application? Thanks
The ICT work permit and buying a business in Canada involve distinct processes. The immigration pathways and business plans differ. For the ICT work permit, focus expanding your bsiness to Canada, and for business ownership, emphasize the viability of your venture. We will guide you through the specific requirements for each. Let’s discuss this further by completing the business immigration self-assessment form on our website. Thank you.
Hi, is the visa to move my company to Canada (ICT work permit) the same as buying a business in Canada (or buying a franchise) and getting the visa for that? Is the business plan for these two types of IMP categories visas the same, or should different things be considered to get approval for our work permit application? Thanks
The ICT work permit and buying a business in Canada involve distinct processes. The immigration pathways and business plans differ. For the ICT work permit, focus expanding your bsiness to Canada, and for business ownership, emphasize the viability of your venture. We will guide you through the specific requirements for each. Let’s discuss this further by completing the business immigration self-assessment form on our website. Thank you.
Hi, is the ICT work permit Is it the same as buying a business in Canada (or a franchise) and getting the visa for that? Is the business plan for these two types of IMP categories visas the same, or should different things be considered to get approval for our work permit application? Thanks
The ICT work permit and buying a business in Canada involve distinct processes. The immigration pathways and business plans differ. For the ICT work permit, focus expanding your bsiness to Canada, and for business ownership, emphasize the viability of your venture. We will guide you through the specific requirements for each. Let’s discuss this further by completing the business immigration self-assessment form on our website. Thank you.
Hi, I am doing business on Amazon in the US and Canada, with sales in 2023 reaching 300,000 CAD. I want to expand my business on e-commerce platforms such as eBay, BestBuy, and Walmart… so I want to open a business license in Canada and come to Canada to run a business. I hope to receive support from your immigration lawyer. Thank you.
Hello, thank you for reaching out. Congratulations on your business success! Expanding your business to Canada is a great idea. We will guide you through obtaining a business license, exploring Canadian business immigration options, and ensuring compliance. Let’s work together to make your expansion a seamless and successful journey. Please complete the business assessment form to connect with us for the next step.
I have my company in my home country and am looking to relocate to Canada as an entrepreneur; I have found that I am eligible for three Canadian immigration programs: a C11 work permit, an ICT work permit, and a Startup visa. Please compare the processing time for me with the positive and negative sides of each and tell me which is the best regarding the timeline to settle in Canada quickly.
The processing time for Canadian immigration business programs can vary based on individual circumstances and workload at immigration offices. However, generally speaking:
C11 Work Permit:
This is a standard work permit. Processing times are typically quicker, but it does not lead to permanent residency on its own. If your goal is a long-term settlement, this might not be the most direct route.
ICT Work Permit (Intra-Company Transfer): If you’re moving within your company, this could be faster than other options. However, it may not be suitable if you’re looking for permanent residency as it is a temporary permit.
Startup Visa:
While the processing time for a startup visa may be longer than the work permits, it offers a direct path to permanent residency. If settling in Canada permanently is your primary goal, the Startup Visa program provides a clear pathway for entrepreneurs.
Recommendation:
If your priority is a quick settlement with the possibility of long-term residency, the C11 or ICT work permits might be faster. However, if you are looking for a more stable and permanent solution, the Startup Visa is likely the better choice, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
Hi, I need your help deciding whether I can declare 50 points under the Job Offer category for Express Entry. I relocated to Canada on an ICT Visa (Intra Company Transfer) for the last two years in June 2022. I worked for the same employer till July 2023 (Basically more than a year). Recently, I started working for a new Employer as they transferred my Work permit to their name. I have been working for this new employer for four months only, but I have one year of experience on an ICT visa with my previous employer. However, I am still determining whether I can select ‘Yes’ for ‘Has the candidate worked for Employer on their current work permit for at least one year.’ Please let me know your thoughts on whether I can claim 50 points under this category. I appreciate any help you can provide.
A job offer is valid under FSW, & CEC if the job is working for one employer, continuous, paid, full-time (at least 30 hours a week), not seasonal and for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa. You can claim 50 points under the Job Offer category if you’ve worked for your current employer on your current work permit for at least one year. You haven’t met this requirement since you’ve been with them for only four months.
I have an established software company in Canada (in Jan 2021) that is currently employing five employees on its payroll here in BC. I have been operating a software company in Pakistan since 2010. I would like to bring a software programmer from my Pakistan office to Canada using a Canada ICT Visa. Would you please help us? Thanks
Since you have an established software company in Canada and wish to transfer an employee from your Pakistan office, you can utilize the Canada Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa program. Ensure eligibility criteria, such as the employee’s seniority and job role, are met. Prepare necessary documentation and consult with a Canadian immigration expert for guidance.
We are based in the UK and are interested in an ICT Work permit for one of our directors, a British citizen. A trading business for electrical goods will be set up in Ontario. Is it possible to apply for ICT wp? Thanks
Yes, an ICT Work Permit may be viable for your British director to establish an Ontario-based trading business for electrical goods. Consult with an RCIC for tailored guidance.
My cousin applied for a work permit under the ICT (Inter Company Transfer), which was approved. During the application process, he provided his brother’s address as the primary work location (Example: XXX Street, Ottawa, ON). He plans to enter the country in April 2024 and land at YYZ. Question: Does he have to stay and work from XXX Street, Ottawa, ON, or Can he work from anywhere in Ontario? WWY his company is registered in Ontario at XXX Street, Ottawa, ON; thanks
As listed in the application, your cousin’s primary work location typically serves as the base for their work activities. However, he generally has flexibility within Ontario to work from different places, especially if the company is registered in Ottawa. It’s advisable to inform immigration authorities of changes to his work location.
Hi, I also recently applied ICT Visa for Canada. I completed my Biometrics on 1st March and I just want to know. What is the process time taking for getting Passport Request after completion of Biometrics? Can you please tell me time taken for you after biometrics for getting passport request
The processing time for receiving a passport request after completing biometrics can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of your application, the volume of applications being processed, and current processing times at the visa office. Typically, it can take several weeks to a few months. However, individual experiences may vary, so it’s best to monitor your application status online and consult official processing time estimates provided by the immigration authorities.
I am from Pakistan and an expert in IT regarding QuickBooks Accounting Software, Digital Marketing and Amazon. I have already registered a firm in Pakistan. May I open a branch office in Canada? What about the cost and processing time? Thanks
As a Pakistani IT expert, opening a branch office in Canada is feasible but entails legal and financial considerations. You’ll need to navigate Canadian business regulations, potentially requiring legal assistance. Costs vary based on factors like office space, permits, and legal fees. Processing time depends on completing the necessary steps, which can take several months.
I own a business that is present in 3 African countries. I would like to know the activities and timeline for processing a work visa under the ICT program. Thanks
Under the ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) program, you can transfer to a Canadian branch of your business. Activities include preparing necessary documents, such as proof of your role, company details, and financial statements. Processing times vary but typically range from a few weeks to a few months. Consult an immigration expert for detailed guidance tailored to your situation.
Hello, I have been a director and senior executive of a company (Care Home Service provider) in Europe for over three years, which is doing well. I have had a small Ontario-incorporated company in Canada for over three years – Care Support and Home Support work activities, which are not doing well currently due to the lack of my presence. I need to grow this business. However, if I am present here, I can show $75,000 in a Canadian bank to support the company. My English is good, and I can get 6 in IELTS. My age is 52. Between an ICT work permit and a C11 work permit, which one is more suitable for me to get PR? How many Canadian staff members must be recruited for ICT and C11 work permit visas? What documents are needed for them? Thanks
Both ICT and C11 permits offer paths to PR. ICT suits multinational transfers, while C11 is for business establishments. ICT may not require Canadian staff, but C11 likely does. Documents include qualifications, business plans, and financial statements. Consult an immigration expert for tailored guidance. Good luck!
I work at a multinational company in Brazil and want to move to Canada to work for their branch. However, I am a recruitment manager in the field of human resources. Is that position eligible for the ICT Program? Or would it be classified as middle management, which, as I suppose, is not eligible?
Recruitment managers typically fall under the category of specialized knowledge workers in the field of human resources. As such, they may qualify for the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program if transferring to a Canadian branch of a multinational company. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration consultant (RCIC) for precise eligibility assessment.
Hi, We are in the process of selecting an Immigration Law firm that can process an ICT application for one of our employees. We have a legitimate business registered in Canada and a sister company in Pakistan. The employee needs to be sent from Pakistan to Canada for an assignment. Please let me know if you provide this service and provide a detailed quote. What is Pakistan’s work permit processing time? Thank you.
Yes, we provide services for processing Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) applications. Given your legitimate business in Canada and the sister company in Pakistan, we can assist with transferring your employee. Please get in touch with us directly for a detailed quote, including consultation, document preparation, and application submission fees.