Immigrate to Canada: ICT Work Permit for Entrepreneurs

Who is eligible for the ICT Program?

• Business owners, entrepreneurs, and shareholders of thriving companies, currently serving in executive roles within their organization and planning to perform similar duties in Canada.
• Senior managers and functional managers currently employed by foreign companies, who have intentions to assume analogous positions within Canada.
• Key employees within a business who possess advanced specialized knowledge that is either unique or uncommon.

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Work Permit

Requirements for Application

• It is advisable that the applicant does not hold simultaneous positions as both an overseas parent company representative and a Canadian subsidiary owner/director.
• The applicant must possess a minimum of one year of work experience within the overseas parent company in the past three years. Documentation such as payroll records, tax bills, company insurance policies, or income bank records should be provided as evidence of this work experience with the parent company.
• The applicant should hold a managerial or technical position within the parent company that aligns with the job position in Canada.
• Academic qualifications and work experience should align with the requirements of the intended job position in Canada.

Requirements for the Parent Company

• The parent company must have a track record of at least one year of business operations and should be able to furnish evidence, including financial statements from the previous year, customer contracts, and supplier contracts.
• A comprehensive business plan outlining the strategy for expanding into the Canadian market, the anticipated expenses, the responsibilities of the work permit applicant, and the rationale for the move to Canada must be provided. Assistance in drafting this plan is available if needed.
• The financial statements of the parent company should demonstrate the ability to financially support the initial operational costs of the Canadian subsidiary for the first year.

Immigration Options

The Most Popular and Simple Options

1. Express Entry-Federal Skilled Worker
   Under the Express Entry system, candidates qualifying as Federal Skilled Workers can rapidly secure a Permanent Resident (PR) Card, typically within 6-8 months. This expedited process made possible through the Express Entry pool, scoring, and subsequent selection, currently stands as the swiftest route to Canadian immigration.
   Eligibility Criteria:
   • Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of full-time employment, either within Canada or internationally. The role should be technical, classified under NOC categories 0, A, or B. For individuals with varied work experiences, consistency in the nature of positions held is mandatory.
   • Corporate Limitations: Holding positions as a company director or shareholder is not permissible for the applicant.
   • Educational and Professional Stipulations: Possession of academic credentials and professional experience that satisfy the prerequisites of the prospective job role is essential, with a minimum requirement being a high school diploma.
   • Scoring Benchmarks:
     • A minimum of 67 points in the Federal Skilled Worker evaluation.
     • A minimum of 490 points* in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry.
   • Language Proficiency: IELTS General Test: A minimum score of 6 is required across all categories.
   *Note: The CRS score is subject to change based on the regular draws conducted by the immigration authorities. Applicants are advised to stay updated on the latest requirements.

2. Express Entry-Canadian Experience Class
   The Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system offers a streamlined pathway for applicants to secure a Permanent Resident (PR) Card within an estimated 6-8 months. This program is recognized for its efficiency, standing as the most expedited process for Canadian immigration currently available.
   Eligibility Criteria:
   • Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of full-time employment in any of Canada's provinces. The occupation must be technical, falling under NOC categories 0, A, or B. In cases of multiple job experiences, these can be from different positions, provided they meet the NOC specifications.
   • Corporate Limitations: Applicants are not eligible if they are directors or shareholders of a company.
   • Educational and Professional Stipulations: Candidates must possess academic credentials and work experience that align with the demands of their job role, with the bare minimum being a high school diploma.
   • Scoring Benchmarks: A minimum of 480 points* is required in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under Express Entry.
   • Language Proficiency:
     • For NOC 0, A: A score of at least 6 (IELTS General Test) is required in all categories.
     • For NOC B: A minimum score of 5 (IELTS General Test) is necessary in all categories, except for reading, which requires at least a 4 (IELTS General Test).
   *Note: CRS scores are variable, subject to the periodic draws conducted by immigration authorities. As such, applicants should remain informed about the current standards.

3. MPNP – Manitoba Skilled Worker
   The MPNP-Skilled Worker stream is part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and offers a pathway to Canadian permanent resident status for Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) applicants and their spouses who have been working in Manitoba for at least 6 months.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Possession of a valid, unexpired work permit at the time of application.
   • Accumulation of a minimum of 6 months of work experience with the same employer in a long-term, full-time position.
   • Academic qualifications and work experience that align with the requirements of the job position.
   • Exclusion of individuals who are directors, shareholders, temporary employees, or outsourced employees of the company (i.e., those engaged in self-employment).
   • IELTS General Test Requirements:
     • NOC 0, A, and B categories require a score of 5 in all sections, except for a score of 4 in reading.
     • NOC C, and D categories require a score of 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must maintain a physical office in Manitoba and be a registered Canadian enterprise, either at the federal or provincial level.
   • The company may be requested to provide documentation demonstrating its capacity to support the applicant's full-time, long-term employment for the purpose of provincial nomination in Manitoba.

4. AAIP – Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
   Applicants who meet the program requirements and receive Alberta's nomination, along with their spouses and dependent children, can apply for Canadian permanent residency. The IELTS language proficiency requirement for this program can be as low as a score between 4 and 5.
   Application Criteria:
   • The applicant must have a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in any Canadian province, and the job must fall under NOC 0, A, or B categories. If there are multiple work experiences, they can be in different positions.
   • The applicant cannot hold a position as a director or shareholder in the company.
   • Possession of academic qualifications and work experience that align with the job requirements (at least a high school diploma).
   • The applicant should be employed in an industry related to their profession:
     • Within Alberta, they should have 12 months of full-time work experience in the past 18 months.
     • Outside Alberta (including overseas), they should have 24 months of full-time work experience in the past 30 months.
   • Achieving a minimum of 460 points in the Express Entry / CRS score.
   • IELTS General Test Requirements:
     • NOC 0, A category applicants must score at least 6 in all language proficiency categories.
     • NOC B category applicants require a score of 5 in all categories, except for a score of 4 in reading.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   The company must maintain a physical office in Alberta and be registered as a Canadian company at the federal or provincial level.

More Difficult Options

1. BCPNP Skilled Worker
   Through the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BCPNP) Skilled Worker stream, ICT applicants and their spouses can expedite the process of obtaining a provincial nomination certificate in BC, enabling them to pursue immigration with a job offer (employer letter) from a Canadian company.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • The applicant must possess academic qualifications and work experience that align with the requirements of the job position.
   • A minimum of 2 years of work experience in the relevant position is required, and the salary for the position must meet the median salary for that position within the company's location in British Columbia.
   • Neither the applicant nor their spouse should have held more than a 10% ownership stake in the company in the past 5 years.
   • IELTS General Test Requirements:
     • NOC 0, A category applicants do not have specific language requirements.
     • NOC B category applicants must score 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must be registered in British Columbia, either through general company registration or Extra-Provincial Corporation (EPC) registration if it operates outside the province.
   • The company should have been operational in British Columbia for a minimum of one year.
   • The company must meet specific employee number requirements:
     • If located in the Greater Vancouver area, the company must employ at least 5 full-time, long-term employees.
     • If located outside of Metro Vancouver, the company must employ at least 3 full-time, long-term employees.

2. NBPNP - New Brunswick Skilled Worker
   The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Skilled Worker stream is tailored for applicants aspiring to settle in New Brunswick, provided they have secured a job offer. To be eligible, applicants must possess at least one year of experience in a technical profession within the province. Those who meet these requirements can expedite their application process and seek Canadian permanent resident status after receiving an invitation.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Age between 19 and 55 years, with a high school diploma or higher education.
   • Academic qualifications and work experience that align with the job position's requirements.
   • The applicant's salary must meet the median salary for their position within the province.
   • At least one year of work experience in a technical occupation within the province (NOC 0, A, B).
   • IELTS General Test Requirements: Achieve a score of 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking.
   • Accumulate a minimum of 60 points in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system to qualify for provincial nomination.
   • Exclusion of individuals who hold roles as directors, shareholders, temporary employees, or outsourced employees within the company (i.e., self-employment).
   • No ownership of assets or businesses in other Canadian provinces.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must maintain a physical office within the province.
   • The company should have remained operational in the province for the past two years without changes in ownership or directorship.
   • Evidence of efforts to recruit local Canadian employees within 6 months before the application submission, including posting advertisements on three different platforms for a duration of not less than 4 weeks, must be provided.

3. NLPNP - Newfoundland and Labrador Skilled Worker
   The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Skilled Worker stream is designed for provincial nominees aspiring to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador and who have secured job opportunities in the province. These job opportunities must be full-time positions lasting a minimum of two years. Eligible applicants can expedite their application process by submitting their information and subsequently apply for Canadian permanent resident status following a provincial draw.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Age between 21 and 59 years.
   • Possession of academic qualifications and work experience aligned with the job position's requirements.
   • Securing a full-time job in the province for a duration of at least two years.
   • Holding a valid work permit with a minimum of 4 months remaining, or providing proof of meeting the work permit application requirements.
   • IELTS General Test Requirements: NOC 0, A category applicants do not have specific language requirements. NOC B category applicants require a score of 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking.
   • Ownership of no more than 10% of the company's shares.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must be registered in the province and maintain a physical office.
   • Continuous operation of the company within the province for the past two years.
   • Providing evidence of efforts to recruit local Canadian employees.
   • The company's responsible individual must undergo and pass an interview conducted by the provincial government.

4. NSNP – Nova Scotia Skilled Worker
   The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) Skilled Worker stream is designed to select provincial nominee applicants who aspire to settle in Nova Scotia. To be eligible, applicants are required to secure a full-time job offer and possess a minimum of one year of work experience in the respective position. Eligible applicants can then proceed to submit their provincial nomination application and ultimately obtain Canadian permanent resident status.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Age between 21 and 55 years, with a high school education or higher.
   • Possession of academic qualifications and work experience that align with the job position's requirements.
   • Attainment of a full-time job opportunity within the province, with the salary for the position meeting or exceeding the starting salary for the corresponding position in the company's location.
   • Accumulation of at least one year of full-time work experience in the position within the past five years.
   • IELTS General Test Requirements:
     • NOC 0, A, B category applicants must achieve a score of 5 in all language proficiency categories, except for a score of 4 in reading.
     • NOC C, D category applicants require a score of 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must be registered in the province and maintain a physical office.
   • Continuous operation of the company within the province for the past two years.

5. OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
   The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream of the OINP is a unique pathway for prospective immigrants with job offers in Ontario. It allows them to receive provincial nomination certificates, paving the way for Canadian permanent residency. Notably, this stream does not mandate language proficiency scores but imposes more stringent requirements on employers.
   Application requirements:
   • Applicants must be between 21 and 59 years old. A minimum education of a two-year college diploma or an undergraduate degree is required.
   • Candidates must secure a permanent, full-time job offer in Ontario, falling within NOC categories 0, A, or B.
   • The offered salary must comply with the prevailing median wages for that position in the region of the employing company in Ontario.
   • At least two years of full-time, continuous work experience in the relevant position within the last five years is necessary.
   Employer requirements:
   • The employer must be a registered business at the federal or provincial level in Ontario, with a physical operational office in the province. The business should have been active in Ontario for at least three years.
   • Companies in the Greater Toronto Area (including the City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel) must demonstrate a minimum annual revenue of CAD 1,000,000. Companies situated outside the Greater Toronto Area must have a minimum annual turnover of CAD 500,000.
   • Employers in the Greater Toronto Area must have a minimum of 5 full-time staff members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
   • Those outside the Greater Toronto Area must employ at least 3 full-time local personnel who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
   • Proof of attempts to hire Canadian residents or citizens is required, demonstrated through job advertisements on three distinct platforms for no less than four weeks within the six months prior to application submission.

6. PEI PNP – Skilled Worker
   Under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Skilled Worker stream, individuals who have secured a full-time job offer lasting at least two years within the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) can apply for this provincial nomination program, ultimately leading to Canadian permanent resident status.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Age between 21 and 59 years, holding a two-year college diploma, undergraduate degree, or higher education.
   • Possession of academic qualifications and work experience that align with the job position's requirements.
   • Valid work permit.
   • Secure a long-term, full-time job offer for at least two years within PEI, with the position falling under NOC 0, A, or B categories.
   • Language Requirement: IELTS General - Score a minimum of 3.5 in reading, 4 in writing, 4.5 in listening, and 4 in speaking. Alternatively, provide a company-signed document attesting to the applicant's language proficiency matching the job requirements, or present a school certificate indicating that the primary language of instruction was English or French.
   • Participation in a PEI Provincial Government interview if required.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must be registered in the province and maintain a physical office.
   • Continuous operation of the company within the province for the past two years. In cases where the company has operated for less than two years, permission must be obtained from the PEI Provincial Immigration Department to apply.
   • Providing evidence of efforts to recruit local Canadian employees.

7. SINP – International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer
   Under this program, applicants can seek provincial nomination and Canadian permanent resident status once the employer company receives approval from the provincial government.
   Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
   • Attain a provincial nomination score of at least 60 points.
   • Secure a long-term, full-time job and possess a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the position within the past 10 years.
   • IELTS General Test Requirements: Achieve a minimum of 3.5 points in reading, 4 points in writing, 4.5 points in listening, and 4 points in speaking.
   • The job position must fall under NOC 0, A, or B categories.
   Employer Eligibility Criteria:
   • The company must be registered in the province and maintain a physical office.
   • The company must obtain approval from the provincial government to recruit applicants.

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