The Intra Company Transferee (ICT) Program allows multinational companies to transfer key employees, executives, and specialized-knowledge workers to their Canadian operations. This LMIA-exempt pathway is officially categorized under IRPR exemption code C12. It is ideal for global entrepreneurs and companies expanding into Canada who wish to send a senior employee or founder to open and manage a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Official Government page:
👉 Intra Company Transferees — IRCC
Alternate Names and Designations
- Intra Company Transferee Work Permit
- ICT Work Permit Canada
- C12 LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
- Intra Company Expansion Visa
- Executive Transfer or Specialized Knowledge Transfer
These all refer to the same category under the International Mobility Program (IMP), where companies can bring foreign executives to Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). More information:
👉 International Mobility Program — IRCC
What Immigration Officers Look For in an ICT Business Plan
Officers assess the credibility, feasibility, and genuineness of the proposed expansion. A strong plan shows the company can establish or expand Canadian operations and provide economic benefit.
- Corporate relationship between the foreign entity and the Canadian company (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate)
- Viability of the Canadian business model with realistic market research and revenue assumptions
- Financial capacity of the foreign company to support the Canadian operation
- Role of the transferee (executive/senior manager/specialized knowledge) essential to operations
- Job creation or economic contribution within the first year
- Physical presence in Canada (incorporation, address/lease, and active operations)
- Commitment to genuine business activity, not just immigration facilitation
Positions are typically aligned with NOC TEER 0 or 1. IRCC policy reference:
👉 IRCC Operational Manual — Intra-Company Transfers (C12)
Why a Business Plan Is Required
A business plan is a strategic and often decisive part of an ICT application, especially for a new office in Canada. It evidences that the company has:
- A clear business structure and operational roadmap
- Realistic staffing projections for Canadian hires
- Defined goals, milestones, and KPIs
- Sufficient capital, assets, and contracts to sustain operations
- A plan for the transferee’s ongoing role and succession
The plan also helps demonstrate the transfer is temporary for work-permit purposes, even if long-term operations could lead to PR later.
The Role of The Biz Plans
At The Biz Plans, we build plans around how you will actually operate — not generic templates. We collaborate closely to define what you will build, how you will run it, and why it is financially sound.
Every assumption is tied to execution and backed by CPA-level financials (multi-schedule pro formas, hiring cadence, cost maps, and cash-flow sensitivity).
That’s where Atul’s background helps: RCIC-IRB (5+ yrs with a leading immigration law firm), CPA (10+ yrs corporate finance incl. advisory roles with RBC & BMO), and 10+ yrs as fractional CFO for startups. He also holds two master’s degrees (latest in Finance, UBC) and authored the Business Plan Essentials series.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose The Biz Plans
- Deep insight into officer review patterns across ICT, C11, PNP Entrepreneur, and SUV files
- CPA-grade modeling that demonstrates repayment capacity and hiring feasibility
- Real-world market sizing with Canada-specific data and sourcing
- Collaborative process focused on your objectives, budget, and timelines
- Guidance shaped by outcomes — avoiding common refusal triggers
How to Apply for an Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
- Incorporate a Canadian entity (subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).
👉 Incorporate a Business in Canada — Government of Canada - Prepare a comprehensive business plan (expansion model, 12–24 month staffing, financials).
The Biz Plans can assist with this stage. - Gather supporting documents (ownership chart, financial statements, lease/office, contracts/LOIs).
- Apply for the ICT work permit under the International Mobility Program (C12).
👉 Work Permit Application — IRCC - Respond promptly to any officer requests (e.g., procedural fairness letters).
Additional Resources
Ready to Build Your ICT (C12) Plan?
We craft IRCC-aligned, lender-credible plans with staffing milestones and cash-flow backing.