Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is for workers who are currently employed with an eligible Canadian employer. Employers who qualify under the ICT program must meet the qualifying description and identify as a Canadian employer, branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. Canadian employers are not required to secure an (LMIA) to hire foreign workers under this program.
In order to qualify for this program, foreign workers must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.
Must hold a managerial position or demonstrate that they have specialized proprietary knowledge of the Canadian-based company and it’s products. For technology workers this includes programmers and developers who have helped to design, install, and maintain a Canadian companies software, hardware, programs, and computer engineers who design proprietary company software for internal company use.
British Columbia – Immigration Programs for Tech Workers
In May 201, British Columbia launched it’s Tech Pilot program. The BC Tech Pilot program operates under an expedited application processing system that is similar to the Express Entry system for foreign workers. There are currently 29 technology-based programs that qualify for expedited service. Minimum requirements for the program itg for at least one year, with a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of application.)
Benefits of the BC Tech Pilot Program include priority processing over other immigration applications, weekly draws, and dedicated concierge service to guide employers.
Saskatchewan Technology Employment Solutions
While Saskatchewan doesn’t currently have a dedicated tech worker immigration process, they can choose to restrict specific rounds of invitations to apply for provincial nominations to specific occupation groups. This includes tech workers. For example, in September 2020 Saskatchewan issued 621 invitations to apply to workers who had applied to the Occupations In Demand and Express Entry streams under the province’s International Skilled Worker category.
Conclusion
Foreign tech workers who are considering a permanent move to Canada have a wide variety of professional resources at their disposal. Qualified workers who are interested in applying for professional citizenship via Canadian tech programs or Express Entry should contact their Canadian employer or the appropriate Canadian agency for expedited application processing requests.
