CUSMA Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 14, 2025August 14, 2025Canada Visa & PR Immigration Pathway Guidescanada ict visa, cusma canada, intra company transfer canada, nafta work permit, work in canada

Are you a citizen of the United States or Mexico working for a multinational company? The CUSMA Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program might be your ticket to working in Canada without the need for an LMIA.

🧾 What Type of Visa is the CUSMA ICT?

The ICT stream under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, formerly NAFTA) lets companies transfer employees from U.S. or Mexican offices to their Canadian operations. It applies to executives, senior managers, and workers with specialised knowledge.

To qualify, you must have worked for your company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years, and the job in Canada must match your area of expertise or position within the company.

🏠 What You Get With a CUSMA ICT Work Permit

Temporary work authorisation in Canada
No LMIA required
Ability to live and work in Canada with your family (they may be eligible for open permits or study permits)

⏱️ CUSMA ICT Processing Time and Duration

Initial work permits are usually granted for up to 1 year
Extensions are possible, depending on your role and ongoing need
Processing time varies but generally takes several weeks to a few months

💰 CUSMA ICT Costs and Fees

Work permit application fee: CAD $155
Employer compliance fee: CAD $230 (paid by your Canadian employer)
Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if required)

✅ Who is Eligible for a CUSMA ICT?

To qualify, you must:

Be a citizen of the United States or Mexico
Work for a multinational company with offices in both countries
Have at least 1 year of full-time work with the company in the last 3 years
Be transferring into an executive, managerial, or specialised knowledge position
Have a job offer from the Canadian branch

📈 How Competitive is the Process?

Approval rates are generally high if you meet the criteria
However, applications are carefully reviewed—documentation must clearly demonstrate your role, qualifications, and corporate relationship between the companies
Prepare a strong case showing your company history and the need for your skills in Canada

👤 Who Should Consider a CUSMA ICT?

This pathway is ideal for:

Managers and executives working for multinational firms
Employees with niche technical expertise required by the Canadian branch
Professionals already working with a U.S. or Mexican company with plans for internal transfer

⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?

This program isn’t suitable for:

People without a qualifying job offer
Employees of companies without a Canadian presence
Citizens of countries outside the U.S. and Mexico (they may still apply under other ICT programs, but not through CUSMA)

📌 Next Steps for a CUSMA ICT Work Permit

Confirm your eligibility
Speak with your company’s HR or legal team
Gather documentation showing the relationship between the U.S./Mexico and Canadian companies
Submit your application with a complete package to avoid delays