If you have a business in the US and a related branch of that business in India, you may be unsure if you can set up a similar business in Canada and then bring employees to Canada.” The answer is yes, you absolutely can. We’ll talk about how we’ve been able to help US-Indian businesses become established in Canada and bring employees to Canada.
Introducing the Intra-Company Transferee Startup Program (ICT Startup)
In this case study, we want to share how we have successfully assisted an Indian-American company in establishing its presence in Canada and transferring employees to support their Canadian operation. Our solution lies in leveraging the Intra-Company Transferee Startup Program (ICT Startup). This program enables companies to transfer employees from their existing branches to a new branch in Canada.
From US Operations to Canadian Opportunities
The company we worked with already had operations in the US and originated from India. They had been transferring specialised and senior management workers from their Indian office to the US on various visas, including H-1B visas. With their successful operations in the US, they recognized promising opportunities in Canada to provide services to Canadians.
The Challenge of Transferring High-Skilled Employees
However, a key challenge emerged: How could they transfer their high-skilled employees to Canada? The nature of their business involved proprietary tools and software that only their employees understood. They couldn’t easily find suitably qualified individuals within Canada. To ensure the success of their Canadian operations, it was crucial for those employees familiar with their proprietary software to be physically present in Canada.
Establishing a Canadian Business and Gaining Immigration Approval
To address this challenge, we guided the company in setting up a related company in Canada. Legally speaking, this related company had to be either an affiliate, subsidiary, branch, or child entity of the Indian company from which the employees would be sent or from their US operations. This step was essential to convince Canadian immigration authorities that the business was legitimate and would create opportunities for Canadians.
As part of the process, the company had to include a comprehensive business plan in their startup ICT startup permit application. The business plan outlined their current financial situation, their ability to sustain the employees they would hire, and projections for future hiring within Canada. They also specified the type of employees they intended to transfer, whether specialised knowledge workers or executive-level personnel.
Navigating the Evaluation Process and Extension of Work Permits
Initially, the company decided to send a senior managerial-level worker, and their work permit was approved for one year. At the end of the year, immigration authorities evaluated the company’s progress. They assessed whether the business had achieved its goals, conformed to the conditions of the work permit, and successfully set up operations in Canada.
Thanks to the company’s successful performance and adherence to the terms of the work permit, they obtained an extension for an additional two years. This extension allowed them to transfer more employees to Canada, contributing to the growth and development of their Canadian operation. Ultimately, they would be able to hire multiple Canadians, fulfilling the terms of the contract they had won and supporting Canadian businesses from within Canada.
Conclusion: Seizing Opportunities in Canada
If you are an employer or a business owner without an existing operation in Canada but foresee business opportunities in the country that require the support of employees, our services can help you navigate the process and achieve your goals.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist you in setting up your business in Canada and transferring employees to support your operations. Together, we can turn your expansion dreams into a successful reality.
