North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) established a free-trade zone in North America; it was signed in 1992 by Canada, Mexico, and the United States and took effect on Jan. 1, 1994. NAFTA immediately lifted tariffs on the majority of goods produced by the signatory nations. It also calls for the gradual elimination, over a period of 15 years, of most remaining barriers to cross-border investment and to the movement of goods and services among the three countries. NAFTA facilitates temporary entry for business persons who are citizens of the U.S., Mexico and Canada and who are involved in the trade of goods or services, or in investment activities.
Business persons grouped under four categories:
- Business visitors
- Professionals
- Intra-company transferees
- Traders and investors
The following are the general requirements to qualify for ICT
- Employed by the international company and looking to enter Canada in a parent or affiliate of that company.
- You have been continuously employed with the company from past one year in the last three-year period.
- You have been employed with the company and will be transferred to continue relationship with the company.
- You are being transferred in a senior level position or specialized knowledge capacity.
- You will be working in the company and entering Canada only temporarily.
