Intra-corporate transferees (ICT)
Understanding the process of obtaining a visa and work permit for seconded employees under the French Intra-corporate transferees (ICT) program is critical for those considering moving to France for business or leisure. With the right guidance and careful consideration of the various requirements, foreign individuals heading to France for employment purposes can be successfully registered and stay in the country without any issue. This article aims to explain the details of the process, as well as some of the frequently encountered difficulties encountered by those enterprising enough to seek a new life in France.
What is an Intra-corporate Transferee (ICT)?
An Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) is an employee who is sent to work in France by an entity related to their original employer. This kind of transfer can be done for a variety of purposes, such as a cross-border reallocation of staff, a promotion, training and development opportunity, or other business purpose.
Under the provisions of the Intra-corporate transferees (ICT) program, qualified individuals may be able to stay and work in the country for up to 42 months, with the possibility of a visa extension.
Who is Eligible for an ICT Visa?
In order to qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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- The applicant must already have been employed by an entity in their home country for at least 1 year;
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- The applicant’s home country entity must be related to the French entity with which they are associated;
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- The job that the applicant will fill must require them to have specific knowledge in their specific field;
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- The job must also require the individual to have utilized the knowledge or expertise they acquired in their home country;
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- The duration of the applicant’s employment in France must not exceed 42 months (long-term ICTs must be re-registered every two years);
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- The applicant must intend to return to their home country within 6 months after the end of their employment period in France.
Those who meet the criteria must then submit their application to France’s Ministry of Labor and Spatial Planning (MoLSP) for review and approval.
What Documents Are Required for an ICT Visa?
In order to make an application for an ICT visa, you will need to provide the following documentation:
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- Your original passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond the dates of your planned stay in France;
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- Two recent passport-sized photographs;
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- A written declaration from the French entity stating the period of employment and the nature of the employment;
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- A curriculum vitae;
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- Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay;
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- Proof of health care insurance policy;
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- Your work contract (original or a certified copy);
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- Any other documents that establish your residence or educational qualifications.
It should be noted that all documents must be the original or a certified copy.
What is the Process?
The process of obtaining an ICT visa typically follows the same basic steps:
- Submit your visa application at the nearest consulate or embassy of France;
- Provide the required documents;
- Have your biometric data taken (the data includes a photograph and a scan of your fingerprints);
- Attend an interview;
- Receive confirmation of your visa;
- Upon arrival in France, register your address with the local prefecture;
- Obtain a residence card from the prefecture.
It should be noted that the length of the process may vary, depending on various factors such as the availability of documents or the complexity of the application.
Conclusion
While the details of the process may seem complex and cumbersome, with careful consideration and the right guidance, it is possible for a foreign individual to successfully obtain an Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) visa in France. This article has sought to explain the key requirements, the steps to be taken in order to apply for the visa, and the common difficulties people can expect to encounter along the way. With the concise and comprehensible guidance this article provides, those seeking to move to France should be able to complete the process without any issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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