Canadian minister says changes in visa norms will not hit IT cos

The industry's main concern is regarding change in ICT programme, which is used by companies to send their employees to Canada

Changes in visa norms will not impact Indian information technology companies, Canada's minister for citizenship and immigration Chris Alexander said here on Wednesday. Alexander met members of Nasscom who have expressed concern over change in visa norms which makes it difficult for Indian IT companies to depute their executives on assignments in Canada.

"I had a meeting with representatives of Indian IT industry and they appreciated the engagement. I do not think it (the change of rules) will impact the IT companies. We are offering various visa options to enable companies to send their employees to Canada,'' the minister said.

The Indian IT industry's main concern is regarding change in ICT programme (intra company transfer), which is used by companies to send their employees to Canada.

Canadian government has now decided to tighten the rules following complaints that the ICT facility was being misused. At present visa can be issued under ICT porgramme only to persons with "specialised knowledge." Alexander denied that Indian companies were involved in misuse of this facility.

"ICT will remain but this will be available only to persons with specialised knowledge,'' the minister said.

Alexander said IT companies would be able to send employees who do not qualify in ICT programme on a temporary work permits subject to certain conditions or on permanent resident visas.

He said IT companies would have to advertise in Canada to recruit employees locally and a labour market assessment would be carried out in case the company does not get suitable candidates. In such circumstances IT companies can apply for temporary work permits for its staff. The other option for IT executives would be to apply for a permanent resident visa though the employees need not stay in Canada permanently, he said.