On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of the Intra-Company Transferee work permit
- Eligibility requirements for transferees
- Requirements for the parent company and Canadian branch
- Categories of transferees under the stream
- Duration and renewal rules for ICT work permits
- Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the ICT Work Permit
Overview of the Intra-Company Transferee Stream
The Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) stream is part of Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). It allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to their Canadian operations.
Unlike most work permits, ICT applicants do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This LMIA exemption exists because transferees provide significant economic benefits to Canada by bringing expertise, supporting business growth, and strengthening the Canadian job market indirectly.
The stream is widely used by businesses expanding into Canada because it offers a faster and more cost-effective pathway than LMIA-based permits.
Eligibility Requirements for Transferees
Applicants may qualify if they:
- Work for a foreign parent company that has a qualifying relationship with a Canadian subsidiary, branch or affiliate
- Have been employed by the foreign company in a similar full-time role for at least one year in the past three years
- Are being transferred to Canada as an executive, senior manager, or worker with specialised knowledge
- Will stay in Canada temporarily and comply with immigration rules
- Can demonstrate they meet the criteria for their chosen category
Requirements for the Company
The foreign parent company must meet the following conditions:
- Maintain a qualifying relationship with the Canadian subsidiary, branch or affiliate
- Ensure that both the Canadian and foreign entities are actively “doing business” by providing goods or services on a regular basis
- Secure physical premises in Canada, particularly when establishing a new office
- Prove it has the financial ability to operate in Canada and compensate transferred employees
For new offices, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also requires evidence of a viable business plan, staffing potential and proof of active operations within the first year.
Categories of Intra-Company Transferees
Executives
Executives manage the company or a major part of it. They set policies, establish goals and exercise wide discretionary authority.
Senior Managers
Senior managers oversee the organisation, a department or a function. They supervise staff or managers and manage human, financial and material resources.
Workers with Specialised Knowledge
Applicants must prove they have advanced or proprietary knowledge of the company’s products, services or processes. This knowledge must be uncommon in Canada’s labour market and essential to operations.
Duration and Renewal of Work Permits
- When transferring staff to a new Canadian office, the initial ICT work permit is typically issued for one year.
- Renewals may be granted for two or three years if the Canadian entity shows active business operations.
- Proof is required that the Canadian and foreign entities remain in a qualifying relationship, the Canadian branch has been staffed, and services or goods are being provided.
- The maximum period is seven years for executives and senior managers, and five years for specialised knowledge workers. After this, individuals must work at least one full year outside Canada before reapplying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the ICT Work Permit
1. Confirm eligibility and role fit
Match the Canadian position to one of the three ICT categories and verify the one-year full-time foreign employment within the last three years.
2. Prepare the transfer package
Gather proof of the qualifying relationship, corporate ownership charts, business licences, “doing business” evidence, and financials. For new offices, add a business plan, hiring plan and lease or premises evidence.
3. Employer Portal submission
The Canadian entity creates or uses its Employer Portal account to submit the Offer of Employment under the IMP and selects the intra-company transferee category. Pay the employer compliance fee.
4. Worker applies for the permit
Submit the online work permit application referencing the Employer Portal offer. Include passport, employment letters, detailed job description, salary, CV, proof of one-year qualifying employment, and any required education or professional credentials.
5. Biometrics and medicals (if required)
Provide biometrics. Complete an immigration medical exam if your occupation or residence history requires it.
6. Police certificates (if requested)
Supply police clearances for countries where you have lived, if IRCC asks.
7. Review and decision
Respond promptly to any IRCC requests for more information. If approved, you will receive a port-of-entry letter of introduction; the work permit is issued at entry (or mailed if processed in Canada).
8. Arrive and onboard
Enter Canada with your approval letter and supporting documents. Start work only for the named employer and role. Keep records of activities, staffing and revenues to support renewals.
FAQ
Is the Intra-Company Transferee a separate program?
No. It is a work permit stream under the International Mobility Program. It allows multinational companies to transfer employees to Canada without an LMIA.
Who can qualify for an ICT work permit?
Executives, senior managers and workers with specialised knowledge can apply if they work for a foreign parent company that has a qualifying Canadian entity.
Do ICT applicants need an LMIA?
No. This stream is LMIA-exempt because the transfer of key employees benefits Canada by supporting business growth and competitiveness.
How long can an ICT work permit last?
The maximum stay is seven years for executives and managers, and five years for specialised knowledge workers. Renewals depend on proof of active operations in Canada.
Can new offices use this stream?
Yes. Foreign companies can transfer employees to set up a new Canadian office, provided they present a business plan, secure premises and show operational progress within one year.
