How to Obtain Work Permit through Canada’s Intra-Company Transfer Program

In today’s globalized economy, businesses frequently operate across multiple countries and continents. For multinational corporations, the ability to transfer talent from one office to another is essential to maintaining consistency, promoting growth, and leveraging internal expertise. Canada’s Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is a key immigration route that supports this kind of workforce mobility.

Designed for foreign nationals who work for a company with branches or affiliates in Canada, the ICT pathway allows eligible employees to work legally in Canada without going through the traditional labour market testing process. It’s a streamlined way to obtain a Canadian work permit and is often used by executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to obtain a work permit through the Intra-Company Transfer program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, documentation requirements, and strategic tips for success.

Understanding the ICT Program

The Intra-Company Transfer program falls under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). Unlike other work permit programs that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the ICT pathway is LMIA-exempt. This means employers can bypass proving a shortage of Canadian workers for the role.

The ICT program facilitates the temporary transfer of key personnel from an international company to a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. The goal is to strengthen Canadian operations by importing company expertise while promoting knowledge exchange and foreign investment.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the ICT work permit depends on both the employee and the employer meeting specific criteria. There are three main categories of workers eligible to apply:

1. Executives

Executives are senior employees who direct the management of the company or a major component of it. They often report directly to higher-level executives or the board of directors.

Responsibilities may include:

• Establishing company policies

• Making broad strategic decisions

• Supervising other senior staff

2. Senior Managers

These individuals manage part or all of the organization and supervise or control the work of other managers or professionals.

Responsibilities may include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operations

• Managing resources and budgets

• Hiring and performance evaluations

3. Specialized Knowledge Workers

These employees have advanced knowledge of the company’s products, services, research, equipment, or procedures. They must possess proprietary expertise that is uncommon and not easily found in the Canadian labour market.

Employer Requirements

To be eligible for the ICT program, the employer must meet several key requirements:

• The foreign company and Canadian entity must have a qualifying relationship—this could be a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship.

• Both entities must be actively doing business, which means regularly providing goods or services.

• The Canadian office must be operational or in the process of setting up. In the case of new offices, extra scrutiny will be applied to ensure that the company is credible and committed to establishing a viable business in Canada.

Employee Requirements

The foreign worker must demonstrate that:

• They are currently employed by a company outside Canada.

• They have been continuously employed full-time by the company for at least one year within the past three years.

• They are being transferred to a similar or related position in Canada.

• Their expertise or role cannot be easily filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Application Process

Applying for a work permit through the ICT program involves multiple steps. Below is a comprehensive walkthrough of the process.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before starting the application process, both the company and the employee must confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements. This includes gathering supporting documents, confirming company structure, and clarifying the intended role in Canada.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Both employer and employee will need to submit a range of documentation. Key documents typically include:

From the Employer:

• Proof of business relationship (articles of incorporation, business licenses)

• Organizational chart

• Detailed job offer/transfer letter

• Description of duties and responsibilities in Canada

• Description of the company’s operations (both foreign and Canadian)

• Financial statements (to show viability)

From the Employee:

• Resume or CV

• Employment contract

• Pay stubs or proof of employment

• Evidence of specialized knowledge (if applicable)

• Academic credentials, certifications (if required)

Step 3: Apply for the Work Permit

The application can be submitted online or through a visa application center depending on the applicant’s country of residence. If the applicant is visa-exempt, they may also apply at a Canadian port of entry.

The application package should include:

• Work permit application forms

• LMIA-exemption justification code (C12)

• Letter of explanation outlining the purpose of transfer

• Supporting documents from both employer and employee

• Biometrics (where applicable)

• Processing fee

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country and whether additional documentation is requested. Typically, ICT work permits are processed in a few weeks to several months.

For urgent transfers, employers may qualify for Global Skills Strategy (GSS) fast-tracked processing if the role is highly skilled and meets other GSS requirements.

Step 5: Receive Work Permit and Enter Canada

If approved, the employee will receive a port of entry letter of introduction and the actual work permit will be issued upon arrival in Canada. If applicable, they may also receive a temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Duration and Renewal

The length of the ICT work permit depends on the type of role and whether the Canadian business is newly established.

• Executives and Senior Managers: initial permits can be up to 1 year (new offices) or 3 years (established offices), renewable up to a maximum of 7 years.

• Specialized Knowledge Workers: permits can be issued for up to 1 year (new offices) or 3 years (established offices), renewable up to 5 years.

Once the maximum duration is reached, the employee must work outside Canada for at least 1 year before reapplying under the same category.

Spouse and Family Members

Employees transferred under the ICT program can bring their spouses and dependent children to Canada.

• Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit.

• Children can study in Canada and may require a study permit depending on their age and program of study.

Bringing family adds value to the transition and helps employees integrate more easily into Canadian society.

Transition to Permanent Residency

The ICT work permit is temporary, but it can lead to permanent residence through several immigration pathways.

1. Express Entry (CEC or FSW)

• Work experience gained in Canada under the ICT program may count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility.

• If the employee has sufficient skilled work experience abroad, they may qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW).

• Employer support can enhance the profile under Express Entry via a valid job offer.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

• Some provinces offer nomination streams for workers with employer support.

• The employee may apply through a PNP stream aligned with Express Entry or a base PNP stream.

3. Intra-Company Transferee PR Stream (Quebec and others)

• Some provinces like Quebec have their own intra-company PR programs for highly skilled foreign workers.

Advantages of the ICT Program

• No LMIA required, making it faster and easier than traditional work permits.

• Helps multinational companies stay competitive by relocating top talent.

• Can lead to permanent residence pathways.

• Allows for family accompaniment and work rights for spouses.

• Offers flexibility and mobility within the company network.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Insufficient Evidence of Company Relationship

Many applications fail because the company fails to prove a legitimate relationship between the foreign and Canadian branches. Always include incorporation documents and organizational charts.

Lack of Proof of Specialized Knowledge

If the applicant is claiming specialized knowledge, they must demonstrate it clearly. This includes letters from employers, patents, certifications, and work history.

Applying Before Canadian Business is Fully Established

While it’s possible to transfer employees to new Canadian offices, immigration officers scrutinize these cases more heavily. Providing a strong business plan and proof of resources is essential.

Misunderstanding the Role Requirements

Roles must meet the definitions of executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker. Avoid vague job titles and clearly articulate responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Strategic Tips for a Successful ICT Application

• Work with an immigration professional to strengthen the application and avoid delays.

• Use detailed and accurate job descriptions that align with recognized standards (e.g., National Occupation Classification codes).

• Highlight how the employee’s role will benefit the Canadian operation—growth, technology transfer, innovation, etc.

• If applying for a new office transfer, submit a robust business plan outlining future hiring, expansion, and revenues.

Final Thoughts

The Intra-Company Transfer program provides a dynamic, LMIA-exempt solution for global companies looking to transfer essential employees to Canada. It streamlines the work permit process, supports the country’s innovation economy, and serves as a stepping stone to permanent residence for talented foreign professionals.

For first-time applicants and seasoned global HR teams alike, understanding the nuances of eligibility, documentation, and strategy is crucial. Done right, the ICT program is not just a legal pathway—it’s a business growth opportunity and a personal gateway to a successful life in Canada.

By carefully planning the application, aligning roles correctly, and providing strong evidence, the Intra-Company Transfer route can be a straightforward and rewarding journey for both employers and transferees.