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Business immigration · Employer-specific work permits
Intra-company transfer work permits in Canada
Moving an executive, manager or specialist to your Canadian operation? Start with a review of the company relationship, proposed role and evidence before committing to the transfer.
A 15-minute conversation about your needs and next steps.
Practical advice. Direct support.
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What is an intra-company transfer?
An intra-company transfer is a temporary move from a role in an overseas business to a related Canadian business. The companies, employee and proposed Canadian role must qualify under the applicable immigration route.
Which work-permit route applies?
An intra-company transfer (ICT) can support an LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit. General significant-benefit provisions under R205(a) and treaty provisions under R204(a) have different requirements. We assess the applicable route rather than applying one checklist to every nationality.
Official guidance: IRCC intra-company transfer instructions.
Key checks under the general ICT provisions
The general route requires a qualifying multinational business relationship, an executive, managerial or specialized-knowledge role, and evidence of significant benefit to Canada. The worker generally needs one continuous year of similar full-time employment abroad within the previous three years, with a position available to return to.
Expanding into Canada for the first time? C61 requires revenue-generating operations in the home country and another country before Canadian establishment. For an existing Canadian operation, Canada can count toward the multinational definition. A Canadian incorporation alone is not enough.
Specialized knowledge requires proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise. A job title or language-test result does not establish it. Duration, wages and employer compliance need route-specific review.
Build a clear picture of the business and transfer
Company structure
Bring an ownership chart, incorporation records and a short explanation of the relationship between the foreign and Canadian businesses.
The employee and role
Prepare a résumé, employment history, current duties and the proposed Canadian job description. Explain why this particular person is needed.
Canadian operations
Share the business plan, current activities, staffing and financial information available. For a new venture, identify what is already in place and what remains planned.
These starting materials help us identify the questions a detailed assessment needs to answer. We will explain the supporting evidence needed for your circumstances and the proposed scope of our work.
Support for the company and the employee
Tudor House can help assess the proposed transfer, organize the immigration evidence and prepare an application within the agreed scope. Business planning, company records and the employee’s history should tell a consistent story.
If the proposed transfer does not fit, we can discuss whether a different business immigration or LMIA-exempt work permit assessment is appropriate. Commercial, tax and corporate-law advice should come from the relevant professional.
Common questions
Can I use the permit to work for any company?
No. An ICT permit is employer-specific. Review the employer, occupation and other conditions on the actual permit before changing your work.
Does a transfer guarantee permanent residence?
No. Permanent residence requires a separate assessment. We can discuss longer-term goals without presenting a temporary transfer as a guaranteed PR route.
Can my family come with me?
Family members need their own immigration review. Do not assume that a spouse automatically qualifies for a work permit or that every child has the same study requirements.
What should we discuss on the first call?
The existing business, where it operates, the intended Canadian activity, the employee’s current role and your proposed timing. Please flag any existing Canadian status or previous refusals.
Your consultant
Clear advice from Chris.
I’m Chris Brown, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. I help you understand your options, identify the evidence you need and make informed decisions about your Canadian immigration plans.
We work online with clients across Canada and internationally. You can discuss your circumstances directly with me.
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Plan the transfer before setting the move date.
Discuss the company and employee circumstances with Chris and understand the next assessment step.
We explain the proposed scope, professional fees and next steps before you decide to proceed.