Intra-Company Transfer

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program enables global companies to relocate key employees from their foreign offices to their Canadian entity for a temporary assignment. This LMIA-exempt option falls under Canada’s International Mobility Program and is designed for executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized expertise.

ICT work permits offer quicker processing timelines and reduced hiring costs, allowing businesses to expand in Canada while contributing skills, leadership, and economic value to the Canadian workforce.

Why Choose ICT in Canada?

  • LMIA-Exempt Advantage The Intra-Company Transfer program allows eligible applicants to work in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment, under specific IRPR exemption provisions for qualifying employers.
  • Faster Processing Options ICT work permits are often processed more quickly and may be issued through online applications, visa offices, or directly at the port of entry, depending on eligibility.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits Spouses may qualify for open work permits, while dependent children can attend public schools in Canada and access provincial healthcare coverage.
  • Strong Pathway to Permanent Residence Canadian work experience gained through the ICT program can significantly enhance Express Entry CRS scores and support eligibility for permanent residence programs.

Who Is Eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)?

Eligible Companies

To qualify under the ICT program, the foreign business and the Canadian entity must share a legitimate corporate relationship. This may include:

  • Parent–Subsidiary Relationship: A foreign parent company that owns and controls a Canadian subsidiary.
  • Subsidiary Structure: The parent company holds at least 50% ownership or maintains controlling interest in a joint venture.
  • Branch Office: A Canadian branch operating as an extension of the foreign company.
  • Affiliate Relationship: Two businesses owned and controlled by the same parent company or ownership group.

The Canadian entity must be actively operating, not merely registered on paper. Proof of ongoing business activity may include:

  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership or shareholder agreements
  • Registration and filings with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Eligible Employees

Applicants must have worked full-time for the foreign company for at least one year within the last three years and fall under one of the following categories:

  • Executives: Individuals in senior leadership roles with authority to establish company policies and strategic direction.
  • Senior Managers: Professionals who manage key departments or supervise other managers and employees.
  • Specialized Knowledge Workers: Employees with advanced or proprietary knowledge essential to the company’s products, services, or operations.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that they are well-suited for the proposed role in Canada, including:

  • Education or training relevant to the current and intended position
  • Clearly documented specialized expertise or company-specific knowledge
  • Professional experience that aligns with the claimed role
  • Compensation that meets or exceeds Canadian industry standards
  • Strong supporting evidence such as resumes, reference letters, and proof of professional achievements

Work Permit Validity & Extensions

  • Executives and Senior Managers: Initial work permits may be issued for up to three years, with the option to extend the stay for a maximum total duration of seven years.
  • Specialized Knowledge Professionals: Work permits are generally granted for up to one year initially, with possible extensions allowing a maximum stay of five years.
  • Extension approvals are based on:
  • A continued qualifying relationship between the overseas company and the Canadian entity
  • Active and ongoing operations of the Canadian office
  • Workforce levels that align with the approved business plan

Advantages of the ICT Work Permit in Canada

  • Smooth Global Operations: Supports seamless integration between the Canadian entity and the parent company’s global structure.
  • Talent Retention & Growth: Enables companies to retain key personnel while offering employees valuable international career exposure.
  • Cost-Effective Expansion: Minimizes recruitment, onboarding, and training costs by transferring trusted internal talent.
  • Knowledge & Skill Transfer: Strengthens the Canadian workforce through the transfer of specialized expertise and operational know-how.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Risk Control: Ensures business mobility is achieved in full compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Canadian work experience gained through the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program can significantly strengthen your eligibility for permanent residence under Express Entry.

Express Entry Advantages

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Skilled work experience in Canada is counted toward CEC eligibility.
  • CRS Score Enhancement:
  • 50 additional points for qualifying skilled positions (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
  • Up to 200 points for senior managerial roles (NOC 00)

Permanent Residence Process

  • 1. Create an Express Entry profile
  • 2. Improve your CRS score through continued Canadian work experience, language test results, or educational credential assessments
  • 3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  • 4. Submit your permanent residence application

How to Apply for an ICT Work Permit in Canada

  • 1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the employee’s role, work experience, and relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities meet ICT requirements.
  • 2. Prepare Required Documentation
  • Employment verification and reference letters
  • Detailed job description and organizational chart
  • Proof of registration for both Canadian and foreign companies
  • Evidence of specialized knowledge (if applicable)
  • 3. Select Application Method: Applications can be submitted online, through a visa office, or at a port of entry (where eligible).
  • 4. Submit the Application: Complete all required forms and upload supporting documents accurately.
  • 5. Medical Examination & Biometrics: Complete biometrics and medical examinations if requested by IRCC.
  • 6. Application Processing & Decision: Most ICT applications are processed within 2 to 10 weeks, depending on the applicant’s location and case complexity.

How Live Better Immigration Supports You

  • Comprehensive eligibility evaluation for both the employee and the company
  • End-to-end document preparation and accurate application submission
  • Assistance with ICT work permit applications and timely extensions
  • Strategic planning for Express Entry and long-term permanent residence

Frequently Asked Questions

An ICT work permit allows eligible foreign employees to work temporarily in Canada at a related Canadian entity—such as a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate—without the need for an LMIA.

The program is open to executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge professionals who have been employed full-time by the foreign company for at least one year within the past three years.

Yes. Spouses are eligible for open work permits, children may attend public schools, and the entire family can access provincial healthcare benefits, subject to eligibility.

Executives and senior managers: up to 7 years
Specialized knowledge workers: up to 5 years
Validity depends on role and ongoing compliance.

Functional English or French is required. For those planning to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, a minimum of IELTS 6.0 in each module is generally needed.

Yes. After gaining at least one year of Canadian work experience, applicants may qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry and receive CRS points for skilled or senior managerial roles.

Processing times typically range from 2 to 10 weeks, depending on the visa office, application completeness, and individual circumstances.

In most cases, a medical exam is not required unless the stay is long-term or specifically requested by immigration authorities.

Yes. Extensions are possible if the qualifying relationship between the Canadian and foreign entities remains intact and the Canadian operation continues to meet program requirements.
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