Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permits: Complete Guide for Multinational Companies in 2026

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program allows multinational companies to temporarily transfer employees from foreign offices to Canadian branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates. This LMIA-exempt work permit category facilitates the movement of key personnel—executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers—enabling companies to leverage global talent, establish Canadian operations, and maintain operational continuity across international locations.

This comprehensive guide covers everything multinational companies and transferring employees need to know about Intra-Company Transfers in 2026, including ICT eligibility requirements for workers and employers, the three qualifying categories (executives, senior managers, specialized knowledge workers), application process, processing times, spousal work permits, pathways to permanent residence, and strategic planning for successful Canadian business expansion using ICT work permits.

Planning to transfer employees to Canada? Get a free assessment to determine ICT eligibility and streamline your transfer process.

What is an Intra-Company Transfer?

Intra-Company Transfer is an immigration category under Canada's International Mobility Program allowing qualifying multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to Canadian operations without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The ICT program recognizes that multinational enterprises benefit Canada's economy by bringing investment, specialized knowledge, and international business connections.

Key Benefits of ICT Work Permits

• LMIA-Exempt: No need for Labour Market Impact Assessment, saving time and costs
• Faster Processing: Streamlined application process compared to LMIA-based permits
• Spousal Open Work Permits: Spouses eligible for open work permits (for executives and senior managers)
• Business Expansion: Facilitates establishing or expanding Canadian operations
• Knowledge Transfer: Brings specialized expertise and proprietary knowledge to Canada
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Experience counts toward Express Entry and provincial programs
• No Wage Requirements: Unlike LMIA permits, no prevailing wage requirements

Who Can Use Intra-Company Transfers?

ICT permits are available to:

• Multinational companies with qualifying relationships between foreign and Canadian entities
• Executives and senior managers being transferred
• Workers with specialized knowledge essential to Canadian operations
• Companies establishing new Canadian offices (startup provisions)

Qualifying Company Relationships

For ICT eligibility, there must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign enterprise and the Canadian entity. Acceptable relationships include:

Types of Qualifying Relationships

• Parent Company and Subsidiary: Parent owns majority of subsidiary
• Branch: Foreign company operating a branch in Canada
• Affiliate: Both companies owned or controlled by same person/entity
• Joint Venture: When meeting specific criteria

Proving the Relationship

Companies must provide documentation demonstrating the qualifying relationship:

• Articles of incorporation for both entities
• Organizational charts showing corporate structure
• Share certificates and ownership documentation
• Financial statements for both entities
• Business licenses and registration documents
• Contracts or agreements between entities

Active Business Requirement

Both the foreign enterprise and Canadian entity must be actively conducting business. Simply having a legal corporate structure isn't sufficient—both entities must have actual operations, employees, and business activities.

Three Categories of ICT Workers

The ICT program recognizes three categories of workers who can be transferred. Each category has specific eligibility requirements.

1. Executive Category

Executives primarily direct the management of the organization or a major component/function, receive only general supervision from higher-level executives, board of directors, or shareholders, and have authority to make decisions concerning the organization's operations.

Executive characteristics:

• Direct and manage the organization or a major component
• Establish goals and policies
• Exercise wide latitude in discretionary decision-making
• Receive only general supervision or direction from higher executives, board, or shareholders

2. Senior Manager Category

Senior managers primarily manage the organization or a department/subdivision, supervise and control other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees, have authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions, and exercise discretion over daily operations.

Senior manager characteristics:

• Manage the organization, department, or function
• Supervise other supervisory, professional, or managerial staff
• Have authority in personnel decisions
• Exercise discretion over day-to-day operations of activity managed

3. Specialized Knowledge Worker Category

Specialized knowledge workers possess advanced knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or proprietary knowledge that is not commonly found in the industry, along with advanced expertise or knowledge of company processes and procedures.

Specialized knowledge characteristics:

• Possess proprietary knowledge about the company's products, services, or processes
• Have advanced level of expertise not widely available in Canadian labor market
• Knowledge is essential to Canadian operations
• Typically requires significant period to acquire the specialized knowledge

Note: Specialized knowledge workers face more scrutiny than executives/managers, requiring detailed documentation proving the knowledge is truly specialized and essential.

Worker Eligibility Requirements

Employment History with Company

Workers must have been employed by the foreign enterprise (or qualifying affiliate) for at least one year within the three years immediately preceding the transfer. This employment must be:

• Full-time and continuous
• In a position similar to the position in Canada (executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge)
• With the same multinational organization (or qualifying affiliate)

Position Requirements in Canada

The position in Canada must be:

• Within the same company (or qualifying affiliate) as foreign employer
• In an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity
• Genuine need for the position
• Temporary in nature (though ICTs can extend to significant durations)

Professional Qualifications

Workers must have:

• Qualifications necessary to perform the position
• Education and experience appropriate for the role
• Any required professional licenses or certifications (if applicable)

The ICT Application Process

Step 1: Verify Company and Worker Eligibility

Confirm qualifying relationship between foreign and Canadian entities, verify worker has required one year of employment, and ensure position qualifies as executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge.

Step 2: Gather Company Documents

Collect comprehensive documentation about both entities:

• Corporate Documents: Articles of incorporation, organizational charts, ownership structures
• Financial Statements: Recent financial statements for both foreign and Canadian entities
• Business Information: Detailed descriptions of business activities, products/services, number of employees
• Canadian Operations: Office lease, business plan, proof of Canadian business establishment
• Relationship Proof: Documentation proving qualifying corporate relationship

Step 3: Prepare Worker Documentation

• Employment History: Detailed job description from foreign position, employment letters, pay stubs, contracts
• Canadian Position: Detailed job description for Canadian role, organizational chart showing position
• Qualifications: Resume, diplomas, degrees, professional certifications
• Specialized Knowledge (if applicable): Detailed explanation of specialized knowledge, how acquired, how essential to Canadian operations
• Personal Documents: Passport, photographs, educational credentials

Step 4: Complete Application Forms

Complete work permit application including:

• IMM 1295 (work permit application)
• IMM 5707 or IMM 5645 (family information)
• Employer compliance forms (if applicable)
• Offer of employment number (from Employer Portal)

Step 5: Submit Application

Application methods vary based on worker location:

• From Outside Canada: Apply online or through visa office in worker's country
• At Port of Entry: Some nationals can apply at Canadian border (if from visa-exempt country)
• From Within Canada: Apply online for work permit extension or change of employer

Step 6: Pay Fees

Current fees:

• Work permit holder fee: CAD $155
• Biometrics: CAD $85
• Employer compliance fee: CAD $230 (for new work permits, exempt for extensions)
• Total: CAD $470 for new applications

Step 7: Processing and Decision

Processing times vary by application method and location. Port of entry applications can be processed same-day. Online applications typically process within several weeks to a few months.

New Canadian Office Provisions

Special provisions exist for companies establishing new Canadian offices. This allows transfers even before the Canadian entity is fully operational.

Requirements for New Office ICT

• Qualifying relationship exists between foreign company and new Canadian entity
• Canadian entity has secured physical premises for business
• Position in Canada is executive or senior managerial
• Foreign company demonstrates financial ability to establish Canadian operations and compensate employee
• Worker employed by foreign enterprise for at least one year as executive or manager

Initial Work Permit Duration

New office ICT permits are typically issued for one year initially, allowing time to establish operations. After the first year, extensions can be granted for longer periods (typically up to 3 years at a time) based on demonstrated business establishment.

Required Documentation for New Office

• Business plan for Canadian operations
• Proof of secured office space (lease or ownership documents)
• Financial statements showing company's ability to establish operations
• Organizational charts showing how Canadian office fits into corporate structure
• Projections for growth and hiring in Canada

Work Permit Duration and Extensions

Initial Permit Duration

• Established Operations: Up to 3 years initially
• New Office: Typically 1 year for first permit
• Specialized Knowledge: May receive shorter initial periods

Maximum Stay Durations

• Executives and Senior Managers: Up to 7 years total
• Specialized Knowledge Workers: Up to 5 years total

Extending ICT Work Permits

To extend ICT work permits:

• Apply before current permit expires
• Continue to meet all ICT requirements
• Demonstrate ongoing business need for position
• Provide updated company and financial information
• Remain within maximum stay duration for category

Family Members and Spousal Work Permits

Accompanying Family Members

ICT workers can bring family members to Canada:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Can apply for open work permit if ICT worker is executive or senior manager
• Dependent Children: Can study in Canada, attend K-12 schools without study permits

Spousal Open Work Permits

Spouses of ICT executives and senior managers are eligible for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Requirements:

• Principal applicant holds ICT work permit as executive or senior manager
• ICT permit valid for at least 6 months
• Proof of marital or common-law relationship

Note: Spouses of specialized knowledge workers are not automatically eligible for open work permits under ICT provisions, though may qualify under other programs.

Pathways to Permanent Residence

ICT work experience in Canada can lead to permanent residence through multiple pathways.

Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class

After one year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), ICT workers can apply through Canadian Experience Class. Executives and managers in TEER 0 positions are particularly competitive.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Many Provincial Nominee Programs have streams targeting workers already employed in the province. ICT workers may qualify for:

• Ontario PNP - Employer Job Offer streams
• BC PNP - Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams
• Alberta AINP - Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Other provincial programs based on location of work

Strategic Permanent Residence Planning

To maximize permanent residence prospects:

• Achieve strong language test results (IELTS or CELPIP CLB 7+)
• Obtain Educational Credential Assessment for foreign degrees
• Work in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 positions
• Build Canadian work experience quickly
• Create Express Entry profile early
• Explore provincial nomination opportunities

Common ICT Application Challenges

1. Insufficient Proof of Qualifying Relationship

Failing to adequately document the corporate relationship between foreign and Canadian entities leads to refusals. Provide comprehensive corporate documents, organizational charts, ownership structures, and financial statements clearly showing the qualifying relationship.

2. Weak Specialized Knowledge Documentation

Specialized knowledge applications face significant scrutiny. Generic job descriptions or claims of "expertise" without detailed substantiation result in refusals. Provide specific, detailed explanations of the specialized knowledge, how it was acquired, why it's essential to Canadian operations, and why it cannot be readily obtained in Canada.

3. Inadequate Employment History Proof

Not proving one year of qualifying employment with the foreign enterprise causes refusals. Provide detailed employment letters, pay stubs, contracts, and other documentation clearly showing continuous employment in qualifying capacity.

4. New Office Insufficient Documentation

New office ICT applications require substantial proof of business establishment plans and financial capacity. Weak business plans or lack of secured premises lead to refusals. Provide comprehensive business plans, financial statements, proof of office space, and realistic operational projections.

5. Position Not Truly Executive/Managerial

Positions claimed as executive or managerial but involving primarily hands-on work result in refusals. Ensure job descriptions accurately reflect executive/managerial duties, organizational structures support the claimed level, and evidence shows actual management responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICT Work Permits

Ready to Transfer Employees to Canada?

Intra-Company Transfers provide an efficient pathway for multinational companies to leverage global talent and establish or expand Canadian operations. With proper documentation, clear demonstration of qualifying relationships, and strategic planning, companies can successfully transfer key personnel to drive business growth in Canada.

Get Expert ICT Work Permit Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in Intra-Company Transfer work permits and corporate immigration strategies. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous multinational companies successfully transfer employees to Canada and develop comprehensive immigration plans.

Additional Work Permit and Immigration Resources

Explore more work permit and business immigration information:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program - LMIA-based work permits
• Spousal Open Work Permits - For spouses of ICT workers
• Express Entry - Permanent residence pathway
• Provincial Nominee Programs - Provincial immigration options
• Permanent Residence - All pathways to Canadian PR
• Immigration Blog - Latest work permit updates
• Immigration News - Breaking immigration news
• Service Fees - Transparent pricing for services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.