Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)Work Permits
Intra-Company Transfer work permits allow multinational companies to temporarily relocate key employees to Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided specific regulatory conditions are met. This LMIA-exempt pathway is designed to support global business operations by facilitating the transfer of executive, senior managerial, and specialized knowledge personnel.
To qualify, the employee must be transferring to a Canadian parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their foreign employer and must have been continuously employed abroad for at least one year in the preceding three years. Both the Canadian and foreign entities must be actively doing business, and the transfer must be temporary in nature.
Cohen Visa advises multinational companies and employees on eligibility, corporate structuring, documentation, and compliance to support efficient ICT applications and long-term immigration planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICT work permits
To qualify, the employee must be transferring to a Canadian parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their foreign employer and must have been continuously employed abroad for at least one year in the preceding three years. Both the Canadian and foreign entities must be actively doing business, and the transfer must be temporary in nature.
No. Intra-Company Transfer work permits are LMIA-exempt, meaning employers do not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment. This pathway is designed to support global business operations by facilitating the transfer of executive, senior managerial, and specialized knowledge personnel.
ICT work permits are designed for executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized knowledge. The employee must be transferring from a related foreign entity (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) to the Canadian operation.
ICT work permits are temporary in nature. The initial duration and any extensions depend on the specific circumstances and IRCC guidelines. Cohen Visa can advise on eligibility, documentation, and long-term immigration planning for ICT applicants.
Many immigration programs allow you to include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit. We recommend consulting with an immigration professional to assess your specific situation.
Required documents typically include proof of the corporate relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, evidence of the employee's qualifying employment abroad, job offer details, and various application forms. Cohen Visa advises on documentation and compliance to support efficient ICT applications.