Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit — Canada

A Canada Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) allows you to move from a foreign branch of a multinational company to a related Canadian enterprise. You apply for a Work Permit (Employer-Specific) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the International Mobility Program.

IRCC reviews these applications under regulatory provisions such as R205(a) (codes C61, C62, C63) and, in some cases, R204(a) if a free trade agreement applies. Your transfer must provide a significant economic or social benefit to Canada.

Key Requirements

You must show:

• A qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian enterprises
• Proof of current employment with the multinational company
• Details of your role, duties, and employment history
• Evidence of managerial capacity or specialized knowledge, if applicable
• Supporting documents such as pay stubs and your employment contract
• Completed Form IMM 1295
• Biometrics, if required

Failing to prove specialized knowledge or submitting incomplete documentation can lead to refusal. Filing does not guarantee approval.

Fees (as of 2026-02)

After approval, you receive an employer-specific permit tied to the Canadian entity. Depending on your long-term plans, you may later explore options such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker).

Complex cases often arise when you open a new Canadian branch. You must prove the foreign company has a qualifying relationship with the Canadian entity and that the Canadian operation can support a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.

If you cannot show active business operations in Canada, IRCC may refuse the application.

You apply through the International Mobility Program, which allows an LMIA exemption. Your application must demonstrate a significant benefit to Canada under R205.

Officers also assess R200(1)(b). You must satisfy them that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Submit strong documentation with your Work Permit (Employer-Specific) application, typically filed using Form IMM 1295. Missing proof of your employment relationship with the multinational company is a common refusal ground.

Provide:

• Detailed job descriptions
• Organizational charts (foreign and Canadian entities)
• Proof of active business operations in Canada
• Evidence you held an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role when you applied

An Open Work Permit is not the standard pathway for intra-company transferees. If you later pursue permanent residence through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), IRCC will assess that application separately under its own criteria.

You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your intra-company transfer application. They must apply at the same time and through the same location to qualify for combined family processing fees.

IRCC charges the following work permit fees:

To qualify for the CA$500 family maximum, all family members must:

• Apply at the same time
• Apply at the same place
• Ensure children meet the definition of dependent

If your spouse applies for a work authorization, IRCC will assess eligibility separately. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve an Open Work Permit or another type of authorization.

Each applicant must meet all legal status requirements.

You must provide proper documentation for every family member. This includes confirmation of legal status and any required forms, such as Form IMM 1295 for work permit applications.

IRCC may refuse an application if a family member does not qualify. Incomplete documentation, gaps in authorized work, or missing evidence can affect approval.

If you later pursue permanent residence through programs such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), you must declare all accompanying and non-accompanying dependents in your profile and application.

You can move from an intra-company Work Permit (Employer-Specific) to permanent residence if you meet IRCC requirements. Your temporary status does not block you from applying for permanent residence.

Many applicants use Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) while working in Canada. You must submit a complete application and wait for IRCC to assess eligibility and supporting documents.

Processing time for permanent residence starts the day IRCC receives your complete application. It ends when IRCC makes a final decision.

When applying, you must:

• Complete all sections of required forms accurately, including Form IMM 1295 where applicable
• Provide details of the Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
• Show both the Canadian and foreign enterprises actively operate
• Include evidence of advanced proprietary knowledge or expertise, if relevant
• Submit any required residence documents

IRCC calculates processing times based on the month and year you applied.

If eligible, your spouse may qualify for an Open Work Permit while you hold valid status in Canada.

To qualify for a Canada intra-company transfer, you must submit a valid offer of employment under section R209 through an authorized channel. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews this submission as part of your application.

You must apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit, not an Open Work Permit. Your application must be complete and filed with IRCC using the required forms, including Form IMM 1295.

Core requirements include:

• Offer of employment submitted through an authorized channel under R209
• Application for an Employer-Specific Work Permit
• Completed IMM 1295 form
• Payment of applicable fees
• Compliance with IRCC admissibility requirements

Required Government Fees

You must pay biometrics fees when required. IRCC will not process your application without the correct payment.

Processing times may change if the number of applicants exceeds Canada’s annual immigration levels.

An intra-company transfer work permit does not automatically grant permanent residence. If you later pursue permanent residence through programs such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program), you must meet that program’s separate eligibility criteria as set by IRCC.

Delays often happen if you submit incomplete or incorrect information to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even minor errors on Form IMM 1295 or missing documents can slow down your Work Permit (Employer-Specific) application.

IRCC may ask for additional documents after you apply.

You need to respond fully and accurately to avoid further delay.

Frequent issues include:

• Missing required supporting documents
• Leaving fields blank on IMM 1295
• Providing inconsistent information across forms
• Submitting incorrect details for your employer-specific role

If you later pursue permanent residence through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), inconsistencies between earlier work permit filings and new submissions can create complications.

Keep your records consistent.

An Open Work Permit application can also face delays if you omit required information.

Every IRCC form and checklist is mandatory.

Before submitting, confirm every section is complete and every required document is included.

Careful review helps reduce avoidable delays.