Visa Type

Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit Guide (Canada)

Canada • WORK pathway

LMIA-exempt work permits for executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30Official sources
Key takeaways
  • ICT allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to Canada.
  • Transfers are LMIA-exempt under the IMP.
  • Applicants must meet role and employment history requirements.

Who the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is for

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  • Executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers
  • Employees with qualifying prior employment abroad
  • Companies with Canadian and foreign operations
  • Best for: multinational employees transferring within the same company.

Eligibility nuances

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You must have worked for the company abroad and meet role criteria.

The Canadian and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship.

When to choose this vs. significant benefit: use ICT if you are transferring within the same multinational employer.

Common pitfall: not proving the corporate relationship or prior employment.

Typical evidence checklist: corporate relationship proof, prior employment records, and job offer.

Official IRCC guidance to review

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Use the official IRCC guidance before applying for a Canada visa or permit.

Canada visa requirements checklist

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  • Proof of corporate relationship between entities
  • Evidence of prior employment with the company
  • Job offer in an eligible role in Canada
  • Admissibility checks including biometrics and medical exams

Documents and evidence (IRCC checklist)

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  • Corporate relationship documents
  • Employment history and role descriptions
  • Canadian job offer letter and contract
  • Identity documents and admissibility records

Comparing options? Review Significant Benefit (IMP) and Employer-Specific Work Permit before you finalize your Canada visa pathway.

Canada documents checklist

Canada visa application steps

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  1. Confirm company eligibility and role requirements.
  2. Prepare ICT work permit application documentation.
  3. Submit the LMIA-exempt work permit application.
  4. Complete biometrics and medicals if required.

If this pathway doesn’t fit, compare Significant Benefit (IMP) and Employer-Specific Work Permit before you finalize your plan.

Canada visa fees (verify before you pay)

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Fees vary by program and applicant type. Review IRCC’s official fee schedule before submitting. Fees include the work permit fee and biometrics where required.

IRCC fees

Canada processing times

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Processing times depend on program, country of residence, and application completeness. Processing times vary by country and corporate documentation completeness.

IRCC processing times tool

Common mistakes that cause delays

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  • Insufficient proof of corporate relationship
  • Not meeting specialized knowledge criteria
  • Missing evidence of prior employment

Common misconceptions

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  • Any employee can be transferred under ICT.
  • ICT does not require a work permit.
  • LMIA exemption guarantees approval.
  • Not a fit if there is no qualifying corporate relationship.

Next steps

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Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.

FAQs

How long must I have worked abroad?

Applicants typically need at least one year of employment abroad with the company.

Can ICT lead to PR?

ICT is temporary, but Canadian work experience may help for PR programs.

Does ICT require a specific job title?

The role must fit executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge criteria.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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