Business Immigration & Intra-Company Transfer
The intra-company transfer route lets an established business move key personnel into a Canadian entity without an LMIA, provided the corporate relationship and the role both stand up to scrutiny.
LMIA-exempt work permit
Businesses moving key staff into Canada
Brand new Canadian operations
Moving people into a Canadian operation
Intra-company transfer is our principal business immigration service. It allows a multinational business to transfer executives, senior managers or employees with specialised knowledge from a foreign entity into an affiliated Canadian one, without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Two things have to be established. First, a qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities (parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate): documented through corporate records, not simply asserted. Second, that the individual genuinely occupies a qualifying role and has done so for the required qualifying period.
Where a business is establishing a brand new Canadian operation rather than transferring into an existing one, the requirements are more demanding again. Officers scrutinise business plans, premises, funding and the realistic prospect of the operation actually supporting the role.
Who this route serves
Intra-company transfer suits established businesses moving genuine key personnel. The corporate relationship and the role both have to stand up to scrutiny.
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Businesses expanding into Canada
Companies establishing a Canadian subsidiary or branch and needing key personnel on the ground to run it.
Established multinationals
Businesses with an existing Canadian entity transferring executives, managers or specialists between offices.
Executives and senior managers
Individuals in genuine executive or managerial roles who meet the qualifying employment period.
Specialised knowledge employees
Employees whose knowledge of the company’s products, systems or processes is genuinely uncommon and difficult to replace.
How we run a transfer file
Corporate relationship analysis
We establish whether a qualifying relationship exists between the entities and what corporate documentation will evidence it.
Role qualification
Executive, managerial and specialised knowledge each have specific meanings here. We assess the actual role against them honestly.
Business case documentation
For new operations especially, the Canadian entity’s plan, premises, funding and staffing need to support the position being filled.
Application and renewal planning
Initial permits are time-limited with maximum durations by category. We plan renewals and any permanent residence pathway from the outset.
Not sure this is the right route?
Send us your situation and Jagdeep Kailey, RCIC #R535381, will tell you which routes are realistically open to you. Free, and no obligation.
What officers examine
- A qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities, evidenced by corporate records
- That both entities are, or will be, actively engaged in business
- The transferee's qualifying employment with the foreign entity for the required period
- That the role is genuinely executive, managerial, or involves specialised knowledge
- For new operations, a credible business plan, secured premises and adequate funding
- That the Canadian position is genuine and supports the category claimed
Intra-company transfer requirements, qualifying periods and maximum durations are set by IRCC and can change. Requirements also differ where an international trade agreement applies. We confirm the applicable framework for your case.
Get a free assessment
A written review of your situation, read personally by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. You will get an honest answer, including when the answer is not yet.
Where these applications need care
Every file is handled personally by Jagdeep Kailey, RCIC #R535381. Here is where that makes a measurable difference on this route.
Corporate structure evidenced
The relationship between the entities must be documented through ownership and control records. An assertion of affiliation is not sufficient.
Role assessed honestly
Managerial and specialised knowledge have specific meanings. A generous job title will not survive scrutiny if the duties do not match.
New operations documented fully
Start-up transfers face the highest scrutiny. Premises, funding, business plan and staffing all need to be real and evidenced.
Renewals and PR planned
Maximum durations apply by category. Where permanent residence is the eventual goal, that pathway should shape the strategy from the first application.
Where transfer applications fail
These are the problems we see most often in files that arrive after something has already gone wrong. Almost every one is preventable at the preparation stage.
Where these applications fail
- A corporate relationship claimed but not evidenced through ownership records
- A job title upgraded to fit the category while the actual duties remain unchanged
- Specialised knowledge claimed for skills that are common in the industry
- New Canadian operations with no premises, no funding evidence and no realistic plan
- The qualifying employment period with the foreign entity not being met
- No plan for what happens when the maximum permitted duration is reached
Frequently asked
Hover or tap any question to open it.
Do I need an LMIA for an intra-company transfer?
No. Intra-company transfers fall under an exemption, which is one of the main advantages of the route, it removes the recruitment and wage assessment process entirely.
Can I transfer someone to a brand new Canadian company?
Yes, but start-up transfers face significantly more scrutiny. Officers examine the business plan, premises, funding and whether the new operation can realistically support the role. Preparation matters much more here.
How long can a transferee stay?
Initial permits are time-limited and maximum cumulative durations apply, differing by category. Planning for what happens at the end of that period should begin with the first application, not the last.
Does this lead to permanent residence?
It can. Time worked in Canada on a transfer may support a Canadian Experience Class application, and some provincial streams are relevant to business owners and senior staff. We advise on both together.
What counts as specialised knowledge?
Knowledge of the company’s products, services, systems or procedures that is genuinely uncommon and not readily available in the Canadian labour market. It is assessed against a demanding standard, and general industry experience does not qualify.
You may also need
LMIA & Employer Services
For businesses hiring foreign workers, recruitment compliance, LMIA applications and inspection readiness.
Work Permits
Employer-specific and open work permits, extensions, and maintaining status while an application is pending.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provinces nominate candidates who meet their own labour market needs, often at scores well below federal rounds.
Start with a free assessment
Tell us about your situation and Jagdeep Kailey, RCIC, will review it personally. No cost, no obligation.