Intra-Company Transfer: Mobilize Your Global Talent to Canada
Expand your business and relocate key personnel without the delays of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
In today's global economy, agility is everything. The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program allows international companies to transfer their most valuable assets—their executives, senior managers, and specialized experts—to their Canadian branches.
It is one of the fastest ways for multinational corporations to establish or expand operations in Canada, bypassing the complex labor market testing required for other work permits.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
As of late 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly tightened the rules for ICTs to prevent abuse. The definition of a "Multinational Corporation" is now strictly enforced—your company generally must have active operations in at least two countries before expanding to Canada.
Furthermore, applications for "Specialized Knowledge Workers" face the highest refusal rates. Officers frequently reject applicants because their knowledge is deemed "skilled" rather than "proprietary" or "advanced." We help you navigate these stricter definitions (C61, C62, C63 codes) to ensure your corporate expansion isn't stalled by a preventable refusal.
What is an Intra-Company Transfer?
An LMIA-exempt work permit stream designed to improve the effectiveness of international businesses.
The ICT program is an LMIA-exempt work permit stream designed to improve the effectiveness of international businesses.
It allows a foreign company to transfer specific employees to a Canadian parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. Because the transfer is seen as providing a "significant economic benefit" to Canada, the employer does not need to prove that no Canadians could do the job.
No LMIA Required
Who This Service Is For
Strictly for current employees of multinational companies who have worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the last three years.
Executives
You direct the management of the organization, answer only to the board/stockholders, and have wide latitude in decision-making.
Senior Managers
You manage the organization, a department, or a subdivision, and you supervise other managers or professional employees.
Specialized Knowledge Workers
You possess "proprietary knowledge" (company-specific secrets) AND "advanced expertise" not easily found in the Canadian labor market.
Start-Up Founders
You are transferring key staff to establish a new office in Canada (subject to strict 1-year initial validity).
How The Process Works
We manage the corporate and individual sides of the application simultaneously
Qualifying Relationship
We compile legal documents (articles of incorporation, share certificates) to prove the "qualifying relationship" between the foreign and Canadian entities.
Employer Portal Registration
We file the Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee.
C63 Legal Arguments
For C63 applicants, we draft detailed submissions proving why the employee's knowledge is unique and essential to the Canadian operation.
Individual Application
The employee applies for their work permit (online or at the Port of Entry for visa-exempt nationals).
Work Permit Issuance
The employee receives their work permit upon arrival, valid generally for 1–2 years (Start-ups) or up to 3 years (Established offices).
Timely Renewals
We track the validity to ensure timely renewals (up to a max of 7 years for executives/managers, 5 years for specialized workers).
How We Help You
We ensure your business goals align with immigration compliance
Prevailing Wage Compliance
IRCC now mandates that ICT workers be paid the Canadian "prevailing wage" for their region and role. We conduct this wage analysis to ensure your offer is compliant.
Business Plans for New Offices
For C61 Start-up ICTs, we help structure a robust business plan that proves financial ability and the intent to hire Canadians—critical for approval.
Drafting Support Letters
We write the critical legal submission letters that explain why the knowledge is proprietary, preventing common "insufficient evidence" refusals.
Audit Protection
We advise on document retention in case of an Employer Compliance Inspection by Service Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common ICT questions
Related Services
Explore other pathways for your immigration journey
Ready to Expand Your Business to Canada?
Let us handle the complex immigration compliance while you focus on growing your operations.