Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

You may be able to secure a Canadian work permit though the Intra- Company Transfer program if you work for a company that has a parent company, branch, subsidiary or affiliate in Canada. Employers wishing to bring an international staff member to Canada as an intra- company transferee are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). For this reason, the process can be cost effective, simpler and quicker than the LMIA route. Continue reading for more information.

Who is eligible for Intra-Company Transfer

In order to be deemed eligible to work in Canada under the Intra-Company Transfer program, workers must be in one of three categories:

1. Workers with Specialized knowledge- Specialized employees have narrow expertise in an important function of the organization,  including unique skills and experienced with the company’s service, products and procedures.
2. Executives: executives direct management and major parts of the business. They receive only minimal supervision from other levels of management.
3. Senior Managers: manage part and/or all the business, Supervise other managers, and are in charge of hiring, firing, and promoting.

In all instances, workers looking to be transferred to Canada must have at least one year of full time work experience and be performing comparable work in Canada. There also must be a qualifying relationship from the employer and employee for a work permit to be issued.

How long is the Intra-Company Transfer Valid for:

Seven years for executives and seniors managers. Five years for specialized knowledge works. Once the maximum time has been reached, you need to complete one year of fulltime work outside of Canada than you would need to reapply.

Important note:

Intra-company transferees are often in a strong position to become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents can reside and work in any location in Canada.

Can you Change Employers while in Canada?

This permit is employer specific, so the answer is no. If your employment within the company ends, you would need to leave Canada, unless you were approved for another visa

The company is a start-up. Is there additional requirements?

To determine eligibility for a start-up company, the company must provide proof of financial stability and a plan for growth within Canada. The initial permit approved for this is usually one-year.

Can my Spouse and/or Children accompany?

Spouses and children are permitted to live in Canada as part of this program.

Important Factors to consider:

1. Education: Your education level should reflect your intended purpose in Canada as well as you current position within the company
2. Experience: Your experience should be comparable to your claim of unique knowledge within the company
3. Knowledge: Knowledge in your field/ occupation should be based on experience within the company and be unique to your occupation. Not just anyone would be able to accomplish the job you’re intended to do.
4. Training: training you have received should reflect how you have gained specialized knowledge
5. Supporting documents: Resume, referenced letters etc. should all reflect your claims regarding these factors

Akrami and Associates

Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer permit must be done carefully. To ensure you have the highest chances of approval, it is recommended to go above and beyond the minimum requirements. At Akrami and Associates, our representatives are experienced with these types of work permits. We can guide you through the process, start to finish, to ensure the best possible chance of success. Contact us today 416-477-245 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Intra Company Transfer

Are you a foreign national that wants to work in Canada? Do you already work in a multinational company from either the United States or Mexico, which acquires an existing subsidiary branch within Canada? Do you obtain an upper-level position within your multinational company and are seeking to expand your knowledge to your company’s subsidiary branch? If your answers to these previous questions are yes, then you may be eligible for an intra-company transfer. Acquiring a work visa or permit within Canada is not an easy process to undergo and in order to be successful in this process, it is recommended to seek out legal experience and book a consultation with one of our immigration representatives through Akrami & Associates. For further information on this topic, please continue to read this blog.

What is an Intra Company Transfer

An intra-company transfer refers to an eligible foreign national, that is employed in a multinational company somewhere abroad, and wishes to be employed in a connecting branch for their company, within Canada. This transfer can only occur if the eligible worker wishes to transfer within a branch of their original company, which can be only from the United States or Mexico. But first things first, all potential intra-company transferees must obtain a work permit in order to even be considered for an employment transfer to Canada. Without this valid piece of document, a foreign national from a visa-exempt country cannot obtain work in Canada, regardless of connecting branches of employment.

Three Important Documents:

• Proof of continuous employment (full time) with the enterprise outside of Canada for at least one year within the previous three years period preceding the date of application

• Proof of executive or managerial position held by the applicant in the company or

Specialized Knowledge

The intra company transfer category was design to assist multinational businesses to move employees temporarily when required to another country under the same company.

The intra company transferee refers to foreign workers who are sent to work for the same company in a different country. In order to qualify under intra company transferee a person must have worked continuously for at least one year under the same employer in the USA or Mexico, and are being transferred to Canada for a short terms for the same or related employer. The position that the worker hold must be a managerial or executive position or have specialized knowledge and must have a work permit to be able to work in Canada.