Intra-Company Transfer to Canada: Work Permit for Managers and Specialists
An intra-company transfer lets a multinational move a manager, executive or specialized knowledge worker to its Canadian branch, subsidiary or affiliate without an LMIA. You need 1 year of full-time work with the foreign company in the last 3 years. We check the company link, your role and the evidence.
since 1991
Who qualifies for an intra-company transfer?
You qualify if a multinational company employs you abroad as an executive, manager or specialized knowledge worker, and it sends you to a Canadian parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate. You need 1 year of continuous full-time work in a similar job in the last 3 years (IRCC).
What must the Canadian company show?
The Canadian company must be doing business in Canada. That means regularly, systematically and continuously providing goods or services. A mailing address or shared workspace is not enough. See the free trade agreements guide for US and Mexican citizens and the LMIA-exempt hub.
Key rules at a glance
- Company link: the foreign and Canadian companies must have a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate relationship.
- Your role: you must be an executive, a manager or a specialized knowledge worker, in the same capacity in Canada.
- Return job: your job abroad must stay available for you when your Canadian assignment ends.
- Time limit: the total stay is up to 5 years for specialized knowledge and up to 7 years for managers and executives.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
An intra-company transfer fits if
- A multinational employs you abroad in a qualifying role.
- You have worked there full-time for 1 year in the last 3.
- The Canadian company is active and linked to your employer.
Another route fits if
- Your company is not a multinational: a business owner permit (C11) may fit instead.
- You are a US or Mexican citizen: see the CUSMA guides and the free trade agreements guide.
- You want a Canadian job: an LMIA work permit may fit.
See our work permits hub and the LMIA-exempt hub for every option.
Why intra-company transfers get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
No qualifying link
The foreign and Canadian companies must be a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate of each other. You must prove the link with company documents.
Not doing business in Canada
The Canadian company must be actively providing goods or services. A name on paper, an agent or a shared desk does not count.
Role or experience gaps
You must be an executive, manager or specialized knowledge worker, with 1 full-time year in the last 3. Part-time years do not add up.
Specialized knowledge not proven
You need evidence of proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise, and the Canadian job must need it. Lower job levels get a closer look.
Job changes in Canada
You must transfer in the same capacity. A different role in Canada, or no job to return to, can lead to a refusal.
Not sure your transfer qualifies?
We review the company link, your role and the evidence before your employer files.
Limits you cannot miss
1 year in the last 3
You must have worked continuously and full-time for the foreign company for at least 1 year in the 3 years before you apply. Part-time work does not add up.
Specialized knowledge workers can stay up to 5 years in total. Managers and executives can stay up to 7 years. IRCC counts the total, even if you switch between agreement and general rules.
A transfer is temporary. If you want to stay in Canada, look at Express Entry and other pathways early, since your time is capped.
Documents to gather
Your checklist depends on your role. Start with these.
How an intra-company transfer works, step by step
Six stages from your role to your permit.
Confirm your role
Check that you are an executive, manager or specialized knowledge worker.
Prove the company link
Gather papers that show the parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate link.
Employer files the offer
The Canadian employer submits the offer and pays the compliance fee.
Get your offer number
Your employer gives you the 7 digit number.
Apply with evidence
Add proof of your 1 year and your role.
Get your permit
Track your total time in Canada and plan your next step.
Intra-company transfer costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Intra-company transfer FAQs
What is an intra-company transfer?
It is an LMIA-exempt work permit for a manager, executive or specialized knowledge worker sent by a multinational to a linked Canadian company. The transfer must be temporary. The job in Canada must match your job abroad.
What are the basic requirements?
You must work for a multinational outside Canada in a qualifying role. You need 1 full-time year of continuous work in a similar job in the last 3 years. The Canadian company must be linked to your employer and doing business in Canada.
What counts as doing business in Canada?
It means regularly, systematically and continuously providing goods or services. Having a mailing address, an agent or access to a shared workspace is not enough.
What is specialized knowledge?
It is proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise that the job in Canada needs. You must show evidence of your training and experience. Jobs at lower levels get a closer review.
Can a company in a non-multinational structure use this?
No. If you are transferring from a company that is not a multinational to start a new business, you may qualify under the business owner permit category instead.
How long can I stay as a transferee?
The total stay is up to 5 years for specialized knowledge workers and up to 7 years for managers and executives. The 7 year limit counts even if you switch between a trade agreement and the general rules.
Does the job abroad have to stay open for me?
Yes. Your position with the foreign company must remain available for you to return to at the end of your Canadian assignment.
How much does it cost?
The work permit fee is CAD$155, and your employer pays a CAD$230 compliance fee. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Check the IRCC fee list.
Can US and Mexican citizens transfer under CUSMA?
Yes. CUSMA also covers company transferees who are US or Mexican citizens. Read our free trade agreements guide for the trade agreement rules.
Can my spouse work in Canada?
Family members may qualify for their own permits. Read our spousal open work permit guide for the current rules, and check each person before you apply.
Can a transfer lead to permanent residence?
It can help if your job is skilled and you meet program rules. See the Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry early, since your stay is capped.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.
