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Intra-Company Transfer to Canada for Finance Professionals

The Intra-Company Transfer program allows multinational companies to temporarily transfer employees from a foreign office to a Canadian office. This program is particularly useful for finance professionals looking to work in Canada. To be eligible, the employee must be transferred to a Canadian company that has a specific relationship with their current employer, such as a subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company.

what is the intra-company transfer program

The program is a type of work permit that enables foreign workers to work in Canada for a Canadian company. It's designed for companies that need to transfer employees to Canada for a specific period. One key benefit of this program is that it's LMIA-exempt, meaning the employer doesn't need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. For instance, a company like IBM can transfer an employee from its New York office to its Toronto office without needing an LMIA.

To qualify for the program, the applicant must have been employed by the company outside of Canada for at least one year in the past three years. They must also be in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge category. The Canadian company must be a subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company of the foreign company. This relationship is crucial in determining eligibility for the program.

qualifying for the program

The prior employment requirement is a critical component of the Intra-Company Transfer program. Applicants must have the necessary skills and experience to work in Canada, which is typically demonstrated by their prior employment with the company outside of Canada. The qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the Canadian company is also essential. For example, a Canadian company that is a subsidiary of a foreign company can transfer employees from the foreign company to work in Canada.

bridging to permanent residence

The Intra-Company Transfer program can be a stepping stone to permanent residence in Canada. Applicants who have worked in Canada on an ICT permit may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry program or other immigration programs. The program can provide valuable Canadian work experience, which can increase an applicant's chances of being selected for permanent residence. In fact, many applicants have successfully transitioned to permanent residence after working in Canada on an ICT permit.

how to apply for an ict work permit

Applicants can apply for an ICT work permit online or through a paper application. The application process typically involves submitting documentation, such as a job offer letter, proof of employment, and educational credentials. The applicant must also pay the required fees and undergo a medical examination. It's recommended that applicants consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to ensure they have the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility requirements.

The Intra-Company Transfer program offers a unique opportunity for multinational companies to transfer employees to Canada on a temporary basis. By understanding the requirements and process of the program, applicants can take the first step towards working in Canada and potentially achieving permanent residence. For more information on work permits and immigration programs, visit the IRCC website or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 19, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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