What Is the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit?
An Employer-Specific Work Permit (formerly called a “closed” work permit) authorizes a foreign national to work only for the employer named in the permit, under the exact job title, location, and conditions approved by IRCC.
This permit is typically issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP), depending on whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Intra-Company Transfer program, the applicant must meet the following:
✓ Employee Requirements:
- Currently employed by a foreign company that has a qualifying relationship with a Canadian business (subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or branch)
- Have been continuously employed full-time for at least 1 year in the last 3 years
- Be transferring to an executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge position in Canada
✓ Employer Requirements:
- Must have a genuine business relationship between the foreign and Canadian companies
- Canadian business must be actively doing business, or be in the process of setting up (for start-ups)
- Provide physical premises for the Canadian operation (especially for specialized knowledge positions)
Types of Eligible Roles
- Executives – Direct management, broad decision-making authority
- Senior Managers – Supervise and control the work of other managers/professionals
- Specialized Knowledge Workers – Have advanced expertise or proprietary knowledge essential to the business
Each role must be clearly documented and justified in the application.
Duration & Extensions
- Initial work permits are issued for up to 1 year for start-ups, and up to 3 years for established operations
- Maximum duration is:
- 7 years for executives and senior managers
- 5 years for specialized knowledge workers
- After reaching the maximum, the worker must complete at least 1 year outside Canada before reapplying under ICT
Application Process
- Gather Required Documentation:
- Proof of qualifying relationship between foreign and Canadian entities
- Offer of employment in Canada (with details of role, salary, and duration)
- Resume and proof of employment history
- Company support letter detailing need for transfer
- Proof of specialized knowledge or executive/managerial duties
- Submit Online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC):
- Submit via IRCC portal
- Pay work permit fee ($155 CAD) and biometrics fee ($85 CAD, if required)
- Biometrics & Processing:
- Most applicants will need to provide biometrics
- Priority processing (2 weeks) available for visa-exempt nationals with upfront medicals (e.g., U.S., EU passport holders)
Advantages of the ICT Program
✓ LMIA-exempt, making processing faster and less burdensome
✓ Supports global mobility and foreign business expansion into Canada
✓ Leads to Express Entry PR pathways via Canadian work experience
✓ Pathway for family members (spouse open work permit & dependent study permits)
Why Choose Sapra Immigration Services Inc.?
We help global companies and skilled professionals seamlessly transition to Canada under the ICT work permit stream. Our RCIC-led team offers:
- Full documentation support and business eligibility review
- Detailed job role justification to meet IRCC standards
- Spouse and dependent applications
- Support with PR transition (CEC, Express Entry, etc.)
Whether you’re a multinational expanding to Canada or a top-performing employee being transferred — we ensure your application is compliant, efficient, and fully prepared.
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
Ready to Expand or Relocate to Canada?
Let us help you move top talent to Canada legally and quickly under the ICT pathway