Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
Executives, managers or specialized-knowledge staff transferring to a Canadian branch of their employer.
The Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit is a Canadian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee)) and processing time (~2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit is for
Executives, managers or specialized-knowledge staff transferring to a Canadian branch of their employer.
Time in a senior or specialized role can lead to PR through Express Entry or a PNP.
Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit - eligibility criteria
- Employed by the foreign company for 1 of the last 3 years
- Transferring to a qualifying related Canadian entity
- Role is executive, senior managerial or specialized knowledge
- Genuine and ongoing business relationship between entities
- Be admissible to Canada
Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit (Canada) is ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee), with an indicative processing time of ~2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online or at a port of entry (LMIA-exempt under the IMP) |
| Length of stay | Up to 5-7 years (specialized knowledge 5; executives/managers 7) |
| Work rights | Employer-specific (the Canadian entity) |
| Study rights | No |
| Government fee | ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee) |
| Processing time | ~2 months |
| Route to PR | Time in a senior or specialized role can lead to PR through Express Entry or a PNP. |
Pathway & next steps
Time in a senior or specialized role can lead to PR through Express Entry or a PNP.
Many applicants also compare IMP Work Permit · LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (International Mobility Program), Start-up Visa · Start-up Visa Program, FSW · Federal Skilled Worker Program. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit pitfalls we fix
Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit cost?
The Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit government fee is ~CA$155 (employer pays a CA$230 compliance fee). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit lead to permanent residence?
Time in a senior or specialized role can lead to PR through Express Entry or a PNP.
Can I work on the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit?
Work rights: Employer-specific (the Canadian entity).
Who can apply for the Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit?
Executives, managers or specialized-knowledge staff transferring to a Canadian branch of their employer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority