International Mobility Work Permits
Intra-Company Transfrees
The Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) program is a Canadian work permit pathway that allows multinational companies to temporarily transfer key employees (executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge workers) from a foreign office to a related Canadian branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company.
This program operates under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), meaning it is LMIA-exempt (no Labour Market Impact Assessment required), making the process faster and more streamlined. It facilitates international business growth while allowing Canada to benefit from global talent and expertise.
Who is Eligible for ICT?
To qualify under the ICT program, both the employee and the companies involved must meet specific criteria:
- Employee Requirements:
- Must be currently employedby a foreign company that has a qualifying relationship with a Canadian entity.
- Must have at least one year of full-time work experiencewith the foreign company in the last three years.
- Must be coming to Canada to work in a position as:
- An Executive(e.g., CEO, VP),
- A Senior Manager(e.g., department head, regional manager),
- Or a worker with Specialized Knowledge(expertise critical to the company’s operations, tools, or processes).
- Company Requirements:
- The foreign and Canadian companiesmust have a qualifying relationship (explained below).
- The Canadian company must be actively doing business(or show a solid business plan if it’s a new operation).
- The company must have physical premisesin Canada, particularly for specialized knowledge workers.
To be eligible for the ICT program, the foreign and Canadian entities must have one of the following business relationships:
- Parent and Subsidiary
- Branches of the Same Company
- Affiliates Owned by the Same Parent Company
A qualifying relationship means the companies are legally connected through ownership or control, and they are part of the same corporate structure. It must be ongoing throughout the employee’s stay in Canada.
Examples:
- A U.S.-based software company opening a Canadian office and transferring a senior manager to oversee operations.
- An Indian tech firm with a Canadian affiliate transferring a developer with highly specialized product knowledge.
The ICT program is ideal for:
- Expanding into Canada by sending trusted internal staff to launch operations.
- Bringing leadership or specialized staff to Canada for project-based or operational support.
- Avoiding LMIA delays, as the process is LMIA-exempt under international trade agreements or general provisions of the IMP.
For Start-ups or New Canadian Entities:
- The ICT program is also available to new companies setting up operations in Canada.
- The company must present a credible business plan, outline job roles, projected revenues, and physical office setup.
- Initial work permits are usually issued for 1 year, with extensions possible if the business shows real activity and growth.
Advantages of the ICT Program:
- Fast processing as LMIA is not required.
- Pathway to permanent residence through programs like the Express Entry (under Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program).
- Enables business continuity by allowing knowledge and talent to flow within global companies.
- Allows families of transferees to come to Canada (spouse open work permits, study permits for children).
Conclusion
The Intra-Company Transferee program is a strategic immigration tool for companies looking to establish or grow operations in Canada while maintaining corporate consistency and leveraging internal talent. It provides flexibility, avoids the LMIA process, and offers transferees and their families a solid opportunity to live and work in Canada — often with a route to permanent residency.
If your business is planning to expand into Canada or transfer key staff, we can help you assess eligibility, prepare supporting documents, and manage the full ICT work permit process smoothly and efficiently.
What is the C10 Work Permit Program?
The C10 work permit (also known as Significant Benefit to Canada – under R205 (a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations) is part of Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). It allows foreign workers to obtain LMIA-exempt work permits if they can demonstrate that their employment in Canada will bring a significant social, cultural, or economic benefit to the country.
This exemption is used in exceptional cases, particularly when the foreign national’s contribution is unique, and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) would be unnecessary or counterproductive to Canada’s broader interests.
Who is Eligible for the C10 Work Permit?
To qualify under the C10 category, applicants must not only be highly skilled but must also demonstrate that their work will benefit Canada significantly. Eligibility is not based on the job title alone but on the impact the individual or their work will have.
- Examples of Who May Qualify:
- Entrepreneurs or business owners bringing innovative businesses or technologies to Canada.
- Artists, filmmakers, or cultural workers with recognized international standing.
- Senior executives or specialists expanding business operations that will generate jobs or investment in Canada.
- Individuals working in fields where Canada is seeking global leadership or innovation, such as clean energy, AI, biotech, etc.
What Is Considered a “Significant Benefit”?
- The term “significant benefit” means the applicant’s presence and work in Canada will:
- Create jobsfor Canadians or permanent residents.
- Transfer specialized knowledge or skillsthat are rare or not easily found in Canada.
- Contribute to economic growth, innovation, or research and development.
- Enhance Canada’s reputation in a cultural, academic, or technological
- Support regional develop mentor contribute to public policy objectives.
- Applicants must provide strong documentation, such as:
- A compelling business plan.
- Letters of recommendation from industry leaders.
- Proof of past achievements or recognition.
- An explanation of the direct benefit to Canada.
There is no restriction on company size or industry, but:
- The employer must justify the need for the foreign workerbased on the significant benefit to Canada.
- Canadian entities must be legally registered and actively doing business.
- For foreign entrepreneurs or founders, the company can be a start-up, provided there’s a real business plan and economic benefit.
In some cases, this stream is used by innovative entrepreneurs who don’t fit neatly into other work permit or business immigration categories, such as Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) or Start-Up Visa.
By Entrepreneurs and Start-ups:
- C10 is an excellent option for foreign founders launching new businessesin Canada, especially when the business brings innovation, job creation, or fills a gap in the Canadian market.
- It allows them to bypass the LMIAand start operations quickly while building their case for permanent residency later.
By Cultural and Academic Contributors:
- Musicians, athletes, researchers, and artists with international acclaim may use C10 if their work enhances Canada’s cultural or academic
By Innovative or High-Impact Professionals:
- Individuals in emerging tech, science, green energy, or education whose work creates long-term Canadian value can qualify.
Advantages of the C10 Work Permit:
- LMIA-exempt, making it fasterand less bureaucratic.
- Supports individuals who don’t fit traditional work permit routesbut have extraordinary potential or business plans.
- Can lead to permanent residenceunder Express Entry (especially through Canadian Experience Class).
- Family members(spouse and children) can apply for open work or study permits.
Conclusion
The C10 Significant Benefit work permit is a unique and flexible option for individuals who can prove that their presence in Canada will create measurable, positive outcomes in culture, economy, or society. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or visionary professional, this stream can help you enter Canada and build a path toward permanent residency—while helping Canada grow in return.
