If you work for a multinational with a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate in Canada, an intra-company transfer (ICT) work permit can move you to the Canadian office without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). You generally need at least one year of continuous full-time work with the company in the last three years. The Canadian role must be executive, managerial or specialized-knowledge.
Many large employers in the Detroit metro, from Troy to Auburn Hills, have Canadian operations. That makes ICT one of the most practical routes for Michigan professionals. It sits alongside the other options in our guide to Canada PR with a US degree.
Who qualifies for an ICT work permit
• Qualifying relationship: the US company and the Canadian company must be parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate of each other.
• Prior employment: at least one year of continuous full-time work with the company, in a similar role, in the three years before your application.
• Qualifying role in Canada: an executive, senior manager or functional manager, or a role requiring specialized knowledge.
• Genuine business activity: the Canadian entity must actually be doing business (special rules apply to start-up offices).
| ICT category | Typical role | What IRCC looks for |
| Executive / senior manager | Directs the organization or a major function | Authority, decision-making, people or function managed |
| Functional manager | Manages an essential function | Seniority and scope of the function |
| Specialized knowledge | Engineer, product specialist, technical lead | Advanced proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise |
| Start-up office | Opening a new Canadian branch | Business plan, premises, ability to operate |
Specialized-knowledge cases are refused most often. Evidence of proprietary expertise needs to be specific, not generic.
CUSMA ICT vs general ICT
US citizens can also apply for an intra-company transfer under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with similar core tests. For US citizens, CUSMA can simplify where and how you apply. It sits alongside the separate CUSMA Professional work permit. If you are not a US citizen (for example, an H-1B or green card holder), you apply under the general ICT rules.
Can your spouse work in Canada?
Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits for foreign workers’ spouses have been limited to spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or in selected TEER 2 or 3 occupations. The worker must also have at least 16 months left on their permit. Most ICT executives and managers are in TEER 0 or 1. IRCC’s notice says spouses covered by free-trade agreements are not affected by these changes. Dependent children are no longer eligible for family open work permits. Details are in our post on the spousal work permit changes.
From ICT to permanent residence
After 12 months of skilled Canadian work on your ICT permit, you can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class. Senior leaders may also fit the Express Entry Senior Managers category, whose first draw cleared at a CRS far below general CEC cut-offs. See all the TR to PR pathways.
ICT vs other employer routes
| Route | LMIA? | Best when |
| Intra-company transfer | No | Your company already has a Canadian entity |
| CUSMA Professional | No | You are a US citizen in a listed profession with a Canadian offer |
| Global Talent Stream | Yes (fast) | A Canadian tech employer is hiring you directly |
| Standard LMIA work permit | Yes | None of the above apply |
Compare all employer options on our work permits & LMIA page, or see how these routes help H-1B holders.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an LMIA for an intra-company transfer?
No. ICT is LMIA-exempt under Canada’s International Mobility Program.
How long must I have worked for my company?
Generally at least one year of continuous full-time work, in a similar role, within the three years before applying.
Can an H-1B holder use ICT?
Yes, if the employment and company-relationship tests are met. H-1B holders who aren’t US citizens apply under the general ICT rules.
Can I apply for PR while on an ICT permit?
Yes. Once you have 12 months of skilled Canadian experience, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class and category draws.
Can my spouse come and work?
Often yes, especially for TEER 0–1 roles with enough time left on your permit, but check the 2025 spousal work permit rules for your case.
