Canada · Skilled Worker Visa

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) — IMP, LMIA-exempt

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
5.5/10 diff
Challenging

LMIA-EXEMPT. For executives, senior managers, or specialized-knowledge employees being transferred from a multinational'…

Min income
Processing
30+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

LMIA-EXEMPT. For executives, senior managers, or specialized-knowledge employees being transferred from a multinational's foreign office to a related Canadian entity (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate). Must have 1+ year continuous full-time employment with the foreign entity in past 3 years. Initial permit up to 3 years (managers/execs) or 1 year (specialized knowledge). Renewable: max 7 years (managers/execs) or 5 years (specialized knowledge). Employer compliance fee CAD 230. Spouse eligible for open work permit. Strong stepping-stone to PR via CEC after 1 year.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
36 months
Processing Time
30+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Toronto
Single (monthly)€2,590
Family (monthly)€4,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,551
Groceries€648
Transport pass€155
Vancouver
Single (monthly)€2,690
Family (monthly)€5,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,781
Groceries€672
Transport pass€161
Montreal
Single (monthly)€2,000
Family (monthly)€3,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,181
Groceries€500
Transport pass€120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) — IMP, LMIA-exempt?

LMIA-EXEMPT. For executives, senior managers, or specialized-knowledge employees being transferred from a multinational's foreign office to a related Canadian entity (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate). Must have 1+ year continuous full-time employment with the foreign entity in past 3 years. Initial permit up to 3 years (managers/execs) or 1 year (specialized knowledge). Renewable: max 7 years (managers/execs) or 5 years (specialized knowledge). Employer compliance fee CAD 230. Spouse eligible for open work permit. Strong stepping-stone to PR via CEC after 1 year.

Can the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) — IMP, LMIA-exempt lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Canada?

Yes. Canada offers 23 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Canada country page.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Toronto: €2,590/mo; Vancouver: €2,690/mo; Montreal: €2,000/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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