Canada Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit: What the Employer Files Before You Apply
A Canada intra-company transfer is not completed by the employee filling in a single form. The employer first confirms that the assignment fits the relevant immigration category and completes any employer-side filing. The worker then applies for a work permit based on their location and circumstances. This is a temporary work arrangement; it is not an application for Canadian permanent residence.
1. Set out the corporate relationship and Canadian role
Gather a clear record of the relationship between the overseas company and the Canadian host, the worker’s current employment, the reason for the transfer, the Canadian work location, duties, compensation and expected period. The category may cover certain executives, managers or workers with specialized knowledge, but a similar job title does not establish eligibility. Confirm the exact category, exemption code and evidence against the corporate structure, actual duties and current official rules.
The employer should prepare an assignment explanation that identifies why this worker is being transferred, what they will do in Canada, how the role relates to their existing position and the company’s operations, and the terms of the assignment. Keep it consistent with the employment agreement, role description and corporate records.
2. Confirm whether the Employer Portal filing is required
For most employer-specific work permits that are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the employer generally submits the employment details through the Employer Portal and pays the employer compliance fee. If an exemption from the fee applies, the employer must provide the required proof. IRCC asks for details about the business, worker, job, wages and benefits. Some categories and exceptions follow different rules, so confirm the specific route first.
After submission, check the offer number, worker’s name, role, work location, compensation and expected duration, then give the required number to the worker. Portal fields should contain complete, verifiable information. “See attached” does not replace a full answer, and differences between the portal record and the contract can lead to questions or refusal.
3. The worker prepares the permit application
The worker will usually need the employment agreement or offer documents, employer filing details and number, a letter from the current employer, evidence of past work, a résumé and proof of qualifications or licensing required for the role. IRCC provides a checklist based on the individual application. The category, filing location, nationality, regulated occupation and any medical or entry-document requirements can change what is needed.
Organize evidence under five headings: corporate relationship, current employment, Canadian role, compensation and working conditions, and the worker’s qualifications. Check dates, job titles and legal business names across every document. If the overseas and Canadian entities use different legal names, include official records that explain the connection. Follow IRCC’s instructions on translation of documents that are not in English or French.
Run a joint check before filing
Confirm that the stated transfer category matches the employer’s explanation; the portal record, contract and role letter agree on duties and pay; corporate records support the stated structure; and the worker’s permit application matches the employer’s offer number. If an employer record is wrong after it has been linked to a work permit application, it may not be directly editable. The correction route depends on the application status and may require withdrawal and a new submission.
IRCC still assesses whether the worker meets the work permit and admissibility requirements. An employer filing or offer number does not mean the permit has been approved; the responsible authority decides each application.
Checked: 22 October 2026. Recheck the current forms, document checklist and employer-exemption rules before filing.
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