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C12 — Intra-Company Transfer (LMIA-exempt)
CanadaCanada•North America
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C12 — Intra-Company Transfer (LMIA-exempt)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $385

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Transfer to a Canadian branch as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker.

The Canadian Intra-Company Transfer (C12) permit lets multinationals relocate executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge workers to a Canadian branch or affiliate. LMIA-exempt, it skips the labour market test. Applicants must have worked for the foreign entity in a similar role for at least one year.

Initial permits run 1–3 years, renewable to 7 years (executives/managers) or 5 years (specialized knowledge workers). The employer submits an offer via the Employer Portal and pays a CAD 230 compliance fee; the worker pays CAD 155. Spouses qualify for an open work permit, and dual intent is permitted.

This visa is ideal for multinational employees being relocated to Canada in a senior or proprietary-knowledge role, seeking a renewable work permit and a path to permanent residence.

Canada

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit processing feeCAD $155
Employer compliance feeCAD $230
TotalCAD $385

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada flagCanada

FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be employed by a foreign parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of a Canadian entity.

Must have been employed by the foreign company in a similar full-time role for at least one year within the last three years.

Must be transferring to Canada as an executive, senior manager, or a worker with specialized knowledge.

The Canadian and foreign entities must have a qualifying corporate relationship.

Both entities must be actively doing business (providing goods or services on a regular basis).

The Canadian entity must have physical premises (for new offices).

The foreign company must demonstrate the financial ability to operate in Canada and compensate the employee.

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Proof of one-year continuous full-time employment with the foreign entity.

Detailed job description and organizational chart showing the role's seniority or specialized nature.

Proof of qualifying corporate relationship (e.g., articles of incorporation, share registers).

Evidence of active business operations (e.g., contracts, invoices, business licenses).

Employer offer of employment number (from the Employer Portal).

Proof of financial capacity of the Canadian entity.

CV and professional credentials.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • LMIA-exempt, significantly speeding up the process compared to standard work permits.
  • Allows spouses to apply for an open work permit.
  • Children may be qualifying for free public education.
  • No mandatory English or French language proficiency test.
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residence through various federal or provincial programs.
  • Allows multinational companies to move key talent to Canada efficiently.

Worth Knowing

  • Initial work permits are often limited to one year for new offices; renewal depends on demonstrating active business growth.
  • Maximum duration is typically 7 years for executives/managers and 5 years for specialized knowledge workers.
  • Strict scrutiny on the 'specialized knowledge' definition; it must be proprietary or advanced knowledge of the company's products/services.
  • The foreign entity must maintain the employee's position abroad to ensure they have a role to return to.
  • Requires significant documentation to prove the legitimacy of the corporate relationship.

Application Process

1

Assess qualification and confirm the qualifying corporate relationship.

2

Develop a comprehensive business plan (especially for new offices).

3

Prepare the transfer package, including corporate ownership charts, business licenses, and financial evidence.

4

Employer submits the offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee.

5

Worker submits the work permit application online (or at a Port of Entry if visa-exempt).

6

Provide biometrics and undergo medical examinations if required.

7

Receive the work permit upon approval and entry to Canada.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 1295
Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
Fill online
Employer compliance fee—

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