Who qualifies
- The employee is currently employed by a multinational company and has worked for it full time, continuously, for at least one year in the past three years, in a position similar to the Canadian one.
- The Canadian company is the parent, a branch, a subsidiary or an affiliate of the foreign company, and both are actively doing business.
- The employee is coming as an executive, a senior manager, or a specialized knowledge worker.
- The transfer is temporary, and the work is performed at the Canadian company’s physical business premises.
Specialized knowledge after the 2024 changes
Since October 2024, specialized knowledge workers must show both advanced proprietary knowledge of the company’s products, services or processes and an advanced level of expertise. Knowledge that is common across the industry, or simply long tenure, is not enough. Salary, training records and the uniqueness of the role within the company are important evidence.
Opening a new office in Canada
A transferee can be sent to establish a new Canadian office. The company must show it has secured physical premises, has a realistic plan to staff the office, and that the parent can pay the transferee and start operations. The first permit is usually limited to one year. Extensions depend on showing the new office is operating as planned.
Family and permanent residence
Spouses and partners may be eligible for an open work permit depending on the transferee’s role. Family work permit rules were tightened in 2025, so we check eligibility for each case. After a year of skilled work in Canada, many transferees qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class or a provincial stream.
How ATWORLD IMMIGRATION helps
We document the corporate relationship, the employee’s role and specialized knowledge, and the business case for new offices. We file at the port of entry or a visa office as appropriate, handle extensions, and plan the move to permanent residence.
Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and IRB procedure change often; we confirm the current rules for your file at your consultation.