Multinational companies with related entities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico may transfer qualifying employees between those entities under intra-company transferee provisions — the North American counterpart to the U.S. L-1 category.
Who Qualifies
An intra-company transfer generally requires:
- A qualifying corporate relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate) between the foreign and receiving entities
- At least one year of continuous, full-time employment with the foreign entity within the three years preceding the transfer
- A position abroad, and an intended position in the receiving country, as an executive, manager, or an employee with specialized knowledge of the company’s product, service, or procedures
Duration and Renewal
Intra-company work permits are typically issued for an initial period and may be extended, subject to continued eligibility, up to category-specific maximums — generally longer for executives and managers than for specialized-knowledge employees.
Strategic Planning for Growing Companies
For companies expanding across the Canada–U.S.–Mexico border, intra-company transfer categories are often the most efficient way to move key personnel to establish or grow operations in a new market. See also our Work in the USA page for the U.S. L-1 category specifically.
For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, contact Caruso Law to schedule a consultation.
