How can a business executive work in Canada?
Most executives come to Canada on one of three work permits, and citizens of some trade partners have a fourth option. Most of these routes don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Which one fits depends on how the foreign company is connected to the Canadian business, and on the executive’s actual role, not their job title.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Who it fits
Executives and senior managers moving within a multinational company to a related Canadian parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.
Codes
C61 (new office), C62 (executives and senior managers), C63 (specialized knowledge).
Significant benefit (C10)
Who it fits
Executives whose work will bring a clear economic, social or cultural benefit to Canadians, beyond the employer and themselves.
Watch out
Since February 24, 2026, IRCC reserves it for unique or exceptional cases with strong evidence.
LMIA-based work permit
Who it fits
Executive roles where no LMIA exemption applies, such as hires with no prior link to the company.
What it takes
A positive or neutral LMIA from ESDC, which usually means advertising the job in Canada first.
Trade-agreement routes
Who it fits
Executives who are citizens of a trade partner, such as the US, Mexico, EU countries or the UK.
What it takes
Transferee or investor categories under agreements like CUSMA, CETA and CUKTCA, each with its own rules.
Key takeaway
Start with the corporate structure, then the role. If the Canadian and foreign companies are related and the executive has worked for the group for at least a year, ICT is usually the strongest route. C10 and LMIA are for cases ICT can’t cover.
Which executive work permit fits your situation?
Here is how the three routes compare on the points that matter most to employers. For the full ICT rules, see our Intra-Company Transfer guide.
| ICT (C62) | Significant benefit (C10) | LMIA-based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMIA needed? | No | No | Yes |
| Who it fits | Executives and senior managers of a multinational with a related Canadian entity | Executives whose presence brings a documented, wide benefit to Canada | Any executive role when no exemption applies |
| Main test | At least 1 year of continuous full-time work for the group in the last 3 years, in a similar role | Benefit that reaches beyond the employer and the executive | No qualified Canadian is available for the job |
| First permit | Up to 3 years | Set by the officer for the role | Usually up to the length of the job offer and LMIA |
| Longest stay | 7 years in total | Depends on the case | Renewable with a new LMIA |
Permit length is always at the officer’s discretion. Executives from some treaty countries (for example under CUSMA or CETA) may also qualify through a trade agreement.
How does an Intra-Company Transfer work for executives?
ICT is the most common route for executives. It needs no LMIA, but IRCC checks the company link and your work history closely.
- The Canadian business must be a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate of the foreign company.
- Both companies must be actively doing business, not just registered.
- The group must be a multinational, with revenue-generating operations in at least one country other than its home country.
IRCC set these rules in its October 3, 2024 update, which replaced the old C12 code with C61, C62 and C63.
- You will work in Canada as an executive or senior manager (C62), or in a role needing specialized knowledge (C63).
- You have worked for the group continuously and full-time for at least one year in the last three years, in a similar role.
- Your salary meets the prevailing wage for the job and city.
- The transfer is temporary, with a clear end date or plan.
Code C61 covers staff sent to open a new branch, subsidiary or affiliate in Canada. The rules are stricter:
- The foreign company must already be a multinational with revenue-generating operations in at least two countries. A company cannot become a multinational by using an ICT permit.
- You need physical premises in Canada and a realistic business and hiring plan.
- The permit lasts up to one year. An extra six months is possible only for delays outside your control.
Owners setting up their first business outside their home country should look at the C11 entrepreneur work permit instead.
- C62 (executives and senior managers): up to 3 years at first, renewable in 2-year steps, to 7 years in total.
- C63 (specialized knowledge): up to 3 years at first, to 5 years in total.
- C61 (new office): up to 1 year.
For a step-by-step setup plan, read how to move your company to Canada.
What changed for significant benefit (C10) permits in 2026?
On February 24, 2026, IRCC updated its instructions for the significant benefit exemption under paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. It is now meant for unique or exceptional cases. Officers look for:
-
A benefit that reaches beyond the employer and the executive
The community, region, industry or country should gain, not only the company.
-
Clear, documented evidence
Business plans, contracts, investment and hiring numbers, and proof of the executive’s track record.
-
A real, measurable impact
For example, a large number of jobs or training opportunities for Canadians.
-
Why this person is needed
Show why this executive’s presence is key to the result.
What this means for employers
C10 is no longer a safe fallback when ICT doesn’t fit. Read IRCC’s C10 guidelines, and compare the cost and timing of an LMIA before you commit to a plan.
What are the most common mistakes in executive work permit applications?
Many refusals and delays come from a few avoidable errors.
Picking the code by job title
Why it hurts
C61, C62 and C63 have different tests and permit lengths. The wrong code can lead to a refusal or a much shorter permit.
What works instead
Map the corporate relationship and the role first, then choose the code.
Counting on C10 as a backup
Why it hurts
Since February 2026, officers approve C10 only for unique or exceptional cases.
What works instead
Build strong benefit evidence early, or plan an LMIA in parallel.
Thin proof of the work history
Why it hurts
Officers need to see at least one year of continuous full-time work for the group in a similar role.
What works instead
Include payroll records, organization charts and a detailed role letter.
Assuming the whole family can work
Why it hurts
Since January 21, 2025, dependent children no longer get open work permits through a parent.
What works instead
Plan each family member’s status before the move.
Can your family come with you to Canada?
Most executives move with their families. Here is what each family member can do in Canada.
Spouse or common-law partner
The rule
Your spouse can apply for an open work permit if your job is in TEER 0 or 1 (executive and senior manager roles are TEER 0) and your permit has at least 16 months left when they apply.
Tip
Apply together, so the timing works.
Dependent children
The rule
Since January 21, 2025, children no longer get open work permits through a parent.
School
Minor children can usually attend primary and secondary school in Canada without a study permit.
For executives and managers, the key test is permit length. Your spouse may qualify for a spouse open work permit in Canada if your permit is valid for at least 16 months when IRCC receives the application.
How does Sobirovs Law Firm support executives and employers?
We help Canadian and foreign companies move key executives and technical staff to Canada and stay compliant once they arrive.
We review the corporate structure and the executive’s role, then recommend ICT, C10, an LMIA or a trade-agreement route, with the risks of each.
We prepare the forms, support letters and evidence for each executive, so the file matches the code and the job offer.
We advise on open work permits for spouses, school for children, and keeping everyone’s status valid during the transfer.
We help executives prepare for arrival, including the documents to show the border officer, and plan renewals well before the permit expires.
We guide each executive, and family members where required, through medical exams and police certificates.
From previous refusals to identity or admissibility questions, we advocate before IRCC, the CBSA and the Federal Court.
-
Complete forms, letters and supporting documents
-
The right program and code for the role and experience
-
A job offer and duties that support the permit sought
-
Medical, security and financial documents checked before filing
Note
IRCC and CBSA officers make the final decision on every application, and no law firm can guarantee approval. Careful preparation is how we reduce the risk of refusal or delay.
Can an executive work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes, often. In February 2026, IRCC created an Express Entry category for senior managers with Canadian work experience. It targets people with at least 12 months of work in Canada in a senior management role (NOC major group 00) in the last three years. An ICT or C10 permit can give you that experience. Read our guide to the Express Entry senior managers category.
Frequently asked questions about executive work permits
Not always. Executives moving within a multinational company can often use an LMIA-exempt Intra-Company Transfer permit (codes C61, C62 or C63). If ICT doesn’t fit, the significant benefit (C10) exemption or a standard LMIA-based permit may apply.
C62 is for executives and senior managers joining an existing Canadian operation. C61 is for staff sent to open a new Canadian office. C63 is for employees with specialized knowledge. The choice depends on the company structure and the role, not the job title.
Under C62, executives and senior managers can get up to 3 years at first, with 2-year renewals, to a maximum of 7 years. C63 tops out at 5 years. C61 permits for a new office last up to 1 year.
Yes, under C61, but only if the foreign company is already a multinational with revenue-generating operations in at least two countries. A company that only operates in its home country cannot use ICT to open its first foreign office. Owners in that position may look at the C11 work permit.
On February 24, 2026, IRCC updated its instructions. The exemption is now for unique or exceptional cases, with well-documented economic, social or cultural benefit that reaches beyond the employer and the applicant.
Usually, yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit if your job is in TEER 0 or 1 and your permit has at least 16 months left. Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits.
It can. Since 2026, Express Entry has a category for senior managers with at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in the last three years. Time on an ICT or C10 permit can count toward it.
No. Work permit decisions are made by IRCC or CBSA officers under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and no lawyer can guarantee an outcome. We can make sure your application is complete, accurate and built on the pathway that best fits your company and role.
