Intra-company Transferee (ICT)
Canada’s Intra Company Transferee program allows multinational companies to transfer executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers to their Canadian branches without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment. The ICT work permit is issued under section 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and is designed to facilitate international business mobility and support the growth of Canadian operations. If you are expanding into Canada or relocating key personnel, the ICT program can be a strategic and efficient solution.
To qualify for an ICT work permit, the foreign national must have been employed continuously by the company outside Canada for at least 1 year in the past 3 years in a role that aligns with the proposed Canadian position. The company must have a qualifying relationship, such as parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate, and the Canadian office must be actively engaged in business. For new entities, additional documentation is required to show the viability of the business and a clear plan for operations within the first 12 months. Missteps in eligibility or insufficient documentation can lead to refusals, which may delay or disrupt business expansion plans.
At Golden Maple Law, we assist corporate clients and individual executives with full-service ICT applications, from initial strategy to document preparation and post arrival compliance. We provide guidance on organizational structure, role classification, and specialized knowledge standards under Canadian law. Whether you are transferring a senior executive to lead your Canadian division or a technical specialist to support critical operations, we ensure your ICT work permit application is legally sound, well documented, and prepared for officer scrutiny. We also assist with renewals, transition to permanent residence, and judicial review where required.
International Mobility Program (IMP) - C10 & C11 Work Permits
The International Mobility Program allows certain foreign nationals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment when their presence provides a clear benefit to Canada. Two of the most flexible yet demanding pathways under this program are the C10 and C11 work permits. These categories are intended for individuals whose proposed work will bring significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to the country, or for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals establishing or operating a Canadian business.
The C10 work permit is designed for applicants who can demonstrate exceptional value to Canada in fields such as research, innovation, education, or culture. The benefit must be supported with objective evidence and assessed against national interest. The C11 work permit is tailored to entrepreneurs and self-employed business owners who are actively involved in launching or managing a Canadian enterprise. Applicants must provide a detailed business plan, show ownership or significant control of the enterprise, and explain how their work will lead to job creation or industry advancement. Both categories are discretionary, meaning the strength and clarity of the application are critical to approval.
At Golden Maple Law, we prepare C10 and C11 applications with the precision expected in high stakes immigration matters. We work closely with clients to develop clear, evidence based business plans, gather proof of past entrepreneurial success or professional achievement, and prepare the application in terms of its measurable benefit to Canada. Our submissions are tailored to the discretion based nature of these work permits, with detailed legal arguments that speak directly to IRCC policy and officer expectations. Whether you are an international entrepreneur building a business in Canada or a global expert contributing to national priorities, we ensure your application is compelling, credible, and ready to succeed. We also assist with extensions, permanent residence pathways, and Federal Court review when required.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker for a specific position. A positive LMIA confirms that there is no Canadian or permanent resident available to fill the role and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. The LMIA is often the first and most critical step in the employer sponsored work permit process, especially for high wage, low wage, and support worker positions. At Golden Maple Law, we work with employers and foreign nationals to ensure that LMIA applications are complete, compliant, and strategically prepared for approval.
Applying for an LMIA involves far more than submitting a job offer. Employers must provide proof of active recruitment, offer market competitive wages, comply with federal and provincial employment standards, and demonstrate that they have the financial capacity and genuine need to hire a foreign worker. There are also program specific streams available for caregivers, agricultural workers, and positions under the Global Talent Stream, each with unique eligibility and processing requirements.
We assist Canadian businesses of all sizes in navigating the LMIA process from start to finish. Our services include preparing employer recruitment efforts, drafting compliance focused job offers, completing forms, and managing interview preparation in case of audits or follow up requests. We also provide full legal support to foreign nationals who will apply for a work permit based on the approved LMIA, ensuring consistency between both stages. Whether you are hiring your first international employee or managing a portfolio of LMIA based positions, Golden Maple Law ensures your applications are tailored, complete, and built to stand up to review.
Work Permit Applications
A closed work permit, also known as an employer specific work permit, allows a foreign national to work in Canada for one specific employer, in one specific occupation, and at a specific location for a set period of time. This type of work permit is most commonly issued based on an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment or under an LMIA exempt program such as the International Mobility Program. Unlike an open work permit, a closed work permit is tied to the conditions outlined in the work authorization. Any change in employer, job title, or job location requires a new work permit application. Failing to comply with these terms can result in a breach of immigration conditions and may jeopardize future status in Canada.
Applying for a closed work permit requires careful coordination between the employer and the foreign worker. The job offer must meet all legal requirements, including compliance with federal and provincial labour standards, accurate wage levels, and a clear description of duties. The employer must also demonstrate that the position is genuine and that they can meet the obligations of employment. If the work permit is being issued under an LMIA, the terms must match exactly what was approved by Service Canada. Any discrepancies can trigger procedural fairness letters or outright refusals.
At Golden Maple Law, we help clients with all aspects of the closed work permit process, including applications based on positive LMIA decisions, employer compliance reviews, and transition to permanent residence through eligible pathways. We also assist individuals who need to change employers, restore their status after leaving a job, or respond to enforcement actions for non-compliance with work permit conditions. Whether you are applying from outside Canada or seeking to change conditions from within, we ensure that your closed work permit application is clear, consistent, and positioned for approval.
Business Visitor Visas
Canada welcomes eligible foreign nationals to enter as business visitors to attend meetings, explore investment opportunities, sign contracts, or receive training. A business visitor visa allows you to participate in permitted business activities in Canada on a short term basis without needing a work permit. This category falls under the Temporary Resident Visa program and is ideal for individuals who need to travel to Canada for business purposes but will not be directly entering the Canadian labour market. At Golden Maple Law, we assist professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives in securing business visitor visas that are legally compliant and aligned with your goals.
To be eligible for a business visitor visa, you must demonstrate that your intended activities fall within the accepted definition of a business visitor under Canadian immigration law. This includes showing that your stay will be temporary, that you will not be engaging in hands on employment in Canada, and that your primary source of income and business activities remain outside Canada. You must also satisfy standard visa criteria such as having sufficient funds, ties to your home country, and no inadmissibility issues. If you are from a visa required country, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. If you are visa exempt, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization.
At Golden Maple Law, we ensure that your business travel is supported by the right documentation and framed in a way that clearly distinguishes it from work that requires a permit. We assist with invitation letters, proof of business ties, explanation of trip purpose, and visa submissions that reduce the risk of refusal.
Start-up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program offers permanent residence to innovative entrepreneurs who can build scalable businesses that create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. This business immigration stream is designed to attract individuals with original ideas and the ability to grow a business in Canada with the support of a designated organization. Unlike temporary work permits or provincial business programs, the Start-up Visa leads directly to permanent residence, making it one of the most strategic options for entrepreneurs seeking long term settlement in Canada.
To qualify, applicants must secure a letter of support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. The business idea must be viable, innovative, and have the potential for high growth. In addition, applicants must meet language requirements in either English or French, show proof of settlement funds, and demonstrate active involvement in the management of the business in Canada. The federal government evaluates both the individual and the business concept, so the strength of your proposal and the credibility of your support are critical to success.
At Golden Maple Law, we work with founders and business teams at every stage of the Start-up Visa process. From preparing investor presentations and securing letters of support to structuring the ownership model and meeting immigration requirements, we ensure your application is complete, strategic, and compliant with IRCC standards. We also advise on work permits for early entry, post landing compliance, and transitioning from temporary to permanent status. Whether you are a solo founder or part of a team of up to 5 applicants, we help position your application for approval and long term success in Canada.
Employer Compliance under Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program
Employers who hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must meet strict legal and regulatory obligations set by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. These rules are in place to protect the rights of foreign workers and ensure that employers are using the program responsibly. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in serious consequences, including monetary penalties, bans from hiring foreign workers, and public listing on the Government of Canada’s non-compliance registry.
Employers must adhere to the exact terms and conditions outlined in the approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This includes providing the agreed wage, job duties, work location, hours of work, and maintaining proper records. Employers are also responsible for paying recruitment and in some cases, transportation costs. Service Canada regularly conducts random or triggered inspections to verify compliance, and employers must be prepared to respond with complete documentation, such as pay records, job descriptions, and evidence of recruitment efforts. Inspections may occur during or after the employment period.
At Golden Maple Law, we provide full support to employers navigating the complexities of the TFW Program. We assist with record keeping systems, internal audits, inspection readiness, and responding to notices of suspected non-compliance. We also represent employers who are facing administrative penalties or reputational risk due to past errors or misunderstandings.
