A. Multinational Corporations (Intra-Company Transfer)
Typical companies
- Google Canada
- Microsoft Canada
- Amazon Canada
- Deloitte Canada
Program
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Requirements
- Existing employee of a foreign branch
- Executive, manager, or specialized knowledge role
Probability of success: high (~70–85%) if criteria met
B. Companies Hiring Under Free Trade Agreements
Framework
- Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
- Also includes agreements with EU (CETA), CPTPP countries
Eligible employers
- Any Canadian company hiring:
- US
- Mexican
- or other FTA-country professionals
Roles
- Engineers
- Consultants
- IT professionals
- Accountants
Constraint: occupation must be on the eligible list
C. Canadian Startups and Tech Firms (Global Talent Stream – LMIA-exempt variants)
Example companies
- Shopify
- Lightspeed Commerce
Pathways
- Significant benefit exemption (C10)
- Innovation-driven hires
Note:
Global Talent Stream itself usually uses LMIA, but parallel exemptions exist for high-impact roles
D. Universities and Research Institutions
Example employers
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
Exempt categories
- Academic researchers
- Visiting professors
- Postdoctoral fellows
Rationale: significant benefit to Canada (research, education)
E. NGOs and Cultural Organizations
Examples
- Cirque du Soleil
Exempt roles
- Artists
- Performers
- Religious workers
Rationale: cultural or social benefit
