Can an intra-company transferee bring dependents who are also authorized to work or study?

Yes, generally, dependents of an intra-company transferee can apply for their own status in Canada alongside the transferee, and in many cases they can be authorized to work or study rather than only accompanying the transferee as visitors. A spouse or common-law partner can often apply for an open work permit, which generally allows them to work for employers in Canada rather than being tied to one specific job, and dependent children can typically apply for study permits, or in some cases their own permits, to attend school in Canada.

The nuance that trips people up is that these dependent applications are not automatic just because the primary applicant's transfer is approved — each dependent generally needs to submit their own application and meet the standard eligibility rules that apply to spouses and dependent children in these categories. A dependent's authorization is also generally tied to the transferee maintaining valid status, so if the transferee's status changes or ends, that can affect dependents' own status as well. Because the specific documentation and process for dependent applications can vary depending on individual circumstances, and requirements can change, anyone planning a family move connected to an intra-company transfer should confirm current requirements with IRCC's published guidance or an immigration lawyer.