Dentons's business law capabilities take in work permit applications, intra-company transfers and the preparation of employment contracts for foreign candidates. The group’s diverse client roster regularly features multinationals working in the tech, financial services, film and entertainment, oil and gas, manufacturing and professional services segments. Toronto-based Henry Chang and Vancouver-based Helen Park share leadership of the practice. Chang is well-versed in both US and Canadian immigration law, and Park has extensive experience in the gamut of work permit applications. Following the February 2024 promotion of Jonathan Mor to the partnership, Denise Alba is the key associate-level contact.

The business immigration offering at Gowling WLG encompasses applications for corporate employee transfers, temporary work permits, permanent residency and citizenship, as well as the development of immigration and international mobility policies for multinationals and startups alike. Leadership of the department is shared between Kitchener-based Bill MacGregor, who has focused his practice exclusively on corporate and business immigration mandates; and Toronto-based Andrew Bratt. Krista Schofer heads up the firm’s western Canadian immigration practice and is well-versed in assisting corporate clients with hiring foreign nationals in Canada and the United States.

McCarthy Tétrault's practice is regularly instructed by corporations working in the oil and gas, mining, energy, automotive and retail sectors seeking assistance with a range of business immigration matters. Montreal-based Stéphane Duval heads up the group and specializes in international mobility issues, corporate restructurings, M&A and labour matters. Additional key contacts for business immigration matters at the Montreal office include Julie Resetarits and senior associate Amy Dupuis-Sène. The office was recently strengthened with the August 2023 arrivals of Chantal Arsenault and counsel Christine Beltempo, both previously at Norton Rose Fulbright. Associate Shefali Tanna left the firm in May 2024.

The team at Montreal-based firm BCF Business Law is frequently instructed by engineering, tech, gaming, sports, financial services and aerospace companies seeking strategic immigration counsel for the acquisition, mobilization and retention of international talent. Julie Lessard steers the practice and specializes in developing global mobility strategies for multinationals and SMEs alike. Additional key contacts include Elsa Agostinho, who is well-versed in advising on business immigration components of M&A transactions; and Sophia Khanzadian, who has knowledge of Quebec and Canadian business immigration requirements, including those for temporary work permits, business visas and citizenship.

The ‘very flexible’ team at Montreal-based boutique Galileo Partners Lawyers is frequently instructed by domestic and international players in the infrastructure, energy, retail and manufacturing sectors seeking to relocate employees to Canada. Particular areas of expertise include obtaining temporary statuses, permanent residency and Canadian citizenship. Leadership of the practice is shared between Jean-Philippe Brunet; the ‘very knowledgeable’ Audrey Anne Chouinard; executive director Nicolas Simard-Lafontaine; and Francis Grignet. Also noted is Marc-Alexis Laroche, lauded by one client as ‘always available’.

Toronto-based boutique Sobirovs Law Firm specializes in providing bespoke immigration solutions to SMEs, entrepreneurs and investors. Key areas of expertise include labour market impact assessments, permanent residence applications, the creation of business immigration programs and compliance support. Rakhmad Sobirov and Feruza Djamalova share leadership. The name to note at associate level is Mariam Jammal, who handles significant benefit work permits, intra-company transfers, work authorizations under international treaties and a variety of other temporary and permanent resident applications.