Business Immigration

Business Visitors

Temporary entry options for foreign nationals attending business meetings, conferences, or site visits in Canada.

Conduct Business in Canada: Short-Term Business Visitor Options

Canada welcomes Business Visitors—foreign nationals who wish to engage in business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market. Business visitors can enter Canada temporarily to attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, and other business-related events. Unlike work permit holders, business visitors do not require a work permit, as long as their stay is short-term and they do not actively participate in the Canadian job market.

Who Qualifies as a Business Visitor?

A Business Visitor is someone who:

  • Seeks to engage in international business activities but will not directly work in Canada.
  • Does not enter the Canadian labor market, meaning they do not earn income from a Canadian employer.
  • Plans a short-term visit, typically for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, or other business-related purposes.

Common Business Visitor Activities:

  • Meetings and Consultations: Attending meetings or consultations with Canadian clients, suppliers, or business partners.
  • Conferences and Trade Shows: Participating in conferences, seminars, or attending industry trade shows as an exhibitor or attendee.
  • After-Sales Service: Providing after-sales service, such as overseeing installation, repairs, or training for Canadian customers, under a warranty or sales agreement.
  • Business Negotiations: Engaging in negotiations or signing agreements with Canadian businesses.
  • Training: Receiving training from a Canadian parent company or providing training to employees of a Canadian branch.

Key Requirements for Business Visitors:

  • No Work Permit Required: Business visitors can conduct business activities in Canada without needing a work permit, as long as their work does not involve entering the labor market.
  • Temporary Stay: The stay must be temporary, typically up to six months, and the visitor must prove that their primary place of employment and source of income remain outside Canada.
  • Valid Entry Documents: Business visitors must possess valid travel documents, such as a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of citizenship.

How to Apply as a Business Visitor:

  1. Determine Entry Requirements: Check whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada, depending on your nationality.
  2. Prepare Documents: Business visitors should prepare documents that demonstrate the purpose of their trip, including:
    • Letters of invitation from Canadian business partners or clients.
    • Documents showing your business or employer outside Canada.
    • Details of the business activity you will engage in during your stay.
  3. Prove Ties to Your Home Country: Business visitors must show that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to leave Canada after their business visit.
  4. Border Entry: Upon arrival in Canada, business visitors may be required to explain the purpose of their visit and provide supporting documents to border officers.

Benefits of Being a Business Visitor:

  • No Work Permit Needed: Business visitors can attend to short-term business matters in Canada without the lengthy process of obtaining a work permit.
  • Faster Entry: Depending on the country of origin, business visitors may only need an eTA or a simple visitor visa to enter Canada.
  • Global Business Opportunities: Canada’s diverse and growing economy provides business visitors with excellent opportunities for networking, expanding business relations, and entering new markets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Misinterpreting Work Definition: Participating in activities that could be classified as "work" under Canadian law may result in the need for a work permit. Ensure that your activities remain within the scope of a business visit.
  • Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide letters of invitation, proof of business activities, or documents demonstrating ties to your home country can result in delays or refusal of entry.

The Business Visitor category is ideal for individuals looking to explore business opportunities in Canada or maintain relationships with Canadian clients without the need for a work permit. By following the proper guidelines, business visitors can enjoy seamless entry into Canada and conduct their business activities efficiently.

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