Business Visitor Visa

The Great White North has a booming economy, which makes it a popular destination for business engagement. Canada business visitors are usually allowed to stay in the country for just a few days or even a maximum of six months. It should be noted that business visitors and business people are two different things, as the latter are allowed to work in Canada under a free trade agreement. If you’d like to travel to Canada as a business visitor, we’ve put together a breakdown of everything you’ll need to know.

Who is Classified as a Canadian Business Visitor?

According to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, you are seen as a business visitor if:

• You enter Canada to partake in international business deals but do not form part of the Canadian labor force
• You enter the country on a temporary visit to explore possibilities for expanding your business
• You are pursuing investment opportunities in Canada
• You are looking to expand your business network

How to be Eligible as a Canadian Business Visitor

Canadian Business Visitors may visit Canada to observe site visits. Alternatively, a Canadian company may have invited you to Canada for training in product use, sales, or other functions related to a business transaction. As a business visitor, who wants to apply for a Canadian Business Visitor Visa, you must show that:

• You plan to stay for less than six months;
• You do not plan to enter the Canadian labor market;
• Your main place of business, and source of income and profits, is outside of Canada;
• You have documents that support your application;
• You meet Canada’s basic entry requirements with a valid travel document, such as a passport;
• You have enough money for your stay and to return home;
• You plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
• You are not a criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians

Activities You Can Carry Out as a Canadian Business Visitor

When entering the land of maple leaves as a Canadian Business Visitor, you will be allowed to engage in several activities, such as:

• Procuring goods or services for a business or government of another country, or collecting orders for goods or services for your own business
• Attending events, such as meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs
• Providing post-sale services
• Attending training provided by the Canadian headquarters of the company you work for
• Providing training to staff at a Canadian branch of an international company
• Getting training from a Canadian supplier of goods you purchased

Note: The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) allows U.S. or Mexican nationals to partake in activities such as research, marketing, and general services.

Things You’ll Need For Entry to Canada as a Canadian Business Visitor

To be allowed into Canada, you will be required one of the following:

• A Canada Visitor Visa
• An electronic travel authorization (eTA)
• Other types of documentation, such as a valid United States passport or validation of proof of status in the US, like a green card or a valid passport from your country of origin

Additional Documents Required For Canadian Business Visitors

When you travel to Canada as a business visitor, you must make sure you also have the following documents on you at the port of entry:

• Your passport that will be valid for the period of stay in Canada
• Your Canada visitor visa passport you travel with must be the same one used when you applied for one
• A valid green card, should you be a lawful US permanent resident
• A valid passport from your country of origin
• Document supporting your visit to Canada such as a letter of support from the Canadian parent company or an invitation from your Canadian hosts
• Warranties, service agreements, or contracts
• Contact information of your Canadian business hosts
• Proof of funds for the duration of your stay in Canada and your trip home

Business Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

While traveling to Canada as a Canadian business Visitor, you may find that you’d like to stay in the country more permanently. Fortunately there are many great pathways to Canadian Permanent residency for business-minded individuals. Here's another option to explore.

Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Startup Visa Program, a general Business Immigration or "Investor" Visa program, allows you to immigrate to the country and set up a business here. You’ll have to meet all requirements set to be eligible. The business you start must be innovative, able to employ Canadians, and compete globally.

FAQs

Do Business Visitors Also Need a Work Permit to Work in Canada?

If you’re doing business activities related to your job back in your country of origin, you won’t need a work permit. However, if you plan to stay longer than six months or will carry out business activities such as managerial, production, or secretarial work, then you’ll need to acquire a temporary resident visa.

Do I Need a Medical Exam if I go to Canada as a Business Visitor?

Usually, a medical exam is not needed. However, it will be needed if you are going to work within an occupation that needs the protection of public health, such as workers in healthcare settings, workers in primary or secondary school settings, or patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes.