Business Visitor Visa for Canada

Visit Canada for business-related activities without entering the Canadian labor market

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What is a Business Visitor Visa?

A Business Visa for Canada, officially known as the Business Visitor Visa, allows individuals to visit Canada for business-related activities without entering the Canadian labor market. This visa enables you to conduct business activities while maintaining your primary business operations outside of Canada.

Purpose of Business Visitor Visa

Attending business meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs

Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government

Taking orders for goods or services

Providing after-sales service, excluding hands-on work or labor

Eligibility Criteria

You must plan to stay for less than six months

You do not plan to enter the Canadian labor market

Your main place of business, source of income, and profits are outside of Canada

You have documents that support your application

Having a valid travel document, such as a passport

Having enough money for your stay and to return home

Being in good health

Having no criminal or immigration-related convictions

Having ties (job, home, financial assets, or family) that will take you back to your home country

Ability to convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit

Application Process

1

Gather Required Documents

Include a passport, proof of finances, documentation from your employer, and a letter of invitation from a Canadian business if applicable.

2

Complete the Application

Fill out the necessary forms via the Government of Canada immigration website.

3

Pay the Visa Fee

Fees must be submitted with the application.

4

Submit Biometrics

Individuals from certain countries must provide fingerprints and photographs.

5

Wait for Processing

Processing times can vary, so it's advised to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

Additional Considerations

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

If you are from a country that requires a TRV to enter Canada, you must also apply for this visa along with your Business Visitor application.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Travelers from visa-exempt countries may require an eTA instead of a TRV to visit Canada for business purposes.

Business Visa FAQ

Common questions about business travel to Canada

You can attend meetings, conferences, and trade shows, negotiate contracts, or conduct research, but you cannot enter the Canadian labour market or take on hands-on work for a Canadian employer.

It depends on your citizenship. Nationals of visa-required countries need a Temporary Resident Visa, while citizens of visa-exempt countries flying into Canada typically need an Electronic Travel Authorization instead.

Most business visitors are authorized to stay up to 6 months per entry, though the border officer may issue a shorter period based on the purpose and length of your planned business activities.

A business visit itself doesn't lead directly to a work permit or PR, but it can be a valuable first step to establish relationships with Canadian employers or partners before pursuing a work permit or investor/entrepreneur immigration route.

Ready to Apply for a Business Visitor Visa?

Let our experts guide you through your Canadian business travel application.

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