Coming to Canada through Business: Your Guide to Business Visas

You will be considered a business visitor if you are visiting Canada temporarily for any of the following reasons:

• To invest in Canada
• To explore business growth opportunities
• To extend business relationships
• To take part in international business activities without joining the Canadian Labour Market.

To be eligible as a business visitor, you must:

• Have no intention to join the Canadian Labour Market
• Plan to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months or less
• Possess all required travel documents including a valid passport
• Have plans to leave Canada before your visa expires, or have return tickets
• Be of good character and not pose a security risk to Canadians
• Be able to financially support yourself for the duration of your stay in Canada
• Have a business outside Canada (Not Mandatory)

Once you fulfill the Canada Business Visa requirements and receive your visa, you can engage in various business activities including:

• Taking orders for business services and/or good
• Attending business meetings, conferences, or trade fairs
• Providing post-sales business services
• Purchasing Canadian goods and/or services
• Attending training by a Canadian parent company, or a Canadian company with whom you have a business relationship

In order to enter Canada as a business visitor, you will need either an eTA Canada Visa, or Visitor Visa. The country of your passport will dictate which you should apply for. Citizens from certain countries are eligible to apply for an eTA Canada Visa, while others may require a Visitor Visa.

You should ensure that you have the following documents ready when arriving at the Canadian border:

• Valid eTA Canada Visa or Visitor Visa
• Passport valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for return travel
• Letter of invitation or support from your Canadian business host or parent company
• Contact details of your Canadian business host

It is important to distinguish and understand the difference between a Canadian Work Permit and a Business Visitor Visa.

Business Visa: You cannot enter the Canadian workforce. Short-term stays for business activities, such as site visits or conferences, are permitted.

Work Permit: Required if you are employed by a Canadian company or transferred to Canada by your employer.

To apply for a Business Visa, you must follow the regular application procedure for a Visitor Visa (TRV) and indicate your purpose as business activities. Visa-exempt individuals from certain countries may still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) when arriving in Canada by air. Any accompanying family members must complete their Visitor Visa application.