Business‌ ‌Visitor‌ ‌Visa

Canada is one of the largest economies in the world and attract thousands of short-term business visitors every year. A business visitor is an individual coming temporarily to Canada with the purpose of engaging in international business activities, without being part of the Canadian job market. Business visa allows you to come to Canada to meet your Canadian clients to look ways to grow business, invest or advance the business relationships.

A Canadian company may also invite a foreign businessperson for training in product use, sales, or other functions related to a business transaction. As a business visitor, you can travel anywhere in Canada, visit family/friends, and enjoy the best attractions along the way. You can also attend any conferences, trade shows, and meetings with new clients. Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks but can stay for up to 6 months.

Types of activities a business visitor may conduct in Canada

Buy Canadian goods/services for a foreign business/government.
Take orders for goods or services.
Attend meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs.
Provide after-sales service as part of a warranty or sales agreement.
Training by a Canadian parent company that you work for outside Canada.
Training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company.
Training by a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services.
Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), a US or Mexican national may also take part in other activities, such as research, marketing, and general services.

How to apply for a business visitor visa?

Business visitors need to follow the normal application process for a temporary resident visa and need to indicate their purpose of visit (business activities). Business visitors from visa-exempt countries are exempt from a visitor visa. However, in these cases, they may still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if they arrive in Canada by air. Business visitors may bring their family members with them to Canada, but each family member need to complete their own visitor visa application.

Important documents required

An invitation letter from Canadian employer or organization. The letter can be extended to existing or potential buyers, investors, trade show or conference visitors, partners, employees, or individuals coming for training at the company’s facilities.
Letter from a foreign company attesting that the applicant is employed by them on a full-time basis.
A verification letter from a foreign company confirming that the applicant is not coming to Canada for employment purpose.
Copy of the after sales agreement (if applicable).
Resume showing that the applicant has required experience to train the Canadian staff.
Travel itinerary showing the activities from start to end after entering Canada.

Other basic requirements

Regardless of your intention, you will need to satisfy an officer that you meet the basic criteria as a visitor. The applicants must:

Have a valid travel document (e.g., passport).
Be in good health.
Convince an immigration officer that they have strong social, economic, and financial ties that will take you back to your home country.
Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Have sufficient funds for your stay.

Tips for business visitor visa application

Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks at a time. To be considered a business visitor you must demonstrate that:

Your trip is less than six months, and you will not be entering the Canadian job market.
Your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada.
You have the proper supporting business documentation.
You meet the Canada’s basic entry requirements.

Support from the Canadian government in organizing an international event in Canada

If you are organizing an international event/meeting and need help facilitating delegates’ entry to Canada, you can register with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Special Events Unit and get the support you need to plan a successful event.

IRCC’s Special Events Unit is one-stop source of information on Canada’s visa and entry requirements. The Unit will provide you with valuable information and support, free of charge, including:

Explaining Canada’s visa and entry requirements, including the visa process and the letter of invitation, which organizers must provide to visa-required delegates.
Informing Canada’s visa offices abroad about your event so they can plan for the timely processing of delegates’ visa applications; and
Supporting organizations bidding to host international events in Canada.

You can register your event online by completing IRCC’s Notice of an International Event or Meeting form. You can also email at special.events@cic.gc.ca

How we can help?

We can help you in drafting and preparing a good and effective application. A well planned and complete application will increase the likelihood of success.