Canada Business Visitor Program
Enter Canada temporarily for business activities without a work permit. Get guidance on business visitor applications and commercial entry requirements.
Understanding Business Visitor Status
Canada's Business Visitor Program allows foreign nationals to enter temporarily for specific business activities without requiring a work permit. This includes attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, conducting market research, negotiating contracts, and participating in trade shows.
Business visitors must demonstrate that their primary source of remuneration and employment remains outside Canada, with activities limited to permitted business functions. The visit must be temporary with clear intention to return to their home country upon completion of business activities.
Eligible activities include international business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade fairs, research activities, after-sales service, independent research, and certain training programs that don't involve entering the Canadian labor market.
Business Visitor Requirements
Business Visitor Application Process
Assess Business Activity Eligibility
Determine if your business activities qualify for business visitor status rather than requiring a work permit.
Gather Business Documentation
Collect invitation letters, business registration, employment verification, and detailed activity descriptions.
Apply for Entry Document
Submit visitor visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) application indicating business purpose.
Prepare for Entry Interview
Be ready to explain business activities, duration, funding source, and ties to home country at port of entry.
Enter Canada and Conduct Business
Present all documentation at border and explain business visit purpose to immigration officer.
Maintain Status and Depart
Conduct only permitted business activities and depart Canada within authorized timeframe.
Processing Time
Varies by country and season; check IRCC's current processing times. An eTA is often approved within minutes, but some take longer. The final entry decision is made at the border.
Fees
Government fees (a visitor visa and an eTA each have a fee; confirm the current amounts on IRCC's website before paying). There is no separate business visitor fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business activities are permitted without work permit?
Permitted activities include meetings, conferences, training, market research, contract negotiations, after-sales service, trade shows, and research that doesn't involve productive work for Canadian employers.
Can I receive payment from Canadian companies as business visitor?
Generally no. Business visitors cannot receive payment from Canadian sources or engage in productive work. Reimbursement of reasonable expenses may be acceptable in specific circumstances.
How long can I stay as business visitor?
Business visitor status is typically granted for up to 6 months, but the specific duration depends on the nature of business activities and immigration officer's assessment at entry.
Do I need invitation letter for business visitor entry?
While not always mandatory, invitation letters from Canadian businesses significantly strengthen applications and help explain the commercial purpose and relationship.
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