Canadian Business Visitor Visa: A Complete Guide for International Professionals

A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada on international business without actually entering the Canadian labour market.  They are only in Canada temporarily, to enhance their business.  For instance, they come in Vancouver to develop company relations, are conduct site visits or require training for a product or business function.

Business visitors are able to enter Canada with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or visitor visa, which regulates the scope of activities permitted while in Canada. 

As a business visitor, you are able to stay in Vancouver, or any canadian city  for up to 6 months, during which time you may look for ways to grow your business, invest and advance business relationships.  You are not permitted to work for a Canadian company while on a visitor visa in Canada. If this is the reason for your visit, or you plan on staying for longer than 6 months, you may require a work permit instead.

It is important to differentiate a business visitor from a business person, who comes to Canada to work under a free-trade agreement.

In order to enter Canada as a business visitor, you must prove the following:

• You plan on staying for less than 6 months
• You do not plan on entering the Canadian labour market
• Your main place of business and source of income is not in Canada
• You can provide supporting documents
• You have valid travel documents
• You have sufficient funds for your stay and to return to your home
• You are not a criminal, security or health risk to Canadians

It is also helpful to provide an invitation letter and letter of support from the business contacts you will be visiting during your stay. Some instances may require a Letter of Recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency.

There is a limited scope of activity that may be conducted in Canada as a business visitor. Going beyond the following parameters may require you to obtain a work permit prior to your arrival in Canada.

• Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign company
• Taking orders for goods or services
• Attending meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs
• Providing after-sales services related to contacts and agreements, including repair, service, set up, test or supervision
• Obtaining or providing intra-company training
• Being trained by a Canadian company for special equipment or services bought
• Commercial (advertising) shoots for film, television, magazine or other media

A business visitor to Canada must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as a visitor.  They must state on their application that their reason for entering Canada is for international business activities.

You must first confirm your eligibility for the TRV and compile the necessary documents and application forms. You will be asked to provide your travel itinerary, a letter of invitation or letter of support from your Canadian business host, letter of employment from your foreign employer, and Declaration Letter explaining why you should be given a visa and two photographs of you that meet the requirements. You may also be asked to provide fingerprints.

After paying the application fee and submitting it online, you must wait for processing and respond to any additional requests.  Once approved, you may then send your passport for stamping.