Business Visitor Visa Canada

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The Canadian business visitor visa allows a business person to perform international business activities in Canada without a work permit. The work activities must be for a foreign company and must be done without entering the Canadian labour market. It is a temporary visa for the citizens of countries that require visitor visas to visit Canada for business purposes. Click here to find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is General and should not be considered Legal Advice. Incomplete applications may lead to refusals. Contact us to book a free consultation with an Authorized Canadian Representative.

Business Visitors Canada

What is a Business Visitor Visa?

The Business Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant Visitor Visa that allows foreign nationals to come to Canada for business purposes. The visa allows you to perform international business activities in Canada temporarily and is valid for 6 months or less. Depending on the purpose of your visit you may receive a single or multiple entry visa to Canada. Individuals who wish to apply for a business visitor visa must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

Who needs a business visitor visa for Canada?

International business visitors who wish to enter Canada for business purposes. These purposes can include attending building business relationships, business meetings, establishing business relations, conducting site visits, participating in short-term training conferences, negotiating contracts, conducting research, giving lectures, giving seminars, participating in a musical, artistic or sports event, consulting with clients, conducting business research or providing after-sales or other services to a Canadian company on behalf of a foreign company. Someone who comes to Canada on business visitor visa can also be involved in the purchase or sale of goods or services, or in the provision of technical or professional services.

Who may not need a business visitor visa for Canada?

There are a few exceptions to the business visitor visa. Citizens of certain countries such as the United States are eligible to enter Canada without a visitor visa. However, business visitors might still need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if they wish to stay in Canada for longer than six months. In addition, individuals who are already in possession of a valid study or work permit may also be eligible to enter Canada as a business visitor without a visa. However, it is always best to confirm visa requirements with the Canadian embassy, or consulate or speak to a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Ovation Immigration. Contact Us to get a Free Consultation

General requirements and eligibility of Canadian business visitor visa.

To be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they: –

  • Have a legitimate business reason for travelling to Canada.
  • Demonstrate that they are coming to Canada for business purposes.
  • Are legitimate business visitors, representing a foreign company or organization.
  • Intend to stay in Canada for a temporary period.
  • Intend to return to your home country after your trip to Canada.
  • Have no intention of entering the Canadian labour market.
  • Will not engage in any work as an employee or accept wages while in Canada.
  • Have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Canada.
  • Have ties to their home country such as a job, home, or family—that will ensure your return to your home.
  • Have no criminal history.
  • Meet the general requirements for admission to Canada.
  • Will respect the terms and conditions of their visa.

Specific requirements may vary depending on your reason for application. Get authorized representation for your application, start with a free consultation.

Documents Checklist for a Business Visitor Visa.

Before you apply, you should be ready with the following documents: –

  • A Valid Passport.
  • A Completed Visitor Visa Application Form.
  • Recent Photographs.
  • A letter of invitation from the Canadian company you will be visiting.
  • Documents confirming the purpose of your trip to Canada.
  • Proof of financial support for your stay in Canada.
  • A travel itinerary If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa.
  • Proof of your ties to your home country, such as a property ownership deed, rental agreement, or family ties.
  • You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a CV or business plan, depending on the purpose of your visit.
  • You may also be required to provide additional documentation, depending on your specific circumstances.
Specific documents may vary depending on your reason for application. A Canadian Visa Officer is the best judge of your application and may ask for additional documents.
 

How to apply for a Business Visitor Visa.

The application process is the same as the general Temporary Visa Application (TRV) / Visitor Visa Application. However, what differs is the information and documentation you provide in your application package.

To maximize success and ensure accuracy with your application, we recommend getting authorized representation for your application. Request a Free Consultation.

Business Visitor Visa FAQ

FAQ 1: How long does it take to get a Canada business visa?

The usual timeframe is between two to six weeks. The time it takes to process your application may vary depending on the country you are applying from, their existing workload and the time of year. There have been significant delays during Covid-19 and many Canadian embassies are slowly catching up to the usual timeframe.

FAQ 2: Can a Canadian business visitor visa be used for tourism?

Yes, a Canadian business visitor visa can be used for tourism. However, you must have a valid business reason for visiting, such as business meetings or conferences. If you have a multiple-entry authorization and would like to re-enter Canada for tourism or holiday, you do not need a new application. You may use your Business Visitor Visa approval at Canadian border services.

FAQ 3: What’s the difference between Business Visitor and Work Permit?

Business visitors who do not need a work permit are typically here for meetings, conferences, or other short-term business activities for a business located outside Canada. Work permit holders are usually here for specific jobs or projects, and their employers located in Canada have applied for the permit on their behalf. If you are planning to work as an Employee for a Canadian Employer while you are on a business visitor’s visa, you must apply for a work permit instead. Learn more LMIA Work Permit Representation & Assistance.

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