Business Visitors

Business visitors are individuals who visit Canada for a brief period, typically spanning a few days to a few weeks, in order to participate in meetings or events. They are typically granted permission to stay in Canada for a maximum duration of up to six months.

To be eligible as a business visitor to Canada, you are required to demonstrate the following

Intend to stay in Canada for a duration of less than 6 months.
Do not have intentions to engage in Canadian employment.
Your primary place of business, as well as your source of income and profits, is located outside of Canada.
Possess the necessary supporting documents for your application.
Fulfill Canada's fundamental entry criteria, which includes having a valid travel document (e.g., a passport), having adequate financial resources to cover your stay and return journey, planning to depart Canada at the conclusion of your visit, and posing no criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians.

Please Note: If you intend to stay in Canada for more than 6 months or plan to engage in work activities, you are typically required to apply for a work permit.

As a business visitor in Canada, you can engage in various activities related to your business or work purposes. These activities may include

Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government: This involves making purchases on behalf of your foreign employer or government agency.
Taking orders for goods or services: You can collect orders from Canadian clients or customers on behalf of your foreign business
Attending meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs: Participating in these events to network, gather information, or promote your business interests.
Providing after-sales service as part of a warranty or sales agreement: If your foreign company has sold products or services in Canada and there are warranty or maintenance agreements, you can provide the necessary support.
Receiving training by a Canadian parent company that you work for outside Canada: If you work for a foreign company with a Canadian parent company, you can receive training to enhance your skills or knowledge.
Training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company: If you're an expert in your field and your foreign company has a branch in Canada, you can provide training to their Canadian employees.
Receiving training from a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services: If you've purchased equipment or services from a Canadian company and require training to use or implement them, this is permissible.

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, formerly known as NAFTA), U.S. or Mexican nationals have additional opportunities, including

It’s important to note that while these activities are generally allowed for business visitors, there may be specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and restrictions that client may need to adhere to based on their nationality and the nature of their visit. It’s advisable to consult with Canadian immigration authorities or an RCIC / legal expert for detailed guidance before planning their trip.

Business Visitors