Business Visitor Visa Canada – The Ultimate Guide To Apply
A Business Visitor Visa Canada is required to attend a meeting, trade show or conference in the country. If you wish to travel to Canada on business, you must learn what a Business Visa to Canada is, what you can accomplish, and what you must do and have with you when entering the country.
You must apply for a visitor visa to travel to the country on business. This visa is designed for people who want to travel to the country temporarily for company-related reasons, such as to explore opportunities to start or expand their company there, invest in a company, strengthen company ties, offer or receive training or engage in international enterprise activities without joining the Canadian labour force.Â
Business travellers and businesspeople are two distinct groups. As a result of a free trade agreement, businesspeople travel to Canada to work. Travellers who come to the country for a trade stay for a few days or weeks but can remain for up to six months.Â
This blog provides all the detailed information you need to make your meeting and travel experience as easy and stress-free as possible when travelling as a Business Tourist.
Temporary residents Refusals overview:Â
If an applicant is found to be ineligible, the visa application will be refused, and the Canada visa refusal will be made at one of the following times:
- After examination of a written application, without the candidate having an in-person interview,
- Following an interview with the TRV applicant
If it is evident from a review of the application that the applicant is ineligible and more information would not affect a denial decision, the applicant should never be asked to attend an interview.
What is Business Visitor Visa Canada?
A Business Visitor enters Canada to conduct international enterprise activities. They do not work in Canada, but they may investigate business opportunities or investment prospects in one of the world’s most open and stable economies.Â
As an example, consider someone who travels to the country: Â
- To meet company representatives from their nations,Â
- To take in site visits.Â
- As a result of an invitation from a Canadian firm to attend training in product use, sales, and other aspects of trade activities.Â
They can enter the country without a work permit. Business travellers must show that their primary place of commerce and source of income is outside the country.Â
If you work for a Canadian company, you should apply for a work permit as you aren’t regarded as a business visa. Consider the scenario where you are a worker hired by a foreign enterprise to contract with a Canadian company.Â
Business travellers and businesspeople are two distinct groups. As a result of a free trade agreement, businesspeople travel to the country to work. Travellers who come to the country on business typically stay for a few days or weeks but can remain for up to six months.Â
What distinguishes Business Visa & IMP Work Permit?
A Canadian IMP work permit (C11 Work Permit or ICT Work Permit) differs from a Canada Business Visitor Visa Canada. You are not permitted to work in the country as a business traveller. Short-term stays for enterprise purposes, such as industry conferences, site visits, or training, are allowed under this visa. You will require a work permit if your company transfers you to Canada or a Canadian enterprise employs you otherwise.Â
You are welcome to visit Canada to look for work there. If you are in the country on a TRV and obtain a job offer, you should apply for a work permit before starting work. However, with a work permit, you can legally work in the country. You may be obliged to leave the country while your application is being processed since it must be handled by the Canadian office in charge of the nation where you reside or are a citizen. However, you can stay in the country if your TRV is still in effect.Â
What distinguishes Business Visitor & Regular Visitor?
The difference between a business visitor and a regular visitor (Known as a Canada Tourist Visa) is that foreign nationals apply for a Canadian TRV to visit their relatives (parents, sisters, brothers or children), which usually requires an invitation letter from the relatives. Or that people need a tourist visa to visit the attractions and historical places of Canada to visit these places as a tourist, and they usually need to have a strong travel history, especially to countries that require a visa. Obtaining a TRV for these countries is generally not accessible, such as European countries, England, America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, the business visa is designed for foreign nationals who, for reasons related to their trade, want to temporarily, such as evaluate opportunities to start or expand commerce, invest, strengthen trade ties, provide or receive training or participate in business-related activities. Travel to Canada for trade without intending to enter the Canadian labour market (employment in Canada).
What are benefits of Business Visa Canada?
With a Business visitor visa Canada, you can visit Canada to visit family and friends and enjoy the country while attending your enterprise trade activities. You can also approach that time to look for options for extending your stay in the country.Â
Business Visa Immigration Options To Canada
1- The C11 work permit
The C11 work permit is an opportunity to consider if you’re an entrepreneur or self-employed person who wants to work in Canada and eventually become a permanent resident.. Â
2- ICT work permit (C12)
ICT work permit (C12)Â is designed to make it easier for employees to move from a foreign-based company to its affiliated Canadian enterprise in any country.
3- Start-Up Visas (SUV)
Canada Startup Visa for entrepreneurs who have the potential to create innovative companies (New or/and innovative business concepts) that can compete on a global scale and create jobs to promote and attract innovative technologies and create more entrepreneurial opportunities.Â
4-PNP business immigration pathway
PNP business immigration attracts ambitious and innovative company owners from all over the world who wish to invest in and actively operate a company in one of Canada’s provinces, together with suitably skilled workers. Â
5-Canada Self Employment Visa
Canada Self Employment Visa this is for a self-employed person with experience working for themselves in fields relating to art, sports, and culture to make an application for Canadian PR. Â
6-Quebec Immigrant Investors Program
Quebec Immigrant Investors Program (QIIP): this is for individuals with a particular net worth and enough capital to invest in the Quebec economy.Â
Who is considered a Business Visitor in Canada?
- You intend to stay for less than six months;Â
- You don’t plan to work in the oountry;Â Â
- Your primary place of business and source of income and profits are located outside of Canada;Â Â
- You have documents to support your application;Â
- You satisfy entry requirements and possess a valid travel document, such as a passport;Â Â
- You have enough money for your stay and to return home;Â Â
- You intend to depart the country.Â
You may be considered a temporary worker and must apply for a work permit if you want to stay longer than six months or intend to work in the country.Â
Business In Canada That Qualifies To Do
- Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign company or government. Â
- Taking orders for goods or services. Â
- Attending conferences, meetings, or trade shows. Â
- Providing after-sales service under a warranty or sales agreement. Â
- Receiving training from a Canadian parent company that you work for outside of Canada. Â
- Instructing staff members of a foreign company’s Canadian branch; andÂ
- Receiving training from a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services.Â
A U.S. or Mexican national may also engage in additional activities covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, such as marketing, general services, and research. Â
How to apply for a business visitor visa?
A Business visitor visa Canada for business travellers does not require to provide a particular TRV application. Business travellers coming to Canada must undergo the standard application process for a Canada Tourist Visa and say they are doing trade abroad. They may need to show the CBSA officer documentation of their activity at their port of entry. Some Canadian trade people might be exempt if they are citizens of nations that do not require visas. If the person enters the country by air in certain circumstances, they might still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Families may travel to Canada with them, but each family member must apply for a traveller visa separately.Â
You can begin applying for a business visa Canada if you meet the abovementioned prerequisites. The following steps are the steps you need to take for the TRV application:Â
- Make sure you’re eligible for a visa to Canada,Â
- Compile the supporting documents and application forms,Â
- Submit your TRV application and pay the application fee,Â
- Wait for IRCC processing and approval,Â
- Get ready for your arrival day.Â
Application Fees
If you need to provide biometrics for a Business visitor visa Canada application, there is an extra price of CAD$85 in addition to the $100 application fee for the Canadian Visa.
Eligibility Requirements For Business Visitor Visa
A valid passport from your country of nationality and other documents like proof of valid status in the United States (like a green card). A Business visitor visa Canada (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is also required. You must fulfil a few minimal conditions to obtain a TRV for a trade trip. The list below includes the most important ones:Â
- Hold a passport with a minimum 6-month validity period.Â
- Have no convictions for crimes or immigration-related offences.Â
- Convince the IRCC officer that you have trade, social, family, employment, and property ties to your home country.Â
- Convince the IRCC officer that you’ll leave the country before your authorized stay finishes.Â
- Have sufficient available funds for your stay. Your financial needs will vary depending on the reason for your trip, how long you intend to stay, whether you’ll be staying with friends or family or in a hotel, and other factors.Â
If you can’t prove you are eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, the IRCC officer will refuse your application. Â
There are standards that the coming applicant must meet to be eligible as a Business traveller. The IRCC officer wants to ensure you won’t attempt to work illegally in the country. Hence, the Business Visitor Visa Canada requirements are stricter than those for a visitor visa. It would help if you additionally met the following criteria in addition to those that apply to all Temporary Resident TRVs for eligibility:Â Â
- You must be very specific about the reason for your trip and demonstrate that you won’t be working while you’re in the country.Â
- You must prove that you are establishing business ties with a Canadian company or have received an invitation to a meeting, training session, conference, or workshop.Â
- Convincing the IRCC officer to issue you a TRV can be more straightforward if you meet these requirements. Otherwise, IRCC might refuse your visa application.
What documents needed to bring?
When you reach the Canadian border, ensure you have the necessary documentation. If you need an eTA, you must travel with the same passport you used to apply for. Suppose you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. In that case, you must also have a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of status in the U.S.) and a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent document), including a valid TRV (If applicable).Â
 It would help if you also had letters of support from your parent company and a letter from your employer.Â
- A passport or travel document that is valid for your entire stayÂ
- A valid visitor visa, if applicableÂ
- If you need an eTA, you must travel using the same passport you used in your applicationÂ
- if you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States, a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of status in the U.S.) and a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent document)Â
Other documents, such as service agreements or contracts, if relevant to your company visit purposes, 24-hour contact information for your Canadian firm host, letters from your company and an invitation from the Canadian host company, or a letter of Recognition from CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in the country and your flight back home.Â
Letter of Invitation Requirements
An invitation letter is required if a Canadian company hosts foreign enterprise travellers. Business travellers can include clients, customers, investors, attendees of trade shows or conferences, partners, staff members, or those going to the company’s facilities for training.Â
Officers who issue visas evaluate applicants to determine their suitability for travel to Canada. A letter of invitation only ensures that you will receive a TRV if you require one. Â
Some individuals sign letters of invitation for some businesses. A company representative should write a letter if your Canadian company invites a visitor. Each visitor should receive two original invitation letters from your organization, one to exhibit when entering Canada and the other to submit with their visa application.Â
Be careful to allow sufficient time to process your Business Visitor Visa Canada. To determine how long it might take to process a visa, look at the IRCC application processing times for your TRV application and country of residency. You might require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) even if you don’t need a TRV.
Information nedded in letter of invitation
About the person being invited
- Full name. Â
- Date of birth,  Â
- The company represented position. Â
- Address and phone number (both work and home); Â
- Your company’s relationship with the invitee and your company history together, whether you know the traveller personally and if you are related. Â
- Purpose of the trip (if part of a longer-term project, please provide context); duration of the person’s visit to your company in Canada; andÂ
- Your company will pay the lodging and living expenses for the person’s intended departure date from Canada.Â
About the person extending the invitation
- Full name,Â
- Position in the organization, including job title,Â
- Location and contact information in Canada, and Â
- Work email address.
About the company extending the invitation
The following information should be provided:Â Â
- The full name of the company, Â
- The address of the headquarters, Â
- The addresses of all facilities to be visited,
- The company’s website address, if one is available, Â
- The date the company was registered or incorporated, andÂ
- A brief description of the type of activity the firm conducts.Â
Responsibilities of the company extending the invitation
Before engaging in any formal partnership, you should investigate a possible partner’s company history, assets and liabilities, reputation, and current legal standing. This can safeguard the reputation and interests of your company. It will also assist you in determining whether certain features of your prospective partner’s background will cause issues if you bring them to Canada for business. The IRCC advises you to:Â
- Investigate your trade partner thoroughly.Â
- Communicate with the Canadian Trade Commissioner in charge of the industry and nation where your traveller is from.Â
- Give two copies of an invitation letter to your prospective business partner who will be visiting.Â
- Give a representative from your company’s 24-hour contact information to your visitor partner. When entering the country, the border services officer may ask your visiting partner to submit the information, or they may need to call you if there are any delays.Â
What a Business Visitor needs to enter Canada?
A border services officer may determine that extra information is required based on what business people say at the crossing and the documentation they are carrying. The business traveller can then be transferred to a secondary screening, where an IRCC officer will question them. We advise your company partner to be ready and have all the necessary paperwork so they can submit it to the border services officer.Â
A CBSA officer at the port of entry may discover that the visitor requires a work permit even if an eTA visitor or Business Visitor Visa Canada is provided. This may occur if the CBSA officer finds that the traveller’s situation has changed since the eTA or visitor visa was issued or if new information is discovered during the interview.Â
Your invitation letter can assist in preventing this by outlining the rationale for the visit. Additionally, if your trade partner gives the officer Canadian contact numbers available around the clock, the contacts can respond to any queries the officer has on the visit. Verify that the contact person is equipped to respond to inquiries.Â
Your visitor should bring a copy of the contract or bill that specifies that the work is covered, for instance, if they are coming to service an item of equipment as defined in the contract.
Business Visitor Visa Canada FAQs
There are 7 Fantastic Options To Appeal After A Canada Visa Refusal, including reapplying and submitting a new application. To reapply, there is no set amount of time to wait. If you decide to reapply, you should only do so if your circumstances have materially altered or if you have significant new information to provide.Â
You do not require a work permit for employment-related activities back home, such as meeting clients or touring construction sites. However, you must apply for a work permit to work in Canada for more than six months or engage in managerial, technical, or production duties. In either situation, you must apply for a temporary resident visa from a nation where entering Canada requires one.
Yes, if it has not expired. Make sure you have documents that support your business visit to Canada. Â
Suppose your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children meet all requirements for temporary residence in Canada and can prove to an immigration official that they are only there temporarily and do not have any criminal records. In that case, they may travel to Canada with you And meet all requirements for a temporary residency visa.
You may have several options depending on your available funds to invest in Canada. Suppose you are looking for a more active investment. In that case, several federal and Provincial Entrepreneur programs are available for businesspeople, requiring you to invest in and manage a business in Canada. For instance, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) allows investors to immigrate to Canada by making a government-secured, passive investment.
No, you must fill out the visitor visa or eTA form if you need a visitor visa (TRV)Â or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for business purposes. All travellers, including those travelling to Canada on business, are covered by the eTA and visitor visa.
If it is a multiple-entry visa and has yet to expire, you can use it to enter Canada for business and tourism. If it is a single-entry visa, you will need a new visa.Â
You can only stay for six months because the Canadian Business Visa is a Visitor Visa. You are urged to limit your stay to the duration specified in your application, even under six months. Your authorized term of stay is only up to 6 months at a time, while the IRCC may grant you a valid visa for up to 10 years.
You must describe your visit’s objective, indicate that you have a business relationship with the Canadian firm, and prove that you have no intention of entering the Canadian labour market to be considered a business visitor to Canada.Â
If the business visitor carries out business activities related to their job back in the country of origin, they won’t need a work permit. However, they plan to stay over six months or conduct managerial or production business activities. In that case, they must acquire a temporary resident visa or a work permit.
Canadian law requires all U.S. citizens or permanent residents to carry proof of citizenship and identity. Therefore, a valid USA passport or Green Card satisfies these requirements. In addition, they may enter Canada without a TRV, including a business visitor visa.Â
No need for a medical examination for Canada Business Visitor Visa. However, it will be necessary if you work in a profession requiring public health security, such as a hospital, primary or secondary school, nursing home, or senior living facility.Â
Yes. Your management and ownership of a firm may qualify you for several entrepreneur categories under the Provincial Nominee Programmes, at the federal level, or under Quebec’s business immigration programmes.Â
Yes. Through Canada Provincial Nominee Programs, each province encourages the immigration of entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Various programmes are available based on the province you want to live in when you move to Canada. These programmes demand that entrepreneurs put their money or managerial skills into a company that is based in a Canadian province.Â
Canada welcomes self-employed individuals in various fields based on their success and the reputation they have established in their field. These fields range from athletics to the arts.Â
Depending on your country of residency and the Canadian embassy verifies your application. It can take three to six months for IRCC to process the Canadian Business Visitor Visa .
You must provide trustworthy, independent documentary proof of the beginning and growth of your wealth, such as tax records, pay stubs, deeds of purchase and sale, stockbroker statements, business and real estate assessments, etc. You must show that your assets, such as through gifts or inherited property, were acquired legally.Â
How Can We Help You With Your Business Visitor Visa Application?
At Arnika Visa, if you want to apply for a Business Visitor Visa Canada, we can assist you from filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents; we take care of it all. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your TRV approval and, finally, submit your TRV application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Here are the details of our professional services offering you:
- Business advisory services: We have provided business advisory services to help business owners for many years. We are experts at analyzing entrepreneurs, startups, and small to medium-sized companies. Our activities consist of four major areas: infrastructure, real estate, land development, and alternative investments. Our expertise ranges from concept development and financing to execution. We assist business owners and management teams through active mentoring, coaching, and writing reports focused on the options, challenges, and issues facing your business and detailing alternative suggestions as possible solutions to move forward. Our business advisory services program is valuable; you can rely on our expertise to help you stay focused and on track. Some areas in which we help our clients include Business Planning, Management, Operations, Staffing, Financing, Expansion, New Ventures, Marketing, Product(s), and Services.
- Visitor Visa Guidance: We know the Canadian visitor visa application details and how to increase your chance of visa approval. So, we guide you professionally from the first step until you enter Canada. Our highly knowledgeable RCIC provides one-on-one consultations during your TRV application preparation. Plus, you will receive End-to-End customized and personalized guidance and support at all stages of the TRV process and ongoing email and phone support (Q&A answered) on document preparation by the RCIC’s expert team (Terms & Conditions apply under the communication policy section of your retainer agreement).
- Private Secure Cloud-Based Online Data Collection and Document Sharing and Management: Clients can see online the secured case we present for their application. They can review the forms and supporting documents before submitting their application to the IRCC.
- Travel Plan: We draft the purpose of your visit to Canada as per your educational and experience profile, which should be consistent with your temporary stay, given the details you will provide in your application. The IRCC officer wants to ensure you don’t want to facilitate your entry to the country by utilizing a Business visa.
- Financial Plan: We draft your financial plan per your available funds and all financial resources to address the visa refusal reason for the insufficient financial resources for your visit to the country. The financial plan should be consistent with your temporary stay, given your current financial situation, which does show that you are financially established in your country of residence.
- Supporting Documents: Our RCIC has read all IRCC application packages or forms, Visa offices outside Canada’s instruction guide, and a federal court decision on temporary visa refusal claims, so he is well-informed about all essential documents before applying for a Canadian TRV. We provide you with a Detailed Personalized Visa Documents Checklist and Guidance, which is way beyond the IRCC office requirements around the globe, including consulting on required and optional supporting documents and drafting and finalizing all supporting documents by the RCIC’s expert team.
- RCIC’s Tailored Submission Letter: Our RCIC (Mr. Reza Eslami, R710241) will draft you a Tailored Submission Letter addressing the IRCC’s Office to support your TRV application.
- Immigration Package Preparation and Submission: We prepare the complete Immigration Application, including the Immigration Forms Completion and application Submission and authorized representation, to the IRCC on your behalf.
- The Port of Entry Support: Before granting permission for a foreign individual to enter the country, border services officials (CBSA officers) must ensure you have met all admissibility requirements. If needed (Border Services officers’ questions), Our RCIC provides you with the Port of Entry Support upon arrival.
These days, the TRV applications are more than just filling out the forms and showing enough funds to cover your expenses. Accordingly, preparing a solid application from the beginning will place a step forward and strong precedent even to prevent an application from being judicially reviewed (JR).
The IRCC officers know when the applications are well-prepared, which means they would follow through all the stages, including Judicial Review (JR) at the Federal Court, so they would think twice before making a Canada Visa refusal decision. It has been widespread that ghost consultants file TRV applications, although it is illegal since they have no license to do so. By doing so, you miss the second chance to be accepted at the Federal Court level, as the TRV application wasn’t prepared in a way to address all legal IRCC officers’ concerns. Thus, Arnika Visa recommends seeking legal guidance from an Expert RCIC to have a better chance of successful TRV applications.Â
Hi, I recently discovered that a long-time Canadian friend in Ontario, Toronto, is leaving his job to start a new business I own and run in my home country. He asked if I’d be interested in helping him get things up and running as a 50/50 partner. Hi is looking at a $100,000 to $150,000 investment and a full-time job. Is there any opportunity for me to immigrate to Canada and get PR and citizenship? The business visitor visa could be better for this scenario so that I can come and explore the other business opportunities before making any commitment, but I would like your feedback. Thank you!
Exploring a business visitor visa is a wise approach for initial exploration. Collaborate with your friend, assess the business landscape, and consult immigration professionals to understand your options for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. This strategic planning will enhance your chances for a successful and fulfilling immigration journey. Best wishes!
I have imported used automobiles, tires, and parts from Japan and sold them in Southern Africa and the UAE for 30 years. I’m interested in opening a dealership in Canada. Does it qualify for a business visitor visa application to Canada? How can you help me with it? Thanks
Your extensive experience in the automotive industry can be valuable for a business visitor visa application. We can provide comprehensive support, from preparing the necessary documentation to navigating the application process, ensuring all required documents are prepared, and highlighting the significant economic benefits your business could bring to Canada. Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss your plans and develop a strategy for a successful business visa application.
We are looking forward to assisting you!
I have applied for a business visa, but the officer rejected me. I wanted to get your help to send a better explanation. Also, I did not submit the company’s and various property documents this time, so thank you for not asking me. Please guide me.
We appreciate your comment. We can enhance your application with a more comprehensive explanation to address the visa refusal. We’ll guide you through the process. However, a robust submission must include the company’s and property documents. Let’s strengthen your case by preparing a solid immigration application together.
I live in Newmarket, ON. I am a Canadian resident. I found your firm on the web and went through some of the helpful information you provided on your website. On behalf of my brother, I am writing to request an evaluation of the rejected business visitor visa. I have applied two times for a visa for him, and it has been denied. The first one was a weak application, although, with a similar application, my friend’s visas were granted. However, the second application was solid and supported with relevant documents. I highly appreciate your help in evaluating the applications and your valuable comments.
As an RCIC based in Canada, we can assist in evaluating your brother’s rejected business visitor visa applications. We will provide insights and devise strategies to enhance future applications. In solid application cases, we suggest appealing to the Canadian federal court. Keep in touch with us.
I am from Bangladesh. I own a business selling all kinds of food industry machinery and am the company’s managing director. I submitted my biometrics in December 2023 as a business visitor visa applicant, but it was refused in January 2024. How you can help me to get the visa.
If you believe your visa refusal was due to a solid application, you can appeal at federal court or prepare the next application by addressing the reasons for your rejection and any supporting documents. Before sending the application, consult with an RCIC for guidance tailored to your situation.
I run a travel and tour company, and I organized a young entrepreneurship expo for my group members in Canada. Please note that out of 14 applicants, only two were given the visas, and the rest were refused. I need your assistance, Thank you.
Certainly, to improve the success rate, focus on strengthening applications. Ensure clear documentation, strong ties to home countries, and genuine intentions for the expo. Offer support in preparing comprehensive visa applications, emphasizing the event’s relevance to participants’ entrepreneurial aspirations and demonstrating their ability to return after the expo.
I am interested in applying for a business conference invitation and Canada TRV. I am presently staying in Oman as a business owner and looking for consultation.Â
As an RCIC, we out be delighted to assist with your business conference invitation and Canada TRV. Please fill the assessment form to connect us.