Business Visitor Visas

If you are a foreign national seeking to come to Canada on a short-term basis, to attend business functions you may be considered a business visitor under Canadian Immigration Law. Business visitors are exempt from the requirement of applying for a work permit. The following article will outline the criteria to apply for a business immigration visa.

Who are qualified to be business visitors?

To be considered a business visitor, your intended stay in Canada must typically be less than six months. A work permit is required if you plan to remain in Canada for a longer period of time. The following criteria must also be met to demonstrate that you are a legitimate foreign business visitor:

• You do not intend to enter the Canadian labour market 

• Your main place of business and your source of income are both from outside of Canada

Furthermore, the Government of Canada has outlined some of the main functions in which business visitors typically partake. These include : 

• Buying Canadian goods or services for foreign businesses or governments

• Registering orders for services or goods

• Attending meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs

• Completing training by a Canadian parent company for a company outside of Canada

• Training employees of a Canadian branch 

• Being trained in Canada by a Canadian company that has sold you services or equipment

For United States and Mexican nationals, additional activities and categories may include research, general services, sales and marketing as specified under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). A business immigration lawyer can assist you in determining whether any such provisions apply specifically to you or your business.

What are the basic entry requirements for Business Visitors?

Second, applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the other basic requirements to legally enter Canada. The main requirements are as follows: 

• A valid travel document (passport)

• Sufficient Funds

• Demonstrating that you will leave Canada at the end of your period of authorized stay

• Not be inadmissible to Canada 

To enter Canada, applicants must have a valid passport with a visa stamp or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa). American citizens and permanent residents may either present their passport or green card to enter Canada. Furthermore, applicants must be admissible to Canada. As such, you have any criminal convictions or other forms of inadmissibility, a Canadian immigration lawyer can assist you in addressing this inadmissibility.

What supporting documents should I provide in my Business Visitor Application?

Third, supporting documents demonstrating your purpose of visit, and eligibility to Canada should be submitted when applying for business visitors visa. These include the following: 

• Passport

• Visitor visa, eTa, US Greencard (if applicable)

• Letter of support from your parent company in your country of citizenship

• Letter of invitation from the Canadian host business or a letter of recognition from the Canadian Border Services Agency 

• Other documents relevant to the purpose of your visits (contracts, service agreements, warranty)

• Contact details of your business host in Canada

• Proof of funds to cover your stay in Canada and return to your country of citizenship

Business visitors from foreign companies who require a visitor visa may have their conference registered with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”). If such is the case, then applicants must provide the event code when applying for business visitors visa. Moreover, a letter of invitation should be written by a company representative. Two letters should be provided. One for applying to the visa office, and another to present to the border officer when entering Canada. The following information should be provided in the letter:

• Information about the person invited

  • Complete name, date of birth

  • Address and telephone number

  • Whether the person invited is personally known to the inviter and whether the inter and invitee are related

  • Information on the purpose of the visit (details about the project, or event)

  • Length of time the person will seek to remain in Canada

  • Date the person intends to leave Canada

• Information about the host 

  • Name 

  • Job title and company 

  • Address and phone number

  • Work email address

• Information about the company or organization

  • Company name

  • Complete address

  • Company website

  • Date of registration of the company 

  • Short description of the company’s business

Why choose AKM Law to prepare my business visitor visa

Selecting immigration services from AKM Law to prepare business visitors visa application ensures a seamless and professional process tailored to your specific needs. Our team of skilled immigration lawyers specializes in business immigration matters, possessing a deep understanding of the complexities involved in obtaining a visitor visa for business purposes. With our expertise, we carefully assess your situation and develop a customized strategy to maximize your chances of a successful application. We prioritize efficiency and accuracy, ensuring that all necessary documentation is meticulously prepared and submitted in a timely manner. By entrusting AKM Law with business visitors visa application, you can have confidence in receiving expert legal representation and support throughout the entire process, ultimately facilitating your business travel plans with ease and confidence.