Coming to Canada on business

Before you apply for Canada business visa application, you must have detailed knowledge about business visa requirements. Click here to learn more about eligibility and requirements to enter in Canada as a business visitor.

In the global market, Canada is known as an economically-stable country. It has the 10th largest GDP by nominal. And when it comes to GDP by PPP, it founds itself in the 6th position. Canada serves as the ideal test for the USA, as it is one of the major entry points to the United States market. Moreover, if you compare both, then you will find that business costs in general are 15% higher in the USA than in Canada. Hence, Canada has a lot to offer to global businesses. From those entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Canada to the ones who have a successful business in their home country and are looking forward to expanding their business, to seasoned businessmen or investors, all get several opportunities in the country. If you want to explore new business opportunities in Canada, a short-term trip to the country can be of great help.

Visiting Canada has never been easier since the Government of Canada has introduced the simplified and streamlined process of obtaining electronic travel authorisation or Canada Visa Online. Canada Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Canada for a period of time less than 6 months. International visitors must have a Canadian eTA to be able to enter Canada and explore this amazing country. Foreign citizens can apply for an Canada Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Canada Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Which sectors offer the best business opportunities in Canada?

For immigrants, the following are the top 5 Business Opportunities in Canada: 

  • Wholesale & Retail
  • Agriculture - Canada is a global leader in Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Commercial fishing and seafood
  • Software and technical services

Who is called a business visitor?

Following are scenarios in which you will be considered a business visitor: 

· If you are visiting Canada temporarily to 

  • invest in Canada
  • looking for opportunities to grow your business
  • pursue and prolong your business relationships 

If you want to visit Canada to take part in international business activities and are not part of the Canadian labour market. 

One can stay in the country for a few weeks up to 6 months on a temporary visit or as a business visitor.

No work permit is required by business visitors. A business visitor to Canada is not a business person who has come to join Canada’s labour market under a free trade agreement.  

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Canada's weather depends upon the current season prevailing in the country as well as on the area of the country in question. Learn more at Canadian Weather

What is the Eligibility criterion for a business visitor?

  • you have no intention to join the Canadian labour market 
  • you will stay for up to 6 months or less
  • you have a stable and thriving business outside of Canada in your home country
  • you should have all your travel documents ready like your passport
  • you have plans to leave Canada before your eTA Canada Visa expires or you should have return tickets  
  • you must not be a security risk to Canadians; hence, be of good character 
  • for the entire duration of your stay in Canada, you should be able to support yourself financially 

  • As a business visitor to Canada, a few activities allowed are!

Once you fulfill all your Canada business visa requirements and get your Canada business visa, you are allowed to do the following activities!

  • Taking orders for business services or goods
  • Attending business meetings, conferences or trade fairs
  • Giving post-sales business service
  • Purchasing Canadian goods or services
  • Attending business training by a Canadian parent company for which you are working from outside the Canada
  • Attending training by a Canadian company with whom you are in a business relationship 

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 You can read about eTA Canada Visa Types and eTA Canada Visa Application process here. 

How one can enter Canada as a business visitor? 

You will either need eTA Canada Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a visitor visa to enter Canada on a short-term business trip depending upon your country of passport. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you are eligible to apply for an eTA Canada Visa: 

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Documents required for business visitors before entering Canada!

There are a few business visa requirements that you need to follow. When you arrive at the Canadian border, make sure that you have the following documents handy and in order. Keep in mind that Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) has the right to declare you inadmissible due if fail to produce the following documents:

  • valid eTA Canada Visa
  • a passport which is valid for the whole duration of the stay
  • proof that you have enough finances to support yourself financially during your stay in the country and to return home
  • letter of invitation or letter of support from your Canadian business host or Canadian parent company 
  • contact details of your business host

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These small Canadian towns are not a typical tourist destination, but each small town has its own charm and character that makes the tourists feel welcome and at home. From charming fishing villages in the east to atmospheric mountain towns in the west, the small towns are dotted in the drama and beauty of the Canadian landscape. Learn more at  Read our full guide about what to expect after you have applied for eTA Canada Visa.

After checking your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa, you need to apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours prior to your flight. Australian citizens, British citizens, Swiss citizens and French citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa. In case you need any clarifications or help, feel free to contact our helpdesk for guidance and support.                                                                                                                                                

What is the difference between a work permit and a business visa?

One should not get confused between a Canadian work permit and a business visitor visa. Both are quite different. As a business visitor, one cannot enter the Canadian workforce. If you are a business visitor with having Canadian business visa, you will be allowed only short-term stays for business activities. These activities are site visits, industry conferences, or training. On the other hand, if you are employed by a Canadian company or transferred to Canada by your company, you will need a work permit.

Business visa application process!

There is no special visa for business visitors to Canada; hence, the business visa application process is simple. Business visitors to Canada need to follow the normal application procedure for a visitor visa, or TRV. One additional thing they need to do is to indicate that they are entering the country for business activities. At their port of entry, business visitors may need to show proof of their activities to the border services officer. However, business visitors may be visa-exempt in case they come from any of the visa-exempt countries. In these cases, the individual may still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if they arrive in Canada by air. As a business visitor, you may bring your family members with you, but whoever accompanying you must complete their own visitor visa application.

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Check your eligibility for eTA Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, French citizens, Israeli citizens, South Korean citizens, Portuguese citizens, and Chilean citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our helpdesk for support and guidance.

 
eTA Canada Application