Are you planning a business trip to Canada and wondering if you qualify as a business visitor? Here, we’ll help you understand who qualifies as a business visitor in Canada and the privileges that come with this status.

Who is a Business Visitor in Canada?

A business visitor in Canada is an individual who travels to Canada for specific business-related activities. These activities may include:

1. Meetings and Negotiations: Business visitors can attend meetings, negotiations, and conferences with Canadian partners or organizations.


2. Market Research: Conducting market research to explore business opportunities in Canada.


3. Trade Shows and Seminars: Attending trade shows, exhibitions, and seminars related to your business interests.


4. After-Sales Service: Providing after-sales service on products sold to a Canadian client, as long as the service is not part of a contract or employment.


5. Training: Receiving training or product knowledge from a Canadian source, provided that it is not part of a job.


6. Short-Term Work: Engaging in short-term work or activities that do not directly compete with the Canadian labor market.

To qualify as a business visitor in Canada, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, which include:

Duration of Stay: Your stay in Canada as a business visitor should be for less than 6 months.

No Entry into the Canadian Labour Market: Business visitors are not allowed to enter the Canadian labor market.

Source of Income: Your main place of business and source of income should be located outside Canada.

Documentary Support: You must have the necessary documents to support your application, including a valid travel document, such as a passport.

Basic Entry Requirements: You should meet Canada’s basic entry requirements, including having enough financial resources for your stay and your return journey, as well as a genuine plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit. You should not pose a criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians.

Privileges of a Business Visitor in Canada

As a business visitor in Canada, you can benefit from various privileges, including:

1. No Work Permit Required: In most cases, business visitors do not need a work permit to conduct their business-related activities in Canada.


2. Temporary Stay: Business visitors are typically allowed to stay in Canada for a short duration, usually up to six months, depending on their country of residence.


3. No Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Business visitors are exempt from the labor market impact assessment requirement, making it easier to engage in short-term business activities.


4. Visa Exemptions: Many business visitors are exempt from a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) if they come from a visa-exempt country. However, they still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if required, and we can assist with this process.

Business Visitors vs. Business People

It’s important to distinguish between business visitors and business people in Canada. Business visitors come to Canada for international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market.

Examples of this include individuals who come to:

• Meet people from companies doing business with their country.


• Observe site visits.


• Attend training sessions related to product use, sales, or other business transaction functions.

Business visitors must prove that their main source of income and their main place of business are outside Canada.

Business people, on the other hand, come to Canada to engage in work under a free trade agreement. If you’re doing work for a Canadian company and are an employee sent by a foreign company to fulfill a contract with a Canadian company, you may not be considered a business visitor and might need to obtain a work permit.

Our experts ensure that you have the right documentation and permits when needed.

Understanding who qualifies as a business visitor in Canada is crucial to ensure a smooth and legally compliant visit. If you have questions or need assistance with your business trip to Canada, feel free to contact Segue Immigration and Tours Ltd. to guide you through the process and help make your visit a success.

Contact Us
For more information about business visitor requirements and assistance with your trip to Canada, please contact Segue Immigration and Tours Ltd.