Business visitors

Services / Visit, business & citizenship

Overview

Business visitors can come to Canada for activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations and after-sales service without a work permit, as long as they are not entering the Canadian labour market. Depending on your nationality, you'll need a visitor visa or an eTA.

Key requirements at a glance

• Your main source of income and place of business stay outside Canada
• Activities are international in scope, for example attending meetings or buying goods for a foreign business
• An invitation letter from the Canadian host or event organizer is recommended
• If your activities amount to work in Canada, you need a work permit instead

How we can help

• Confirm whether your activities qualify as business visitor activities
• Prepare the visa or eTA application and supporting letters
• Advise on work permit options when business visitor status doesn't fit

This overview is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, and your situation may raise issues not covered here.