Temporary Resident: Business visitors
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
One of IRCC’s objectives is to facilitate the entry of visitors for the purpose of trade and commerce in Canada.
As per paragraph 186(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), business visitors may work without a work permit if they are not entering the Canadian labour market.
Note: As per section R2, work means an activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned, or that is in direct competition with the activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market.
As per section R187, business visitors include (but are not limited to) those who are
- (a) purchasing Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government, or receiving training regarding such goods or services;
- (b) receiving or giving training within a Canadian parent corporation or a subsidiary that employs them outside Canada; and
- (c) foreign nationals representing a foreign business or government for the purpose of selling goods, if the foreign national is not engaged in making sales to the general public in Canada.
In order to be issued a business visitor visa, an applicant should
- demonstrate that they are not directly entering the Canadian labour market
- demonstrate that the business activity is international in scope
- establish that they are primarily receiving income from a source outside of Canada and that their principal place of business is outside Canada
- provide proof of their business purpose in Canada, including a letter of invitation (if applicable)
- if their employer is supporting them financially for their trip, provide a letter from the employer indicating what financial support will be provided (this does not replace the need for the applicant to provide proof of their personal funds/establishment)
The above is not an exhaustive list, and officers should refer to the following links for more detailed information: Business visitors [R186(a)]: Authorization to work without a work permit - International Mobility Program and Business visitors - CUSMA.
Note: Work experience obtained as a business visitor cannot be included in the calculation for the Canadian Experience Class. See Canadian Experience Class selection criteria - Qualifying work experience.
For more information on those who may be authorized to work without a work permit, see: Work without a permit list [R186 and public policies] - International Mobility Program.
The onus is on the applicant to provide all relevant documentation that would support a request for a business visa.
Officers may decide to limit the visa (validity period and number of entries) according to the applicant’s circumstances. Frequent business travellers who have a record of compliance with the terms and conditions of their visa may be eligible to receive a longer-term multiple-entry visa (see Issuing a visa).