Temporary residents: Business persons and business delegations

One of the Department's goals is to foster trade and commerce. However, some prudence is required before issuing temporary resident visas to business applicants whose track record is unknown.

Officers should determine whether or not the business visitor has the ability to undertake the business proposed in Canada. Checking with the visa office's trade section to obtain its opinion as to the legitimacy of the companies is one method of verifying the visitor's background. Organizers of the delegation and supporting companies may be asked to provide documentation in support of the visit.

Random interviews with individuals may be necessary to ensure that the delegation is genuine.

It may be necessary to assess the bona fides of the inviting enterprise in Canada, as some invitations may be made specifically to facilitate the entry of non-legitimate visitors to Canada.

Any visa office dealing with business travellers originating outside its area of jurisdiction should carefully scrutinize all documentation and, where bona fides are questionable, request assistance from the visa office responsible for the applicant's normal place of residence.