Who qualifies as a business visitor
A business visitor comes to Canada for a few days or weeks, and up to 6 months, to attend meetings or events or carry out international business. You must show that you:
- plan to stay less than 6 months;
- will not enter the Canadian labour market;
- have your main place of business, and your main source of income and profits, outside Canada;
- have documents that support your application;
- meet the basic entry requirements: a valid passport, enough money for your stay and return, a plan to leave at the end of your visit, and no criminal, security or health risk.
Permitted activities
Buying and selling
Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government, and taking orders for goods or services. Under IRPR s. 187(2), representing a foreign business or government to sell goods for it also qualifies, if you are not making sales to the general public in Canada.
Meetings and events
Attending business meetings, conferences, conventions and trade fairs.
After-sales service
Providing after-sales service under a warranty or sales agreement.
Training
Receiving training from a Canadian parent company you work for outside Canada; training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company; or receiving training from a Canadian company that sold you equipment or services.
The regulation (IRPR s. 187(3)) asks two questions: whether the main source of payment for your activities is outside Canada, and whether your principal place of business and the place where profits accrue stay predominantly outside Canada.
U.S. and Mexican citizens may do some additional activities as business visitors under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), such as research, marketing and general services.
When you need a work permit
If your activities go beyond these limits, look at work permits, including LMIA-exempt options.
Visa or eTA
Visa-required travellers
Citizens of visa-required countries, including Iran, apply for a visitor visa with business as the purpose. If the event organizer has registered the event with IRCC, they may give you an event code to enter in your application.
Visa-exempt travellers
Apply for an eTA if you fly, and travel on the same passport you used to apply.
Documents
- Passport and visa or eTAA passport valid for your whole stay, and your visa or the passport linked to your eTA.
- LettersA letter of support from your employer or parent company abroad, and a letter of invitation from the Canadian host business, or a CBSA letter of recognition.
- Business documentsWarranty or service agreements, contracts, meeting agendas or event registration, as relevant to your trip.
- Host contact24-hour contact details for your business host in Canada.
- FundsProof that you have enough money for your stay and your return.
- Visa application evidenceFor a visa, add proof of your ongoing job or business abroad, income and travel history, as for any visitor visa. U.S. lawful permanent residents should carry their green card and their national passport.
Keep these documents in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.
At the border
The officer decides
A visa or eTA does not guarantee entry. The CBSA officer checks your activities, how long you will stay and whether you are entering the labour market.
Length of stay
Up to 6 months, unless the officer sets a different period. To stay longer as a visitor, apply for a visitor record before your status expires.
Notes for Iranian business travellers
- Iranian citizens always need a visitor visa. An eTA is not available, even with a U.S. visa.
- Biometrics must be given at a visa application centre outside Iran, for example in Türkiye, Armenia or the United Arab Emirates.
- Any Persian documents, such as company registration or employer letters, need an English or French translation, with a translator's affidavit unless the translator is certified in Canada.
- Canada's sanctions on Iran, under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, restrict some dealings and goods, and individuals listed under them are inadmissible to Canada. They are separate from immigration rules. Global Affairs Canada cannot give legal advice, so get your own advice before doing business.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign contracts in Canada as a business visitor?
Meeting clients and negotiating or taking orders for a foreign business are business visitor activities. Doing the work under a Canadian contract usually is not.
Can I be paid by a Canadian company?
Your main source of income must remain outside Canada. Being paid by a Canadian business for work in Canada generally points to a work permit.
I am coming to set up my own business in Canada. Am I a business visitor?
Exploratory meetings may fit, but running a business in Canada does not. See business immigration.
Official sources
- IRCC: Visit Canada for business
- IRCC: Business visitors
- IRCC: Canadian business or event organizers
- IRCC: Apply for a visitor visa
- IRCC: Entry requirements by country or territory
- IRCC: Find a visa application centre
- Justice Laws: IRPR s. 187
- Global Affairs Canada: Canadian sanctions on Iran
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.