Business Visitor (No Work Permit Required)
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- Same as eTA or TRV processing
- Fee
- CAD $7 (eTA) or CAD $100 (TRV) depending on nationality
- Validity
- Per eTA (5 years) or TRV (up to 10 years) validity
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Business visitors do not need a separate work permit and enter using their eTA or visitor visa. Permitted activities include attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, buying Canadian goods/services, or after-sales service. Must not enter the Canadian labour market. Activities must be international in scope. Source of income and principal place of business must remain outside Canada.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be conducting international business activities that do not directly enter the Canadian labour market. Permitted: meetings, conferences, trade fairs, buying goods/services, after-sales service. Not permitted: hands-on work for Canadian entity.
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial ties outside Canada. Primary income source and place of business must remain outside Canada.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, company letter confirming expense coverage; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for duration of stay
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Canadian business contact or conference organizer detailing purpose, duration, and nature of business activities
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather invitation letter from Canadian business, proof of business activities, return ticket, and proof of funds. Prepare explanation of business purpose.
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Online application
Apply for eTA (if visa-exempt) or visitor visa (if visa-required). Indicate purpose as business.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $7 for eTA or CAD $100 for visitor visa plus applicable biometrics fees.
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Processing wait
Same processing time as eTA or visitor visa application.