Short-term business travel to Canada
A business visitor comes to Canada for international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. This can include meetings, conferences, trade shows, buying goods or services, taking orders, certain after-sales service, or training connected to an overseas employer.
Business visitors usually come for a few days or weeks and may stay up to 6 months if authorized. If you will work for a Canadian employer, provide hands-on services to Canadian clients, or stay longer than the business visitor rules allow, you may need a LMIA-Based Work Permit or LMIA-Exempt Work Permit instead.
Common business visitor activities
You may qualify as a business visitor if you are coming to Canada to:
- attend meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs
- buy Canadian goods or services for a foreign business
- take orders for goods or services
- receive training from a Canadian parent company
- train employees of a Canadian branch of your foreign employer
- provide eligible after-sales service under a warranty or sales agreement
The key point is that your main place of business, income, and profits must remain outside Canada.
What officers want to see
A strong business visitor application normally explains:
- why you are travelling to Canada
- who invited you and what the event or meeting is about
- who is paying your expenses
- your employment or business role outside Canada
- why you will not enter the Canadian labour market
- your travel dates and return plans
- your financial capacity and home-country ties
Canadian hosts should prepare a detailed invitation letter. Travellers should also carry supporting documents when they arrive at the port of entry because the border officer makes the final decision.
Visitor visa, eTA, or work permit?
Business visitor is an activity category. Your travel document requirement depends on your nationality and how you travel. You may need a visitor visa or an eTA. If your activities cross into work, you need a work permit strategy before travelling.
Related pages:
Official reference
For current rules, see IRCC's Business visitors page.
