Business men who are foreign nationals planning to visit Canada temporarily to look for new business opportunities, to invest or to advance existing business relationships are also welcome to Canada. Just like anyone from a country who requires a visa to travel to Canada, business visitors are subject to the same requirement. You don’t need a separate application just the same temporary resident visa. Therefore, the same application applies as for anyone else who is applying for a temporary resident visa.
It may even be beneficial for business people to apply for a multiple entry visa because they may be making several visits. This will save you time and money, making your travel convenient and seamless for all of your visits. You should also make sure your visa is valid because it cannot be extended, you need to reapply when it expires.
Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks. To be considered a business visitor you must show that:
- you intend to stay for less than six months and do not plan to enter the Canadian labour market
- if you are going to stay longer than six months you should apply for a work permit because you may be considered a temporary worker
- your main place of business and source of income is located outside Canada
- profits from your business will accrue outside Canada
- you can provide documents that support your application and
- you meet Canada’s basic entry requirements.
Cross-border business can include activities like:
- buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government
- taking orders for goods or services
- attending meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs
- providing after-sales service (mainly supervision, not hands-on labour)
- being trained by a Canadian parent company you work for outside Canada
- training employees of a Canadian subsidiary of a foreign company or
- being trained by a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services.
As usual there are other requirements, for example an invitation from your potential business partner. If you plan on working in an executive, managerial, technical or production activities you will need a temporary work permit in addition to the temporary resident visa.
Business opportunities in Canada are great, so don’t put your trip off any further. Obtaining a visa can sometimes prove to be a bit of a process. We make the process seamless and worry free so that you can focus on yourself and your business, so contact us today!