Understanding Business Visitor Visas

A Business Visitor Visa is a type of temporary resident visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for business purposes without entering the Canadian labour market. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who wish to engage in international business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, and trade fairs, or conducting business with Canadian companies.
To be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose for visiting Canada is for business, and that they will not be entering the Canadian labor market. They must also meet the basic entry requirements, including having a valid passport, sufficient funds, and demonstrating that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Business Visitor Visas are typically used for a stay in Canada for up to six months, although the actual duration of stay may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. Applicants may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian company or a letter of support from their employer. This ensures that the purpose of the visit is clearly defined and aligns with the visa’s intended use.
Avoid Being Denied Entry

Every business traveller’s worst nightmare—is being denied entry at the border. Do you need only a valid passport to enter Canada, or do you also need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)? If you are from a visa-exempt country and flying into Canada, an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required. However, the basic requirements differ depending on your nationality and purpose of travel. Plus, you must show that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. When entering Canada, business visitors should also have a letter of invitation from a Canadian host business and be prepared with the necessary documentation to present at the border upon arrival.
A key difference between a business visitor visa and a work permit is whether you will be engaging in activities that impact the Canadian labour market. A work permit allows individuals to work with a Canadian company, while business visitors cannot enter the workforce.
At Sobirovs Law Firm, we ensure your business visitor visa application is compliant with Canadian immigration law so you can go to Canada with confidence. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers provides professional immigration services to navigate complex requirements and avoid delays or denials.
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Business Visitor Visa Travel Management

Recognizing the risks of business travel, Sobirovs Law Firm has the expertise to manage complex business visa and visitor visa applications. With changing Canadian immigration rules, professional legal assistance means a smooth visa application process.
A business visitor visa allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for business purposes without a work permit. This visa is for international business activities such as:
- Attending meetings, trade shows or site visits
- Negotiating contracts or dealing with a Canadian business host
- Providing after-sales service for a foreign company that sold goods or services to a Canadian company
- Being trained by a Canadian parent company
Obtaining a business visitor visa is crucial for engaging in business-related activities in Canada, and Sobirovs Law Firm specializes in navigating the complexities of these visa applications to ensure a successful outcome.
The maximum stay for a business visitor is usually up to 6 months, but extensions may be possible for a valid reason. To apply for a Business Visitor Visa in Canada, your stay must be less than 6 months. At Sobirovs Law Firm, we take a results-driven approach to avoid common visa refusal. Immigration lawyers can fast-track the application process by developing a personalized strategy for visa submissions.
- Your supporting documents are accurate, including a valid travel document like a passport.
- Whether you need a business visitor visa or work permit.
- A letter of invitation from the Canadian company or parent company.
- Elucidate eligibility requirements and processing timeframes.
- Compliance with health requirements for legal entry.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
- Permissible business activities, such as trade shows or contract negotiations.
- Business visitors do not enter the Canadian labour market but can receive training from a Canadian branch of a foreign company.
Business Visitor Visa Application Process

Applying for a business visitor visa means meeting the eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process usually involves applying for Business Visitor Visas, which can be done online through the IRCC Portal.
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Check if You Need a Visa – Depending on your nationality, you may need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
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Gather Required Documents – This includes proof of sufficient funds, a valid passport, business host contact details, and evidence of planned business activities.
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Submit Your Application – The application must be filed through a Canadian visa office/visa application centre in your home country or online.
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Border Services Interview – When entering Canada, a border services officer may ask additional questions and request necessary documentation, such as a letter of invitation from your Canadian host business.
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Get a Decision – If approved, you will receive either a business visitor visa or an eTA.
Family members of a business visitor must submit separate visa applications and obtain a visa if they want to accompany the applicant.
Activities Allowed for Business Visitors
Business visitors to Canada are allowed to engage in a range of activities, including:
- Attending meetings, conferences, and trade fairs
- Conducting business with Canadian companies
- Purchasing goods or services from Canadian companies
- Providing training or consulting services to Canadian companies
- Participating in research and development activities
- Engaging in marketing and sales activities
Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, U.S. and Mexican nationals may also engage in additional activities, such as research, marketing, and general services.
It’s important to note that business visitors are not allowed to engage in work activities that would normally require a work permit, such as working for a Canadian company or receiving payment from a Canadian source. If an individual’s activities in Canada will exceed six months or involve work, they may need to apply for a work permit instead of a Business Visitor Visa. This distinction ensures that business visitors remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws while maximizing their business opportunities in Canada.
Comprehensive Business Visa Services

At Sobirovs Law Firm, our immigration lawyers do not just submit your visa application. We provide full legal services, including expertise in managing business visitors’ visa applications to facilitate business travel while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. Working with immigration lawyers can help to mitigate any concerns a visa officer may have.
- Follow up with visa offices and assist with passport collection.
- Coach applicants on preparing for visa interviews and handling visa refusals.
- Estimate processing times and advise on expected delays.
- Emergency assistance for urgent cases, extensions or appeals.
- Legal support for critical situations, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen delays requiring an extended stay.
Why Choose Sobirovs for Business Immigration?
At Sobirovs Law Firm, we specialize in business immigration and work with foreign nationals looking to establish or expand their business connections in Canada. Our immigration services are designed to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration law so you have a successful application. We also specialize in obtaining a business visitor visa and navigating the complexities of visa applications to facilitate business travel.
Whether you are a business visitor, a temporary worker or part of a foreign company sending employees to a Canadian branch, our immigration lawyers will ensure your application meets all Canadian visa office requirements.
Get Started Today

Don’t risk unnecessary delays or visa refusals. Contact Sobirovs Law Firm today for expert legal help with your business visitor visa application. We will guide you through the application process and help you navigate Canadian immigration law successfully.
Quick Facts
🔹 A business visitor visa allows you to conduct business activities without a work permit.
🔹 You may need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an eTA, depending on your nationality.
🔹 Supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds, are essential for approval.
🔹 Our immigration lawyers provide full support to ensure a successful application.
🔹 Obtaining a business visitor visa is crucial for engaging in business-related activities in Canada, and we specialize in navigating the complexities of the application process.
Visit Canada for business with confidence — Sobirovs Law Firm is here to help!