Canada business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

All visitors coming to Canada from non-visa exempt countries require a business visa for Canada. Canada is one of the best places to do business; the country has a favorable rating on the ease of doing business rankings, so if you plan to open a business there, you will enjoy world-class facilities and robust policies that will favor your plans. It is also a destination for international fairs, conferences, and seminars too. However, to enjoy all the economic benefits Canada offers, you will have to obtain a business visa first. Keep reading to learn more.

Who Is A Business Visitor?

A business visitor enters Canada to pursue a commercial interest or economic engagement. 

They are not expected to enter the labor market in search of jobs or get paid directly for their services. Business visitors may attend a business meeting or conference or be invited by a Canadian company to participate in a training session, test a product or perform a business function on behalf of their principal.

As a business visitor, you don’t need a work permit to get a business visa, nor will you be issued a work permit after arriving in the country. In summary, a business visitor comes to Canada to

• Build business relationships

• Invest in the Canadian economy

• Look for opportunities to grow their business in the country

And more.

Business visas are of different types, and some allow visitors to stay in Canada for up to 6 months. The Canadian government, through its embassies abroad, may also issue the visa as single or multiple entry visas. Single-entry visas are for one-time visitors who have no plans to visit Canada anytime soon, while multiple entry visas are for frequent visitors to the country.

Business Visa For Canada Eligibility

Only applicants with the following criteria are eligible for a Canadian business visa.

Stay For Less Than 6 Months: You must have plans to stay in Canada for six months or less, as that is the maximum timeframe for business visitors. If your engagement will keep you in the country for more than that, you do not qualify for a business visa; you should consider applying for a different visa for your trip.

No Plans To Join The Labor Force: This visa doesn’t come with a work permit, so you are not allowed to work in Canada as a business visitor; in fact, working in Canada as a business visitor and receiving payment for your service is an immigration violation and if you are caught you will be deported immediately. If you wish to work in Canada, apply for a work visa instead.

Source of Income: Only those with an income source outside Canada qualify for a business visa. Your primary income source and business location must be outside Canada’s territorial borders.

Supporting Documents: You must have supporting documents to back your claims at the embassy, and Business and financial documents are a must.

Canada Business Visa Basic Requirements

Here are the basic requirements for a business visa for Canada

Valid Passport: You will need a valid passport that will not expire in the next six months. It must have at least two blank pages for the Canadian officer at the airport to affix their stamps when you arrive, and on the day you depart.

Visa Application Form: You will need a completed visa application form, and the form must be correctly filled with no section left empty. The information you provide will be carefully scrutinized by the authorities and will be used to determine whether you qualify for the visa. Ensure that your answer is accurate and matches what is on your passport and other documents.

Proof of Financial Means: The authorities will want to ensure you have enough resources to cover your expenses throughout your stay. You will need to submit a financial statement as proof.

Business Information: Your business license, income tax, and other documents will be required unless you are sent by the company you work for; in that case, you will need to provide their information.

Invitation Letter: If a Canadian company or organization invites you, you must furnish the authorities with a letter explaining the purpose of your trip and how long you will remain in Canada. The letter should be signed and printed on the company’s letterhead.

Round Trip Itinerary: A copy of your itinerary detailing where you will visit during your stay, including your arrival and departure dates.

Ticket Reservation: A flight ticket reservation for the trip to and from Canada.

These are the documents you will need for a business visa for Canada. Kindly note that the embassy may request additional documents and information depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip.