Business Visitors

This category provides entry for those who engage in business or trade activities in Canada and who will not enter into the Canadian Labour Market. There are many subdivisions under this category however all business visitors must meet the below general criteria;

• There must be no intent to enter the Canadian labour market 
• The workers activities in Canada must be international in nature meaning that some sort of cross boarder activity will ensue
• For Business Visitors in Canada working for a foreign employer, the below criteria are assumed;
  • The primary source of the worker's compensation is from outside of Canada
  • The Principal place of employment is located outside of Canada
  • The employers profits are accrued outside of Canada

When traveling to Canada, Business Visitors should be prepared to provide immigration officials with proof of their desired status in Canada. Such proof may include the following; letter of support from the company or a letter from a Canadian company can help with one's chances of being accepted as a Business Visitor to Canada. 

​Business visitors may fall into the following Sub categories;

After Sales Service

These Service providers may enter into Canada to repair, supervise, service, supervise installers, and set up and test commercial or industrial equipment. These services to be provided must be indicated in the contract of the sale for the equipment in Canada. ​

Board of Director Meetings

Members of board of directors who must enter Canada to attend a meeting are eligible to do so as a business visitor.

​Employees of Short Term Temporary Residents

This includes those that are employed in a personal capacity and on a full time basis by Temporary Residents in Canada may be considered Business Visitors. Some examples may include the following; Personal Assistants, Chef's, Live In Care Givers and other domestic servants. ​

​Employees of Foreign Companies Contracting Canadian Companies

Where Foreign companies contract Canadian companies to provide services in Canada. The foreign company may want to send one or more employees to Canada to monitor that the work is being carried out in such a way that is acceptable to the foreign company.

If an employee of a foreign company is sent to Canada for this reason then they may be considered a Business Visitor as long as they meet the below criteria;

• They remain an employee of the foreign company 
• They remain on the payroll of the foreign company
• The foreign company remains the beneficiary of the employees efforts 
• The foreign company's principal place of business remains outside of Canada