Business Visitor

A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada for international business activities  without directly entering the Canadian labour market.  For example, someone who comes to Canada to meet people from companies doing business with their country, to observe site visits, a Canadian company invited them for training in product use, sales, or other business transaction functions. 

Business visitors usually stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks, but are able to stay for up to six months.  Business visitors do not need a work permit; however, business visitors who need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) must apply for one. In addition, business visitors must prove that their main source of income and their main place of business are outside Canada.   

If you are doing work for a Canadian company you are not considered a business visitor and may need to get a work permit.  For example, you are an employee sent by a foreign company to fulfill a contract with a Canadian company.

Business visitors and business people are not the same. Business people come to do work in Canada under a free trade agreement. Business people can enter and work in Canada if they qualify under one of these agreements: North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).