Canada is a beautiful country with an educated, skilled workforce, excellent schools and quality healthcare. It's no wonder that many professionals from around the globe want to visit Canada! Business visitors to Canada come for many reasons:
- Professional conference or meetings
- Educational opportunities
- Exploring new business opportunities in Canada
- Visiting Canada-based locations or offices
What Is A Canadian Business Visitor?
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) governs the Canadian government's immigration rules and regulations. IRCC defines a Business Visitor as someone who comes to Canada:
- for international business activities
- does not directly enter the Canadian labour market
Business Visitors do not need a Work Permit to enter Canada and must be able to prove that their main source of income and main place of business is not in Canada. Under IRCC rules, business visitors and business people are not the same. Business people come to do work in Canada under a free trade agreement.
The foreign national who wants to enter Canada is responsible for completing the correct immigration paperwork and incorrect classification can cause you to be barred from entering Canada or cause costly delays. It can be confusing whether you are classified as a business visitor, a business person or a business immigrant. Consulting an Immigration Lawyer about your classification and documentation required to enter Canada can protect you and your business.