Business Visa

Here are the details for obtaining a business visa (often referred to as a Business Visitor Visa) for Canada:

Eligibility Criteria

Purpose of Visit: You must prove that you are visiting Canada for business purposes. This includes attending meetings, conferences, or workshops; negotiating contracts; and other business activities.
Stay Duration: You plan to stay in Canada for less than six months.
Not Entering the Canadian Labor Market: You must demonstrate that you will not be entering the Canadian labor market (i.e., not working for a Canadian employer).
Primary Place of Business Outside Canada: Your primary place of business and source of income and profits must be outside Canada.
Valid Travel Document: You must have a valid passport.
Good Health: You may need to complete a medical examination.
No Criminal or Immigration-Related Convictions: You must not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions.
Strong Ties to Your Home Country: You need to demonstrate that you have ties, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family, that will take you back to your home country.
Sufficient Funds: You need to have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. The amount of money you will need can vary depending on the length of your stay and whether you will stay with friends, relatives, or in hotels.

Application Process

Determine How You Will Apply: You can apply online or on paper. Applying online is generally faster.
Prepare Your Documents: Gather the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Passport
- Proof of funds
- Photographs
- Travel itinerary
- Invitation letter from the Canadian business you are visiting (if applicable)
- Letter from your employer outlining the purpose of your visit
- Any other documents requested by the visa office
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the appropriate forms (IMM 5257 for the application for a temporary resident visa, IMM 5645 for the family information form, etc.).
Pay the Application Fees: The application fee is CAD 100. There may also be an additional biometrics fee (CAD 85).
Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application and pay the fees. If applying online, you will need to create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Biometrics: You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). You will receive instructions on where and how to provide your biometrics after you submit your application.
Wait for Processing: Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and other factors. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.
Passport Request: If your application is approved, you will be asked to send your passport to the visa office so the visa can be affixed.

Additional Information

Duration of Stay: Most business visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. The border services officer may allow you to stay for a shorter or longer period, and this will be indicated in your passport.
Extensions: If you wish to stay longer than your authorized period, you need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter and leave Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period (up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first).
Single-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter Canada only once.