Business Visitor to Canada: Meetings, Events and When You Need a Work Permit
A business visitor comes to Canada for meetings, events or conferences without entering the Canadian labour market. You can stay up to 6 months, your main business and income must be outside Canada, and you may still need a visa or eTA. If you plan to work, you may need a work permit instead.
since 1991
Who counts as a business visitor?
A business visitor stays for a few days or weeks to attend meetings or an event, and can stay up to 6 months. You must plan to stay less than 6 months, not enter the Canadian labour market, have your main place of business and source of income outside Canada, and meet basic entry requirements (IRCC).
What can a business visitor do?
Activities include buying goods or services for a foreign business, taking orders, attending meetings, conferences and trade fairs, giving after-sales service under a warranty, and being trained by a parent company or a seller of equipment. US and Mexican nationals have extra activities under CUSMA. See our free trade agreements guide, the LMIA-exempt hub and the Visiting Canada hub.
Key rules at a glance
- Not work: if you plan to work in Canada or stay more than 6 months, you may be a temporary worker who needs a work permit.
- Entry document: you may need a visa or an eTA. The event code goes on a visa application if your event is registered with IRCC.
- Bring papers: carry support letters from your parent company, an invitation from the Canadian host and proof of funds to the border.
- Host contact: keep 24-hour contact details for your Canadian business host.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Business visitor status fits if
- You attend meetings, a conference, a trade fair or a training session.
- Your income and main business stay outside Canada.
- You will stay less than 6 months and leave afterwards.
You may need a work permit if
- You will do hands-on work for a Canadian client: that may be work, not a visit.
- You will stay longer than 6 months: you may be a temporary worker.
- You are a US or Mexican citizen with a Canadian job offer: read the CUSMA professionals guide.
See the work permits hub, the LMIA-exempt hub and the intra-company transfer guide.
Why business visits go wrong
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
The activity looks like work
Doing productive work for a Canadian business can enter the labour market. That needs a work permit.
Income comes from Canada
A business visitor’s main place of business and source of income must be outside Canada.
Stay is too long
Plans longer than 6 months suggest a worker, not a visitor.
Missing support papers
Officers want parent company letters, host invitations, contracts and proof of funds.
Wrong entry document
You may need a visa or eTA even for a short business trip. Check first.
Not sure it is a visit and not work?
We review your activities, dates and papers before you travel.
Timing you cannot miss
Get your event code early
If you need a visa and your event is registered with IRCC, the organizer gives you an event code. Enter it on your application.
Do not pack your documents in your suitcase. Keep your passport, visa or eTA, support letters and invitation with you at the border.
If your plans change and you need more time, apply for a visitor record before your status expires, or check whether you now need a work permit.
Documents to carry
Keep these in your hand luggage. Start with these.
How a business visit works, step by step
Six stages from your plan to your meeting.
Check your activity
Make sure it is a meeting, event or other visitor activity.
Check visa or eTA
Use the IRCC questionnaire for your passport.
Get the event code
Ask your event organizer if the event is registered.
Apply if needed
Apply for a visa or an eTA.
Pack the papers
Carry letters and funds proof in your hand luggage.
Explain your visit
Tell the officer about your meetings and your return plan.
Business visitor costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Business visitor FAQs
What is a business visitor?
A business visitor stays in Canada for a few days or weeks for meetings or events, without entering the Canadian labour market. They can stay up to 6 months and need no work permit if they qualify.
What can a business visitor do in Canada?
They can attend meetings, conferences, conventions and trade fairs, buy goods or services for a foreign business, take orders, give after-sales service under a warranty or sales agreement, and take training from a parent company or equipment seller.
Do business visitors need a visa?
They may. Business visitors still need a visitor visa or an eTA if their passport requires one. Use the IRCC questionnaire to check.
What is an event code?
If your meeting or conference is registered with IRCC, the organizer gives you an event code to enter on your visa application. It helps IRCC identify you as a participant.
When do I need a work permit instead?
If you plan to stay more than 6 months, or you plan to work in Canada, you may be a temporary worker and need a work permit. Read the work permits hub.
Can US and Mexican citizens do more as business visitors?
Yes. Under CUSMA they may also do activities such as research, marketing and general services. Read our free trade agreements guide.
What papers should I bring to the border?
A valid passport, a visa or eTA, support letters from your parent company, an invitation from the Canadian host or a CBSA letter, contracts, 24-hour host contact details and proof of funds.
Can my income come from a Canadian source?
No. Your main place of business and source of income and profits must be outside Canada.
Can I stay longer than 6 months?
A business visitor must plan to stay less than 6 months. If you need more time, you may need a visitor record or a work permit. Read our visitor record guide.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, but minors may need authorization letters and extra papers, depending on whether they travel with you. Check the IRCC rules.
Does a business visit lead to a work permit?
No. A visit does not give you work rights. If you want to work, find the right permit first. See our LMIA-exempt hub.
What if I am refused entry or a visa?
You can reapply with new information or ask the Federal Court to review a refusal. See our visitor visa refused guide.