Business Visitors to Canada: What You Can Do Without a Work Permit

Who is a business visitor in Canada?

A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada for international business activities without entering the Canadian labour market. Business visitors do not need a work permit. They travel with a visitor visa or an eTA, depending on their passport, just like a tourist.

The key test is simple: your work must be for a business outside Canada. Your main place of business, your pay and your company's profits must stay outside Canada. If a Canadian company is paying you to do hands-on work here, you are almost always a worker, not a business visitor.

What business visitors can and cannot do

Officers look at the whole picture, not just the activity name. Two trips that sound the same can be treated differently depending on who pays you, how long you stay and what you actually do.

Business visitor requirements

• A valid passport, plus a visitor visa or an eTA depending on your nationality
• Proof you will stay less than six months, or the length you need for your activities
• Proof that your main place of business and source of income are outside Canada
• Enough money for your stay and your return home
• No serious criminal record and no health or security concerns

Documents to carry as a business visitor

Carry these documents when you travel, even if you only need an eTA. The border officer may ask for them:

• Letter from your employer abroad: your job, salary, the purpose of the trip, how long you will stay and who pays your costs
• Letter of invitation from the Canadian host: what you will do, the dates, and the host's contact details
• Proof of the business relationship: contracts, purchase orders, warranty or service agreements, or a conference registration
• Proof of funds: company card, bank statements or a letter confirming the company covers your costs

After-sales service, repair and installation

Many business visitors come to install, repair or service equipment sold by a foreign company. This is allowed only in specific cases:

• The service is part of the original sales, lease or warranty agreement
• You have specialized knowledge of the equipment
• You are supervising or training, not doing hands-on building or construction work

Hands-on installation, especially in construction, usually needs a work permit. Bring the sales contract and warranty with you.

Short term work without a permit (Global Skills Strategy)

Some short term work is allowed without a work permit under the Global Skills Strategy, even when it goes beyond business visitor activities:

• Work in a TEER 0 or 1 job, or as a researcher at a publicly funded institution
• For up to 15 consecutive days once every six months, or up to 30 consecutive days once every 12 months

Citizens of countries with free trade agreements with Canada, such as the United States, Mexico and EU countries, may also have extra business visitor categories. If your trip is close to the line, get advice before you fly.

How to come to Canada as a business visitor

1. Confirm you are a business visitorCheck your activities against the list. If in doubt, ask us before booking.
2. Get your entry documentApply for a visitor visa online if your country needs one, choosing business as the purpose, or get an eTA.
3. Prepare your lettersAsk your employer and your Canadian host for detailed letters.
4. Travel with your documentsBring printed or easy to open copies for the border officer.
5. Keep to your planDo only the activities you described. If plans change, get advice before you start new work.

Frequently asked questions