For foreigners
looking to visit Canada for business purposes, it's essential to understand the
distinction between a "business visitor" and someone who needs a
"work permit," as the requirements and activities allowed are very
different.
Who is a
Business Visitor?
A business
visitor comes to Canada for international business activities but does not
intend to enter the Canadian labor market. This means their main place of
business, source of income, and profits remain outside Canada. They typically
stay for a short period, generally less than six months.
Eligible
Activities for Business Visitors:
As a business
visitor, you can typically engage in activities such as:
- Attending business meetings,
conferences, conventions, or trade fairs.
- Buying Canadian goods or services
for a foreign business or government.
- Taking orders for goods or services
(but not delivering them).
- Giving after-sales service as part
of a warranty or sales agreement for equipment or machinery sold by a
foreign company (this can include installation, repair, maintenance, and
training, but usually excludes hands-on construction work).
- Being trained by a Canadian parent
company if you work for a foreign branch.
- Training employees of a Canadian
branch of a foreign company.
- Receiving training from a Canadian
company that has sold you equipment or services.
- Conducting site visits for
observation.
- Negotiating contracts.
Key
Differences from a Work Permit:
The crucial
distinction is that a business visitor does not perform work for a Canadian
employer or receive direct payment from a Canadian source for work performed in
Canada. If you are being hired by a Canadian company, or if your activities
directly contribute to the Canadian labor market and would normally be
performed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will likely need a
work permit.
.