Canada Business Visitor Visa – 2025 Update
Canada remains a key destination for business visitors seeking to expand commercial interests, attend industry events, or establish professional connections. In 2025, new regulations have refined the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for business visitors.
What is a Business Visitor Visa?
A Business Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for business-related activities. Business visitors do not require a work permit, provided they do not engage in direct employment within Canada.
Business visitors from visa-exempt countries only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. However, those entering by land or sea do not require an eTA.
Permitted Activities for Business Visitors
- Purchasing Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government
- Receiving training on Canadian products or services
- Negotiating contracts or procuring orders for goods and services
- Attending trade shows, conferences, and business meetings
- Providing training to employees of a foreign company’s Canadian branch
- Receiving training from a Canadian company with operations abroad
Updated Entry Requirements for Business Visitors (2025)
To enter Canada as a business visitor, applicants must provide:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for the duration of the stay.
- Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA – Required based on nationality and mode of entry.
- Invitation or Support Letters – Letter of invitation from a Canadian host company, Letter of support from the parent company, Recognition letter from the Canada Border Services Agency (if applicable).
- Proof of Funds – Demonstrating financial ability to cover expenses during the stay.
- Business Documentation – Service agreements, contracts, or warranty documents (if applicable), Contact details of the Canadian business host.
Eligibility Criteria for a Business Visitor Visa
- Plan to stay in Canada for less than six months
- Meet all visitor visa requirements
- Have their primary business and source of income outside Canada
- Not seek employment in the Canadian labor market
- Provide all required documentation upon arrival
Key Updates for 2025
- Stricter Visa Approvals: Canada has tightened visitor visa regulations, limiting TRV approvals to business, tourism, and family visits only.
- Faster Processing Times: Under the new government, visitor visa approvals have improved, with processing times reduced significantly.
- Judicial Review for Visa Denials: Applicants now have 75 days to challenge visa refusals in court, up from the previous 30-day limit.
- No Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas: Canada has phased out automatic long-term visitor visas, requiring applicants to reapply based on eligibility.
Final Steps: Preparing for Your Business Trip to Canada
Once your visa is approved, ensure you have all necessary documents, including financial proof, business agreements, and invitation letters. Staying informed about immigration updates will help ensure a smooth entry into Canada.