When considering business immigration to Canada, it is important to understand the distinction between a business visitor and a foreign worker.
What is a Business Visitor?
A business visitor is a foreign national who travels to Canada to engage in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labor market. This status allows business visitors to conduct certain business-related tasks without the need for a work permit, streamlining the process for short-term business engagements.
Business visitors are typically involved in activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or site visits. To qualify as a business visitor, the individual must demonstrate that:
- Their primary source of monetary income is outside Canada.
- Their principal place of business and the actual place where profits are accrued are outside Canada.
Additionally, business visitors should plan to stay in Canada for less than six months and must not intend to enter the Canadian labor market. They are also required to meet the basic entry requirements into Canada, which include possessing a valid travel document, having sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, and demonstrating intent to leave Canada at the end of their visit.
Activities Permitted for Business Visitors
Business visitors may engage in a variety of activities, provided they do not involve entering the Canadian labor market. These activities include:
- Attending business meetings or conferences.
- Participating in trade shows or seminars (without selling directly to the public).
- Taking orders for goods or services.
- Providing after-sales service as part of a warranty agreement.
- Being trained by a Canadian parent company for work outside of Canada.
- Training employees of a Canadian subsidiary of a foreign company.
It’s important to note that while business visitors can perform these activities, they must not engage in gainful employment in Canada that competes directly with the Canadian labor market.
Distinction from Work Permit Holders
The main difference between a business visitor and a foreign worker lies in their engagement with the Canadian labor market. Foreign workers require a work permit because they are entering the labor market, often filling roles that could otherwise be occupied by Canadian residents. In contrast, business visitors do not require a work permit as they are not directly competing with the local workforce and their business activities are international in scope.
Entry Requirements
Even though business visitors are exempt from obtaining a work permit, they may still require a visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on their country of citizenship. It’s necessary for potential business visitors to verify the specific entry requirements applicable to their situation before planning their visit.
The Takeaway
Anyone considering business immigration to Canada should understand the role and limitations of a business visitor. This way, foreign nationals can make sure that their activities align with what is allowed in order to take advantage of streamlined entry processes, facilitating efficient and effective business engagements within Canada.