Business visits
Clarify the purpose of a proposed business trip and the immigration questions to resolve before travelling.
Separate a business visit from work in Canada.
Meetings, a proposed investment, business development and day-to-day work can raise different immigration questions. A commercial plan should not be treated as immigration permission.
Start by describing the actual activities, who is involved and how long you expect to remain. The relevant visit or work requirements can then be considered.
Describe the activity before choosing the route.
A business traveller should explain what they will actually do, not simply describe themselves as an investor or company director. Meetings, conferences, negotiations and operational work may need different treatment. We begin with an activity-based discussion and identify the immigration questions before documents or travel plans are finalised.
How VSA can assist
Subject to an agreed service scope, VSA can assess the proposed application, help organise the supporting evidence and explain gaps or inconsistencies that need attention. We aim to make the record clear and truthful. Fees, responsibilities and the work included are confirmed in writing before retained services begin.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The activities you intend to perform in Canada.
- The organisations, invitation and arrangements behind the trip.
- Whether the plan requires a work-permit assessment.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Prepare an itinerary, an outline of the business purpose and details of the Canadian contacts involved.
A preparation checklist
- An activity-by-activity itinerary
- Invitations and details of the organisations involved
- Employment and business responsibilities outside Canada
- Any work, sale, installation or service to be performed in Canada
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Is incorporating a Canadian business enough to work here?
Do not treat company ownership or incorporation as work authorisation. The intended activities require their own immigration assessment.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: visits and business travel ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub