Business in Canada
VISIT CANADA ON BUSINESS
As a temporary business visitor to Canada, you may be eligible to enter Canada to carry out international business activities without entering the Canadian labour market, including:
- Participating in international business meetings, conferences, or trade events
- Exploring opportunities to grow or expand your business in Canada
- Assessing or making business or investment opportunities
- Strengthening and advancing existing business relationships with Canadian partners
Business visitors typically stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks and may be authorized to remain in Canada for up to six months, subject to approval by border officials. Depending on your nationality, you may require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)—commonly referred to as a Canada Business Visa—or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
To reduce the risk of delays or refusal at the visa application stage or at the port of entry, it is essential to prepare the correct supporting documentation. Contact us for a comprehensive business visitor document checklist and professional guidance to help ensure a smooth and compliant entry into Canada for your business visit.
SELF-EMPLOYED VISA
The Self‑Employed Persons Program allows eligible individuals to apply for permanent residence in Canada as self‑employed professionals in specific fields related to culture or athletics.
To qualify under this program, applicants must:
- Have at least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics
- Demonstrate the ability and intention to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life
- Show a genuine intention to become self‑employed in Canada
Relevant experience may include participation in cultural or athletic activities at a world‑class level, or experience as a self‑employed individual in an eligible cultural or athletic field. Applicants are also assessed using a selection grid and must score a minimum of 35 points to demonstrate their potential economic contribution to Canada.
Important update: The Self‑Employed Persons Program is currently paused for new applications, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works through existing inventories. [canada.ca]
If you have experience in culture or athletics and are interested in Canadian permanent residence through self‑employment, we can assess your profile, explain current program status, and advise on alternative immigration pathways where applicable.
Research beyond the business plan
Canada’s Start‑up Visa Program is designed for innovative immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:
- Are innovative and scalable
- Have the potential to create jobs for Canadians
- Can compete in global markets
To be eligible for the Start‑up Visa Program, applicants must:
- Have a qualifying business that meets ownership and control requirements
- Obtain a letter of support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator)
- Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family in Canada
Important update: The Start‑up Visa Program is currently paused for new applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped accepting new commitment certificates after December 31, 2025. Applicants who received a valid letter of support in 2025 must submit their permanent residence application by June 30, 2026.
If you have an innovative business idea, are preparing to pitch to a designated organization, or already hold a valid letter of support, we can assess your situation, explain current eligibility, and guide you through the appropriate next steps toward Canadian permanent residence through business immigration.
Canada’s provinces and territories offer a wide range of entrepreneur and investor immigration streams designed to attract experienced business owners, senior managers, and investors who can contribute to local economic growth. Eligible applicants may apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which provides a pathway to permanent residence in Canada while allowing applicants to settle in a specific province or territory.
PNP entrepreneur and investor programs are well‑suited for individuals who can actively manage or invest in a Canadian business, support innovation, and create economic benefits at the provincial or regional level. Program requirements vary by province and may include business experience, net worth, investment commitments, and active business involvement. In some provinces, minimum investment thresholds may start from approximately CAD $100,000, depending on the stream and location.
If you are an investor, entrepreneur, or senior business professional exploring business immigration to Canada, we can assess your profile and help identify the most suitable provincial nominee business pathway for your goals.
International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) include provisions that facilitate the temporary entry of business persons and professionals into Canada on a reciprocal basis. In many cases, these agreements allow eligible individuals to engage in business or professional activities in Canada through LMIA‑exempt pathways, making them an efficient option for short‑term business mobility. For some candidates, entry under a trade agreement can also serve as a strategic stepping stone toward permanent residence in Canada, depending on their long‑term immigration goals.
Canada has entered into several international trade agreements that support the entry of qualified business people and professionals, including:
- Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) (formerly NAFTA)
- Canada–Chile, Canada–Peru, Canada–Colombia, and Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreements
- Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
- Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Eligibility, permitted activities, and documentation requirements vary depending on the specific agreement, occupation, and country of citizenship. If you are a professional, executive, investor, or business person exploring work or business opportunities in Canada under a free trade agreement, we can assess your eligibility and advise on the most suitable immigration strategy.
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