Canada Business Visa

Start-up Visa

The Startup Visa Program is an immigration pathway in Canada designed to attract and support innovative entrepreneurs from around the world who want to establish their startup businesses in the country. Launched in 2013, the program aims to leverage the entrepreneurial potential of foreign nationals to contribute to the Canadian economy and create jobs. Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that

Here are the key features of the Startup Visa Program in Canada:

To qualify for the Startup Visa Program, entrepreneurs must secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. These organizations must be approved by the Canadian government to participate in the program.

The entrepreneur’s business venture must be innovative, scalable, and have the potential for significant growth and job creation in Canada. The business must also be incorporated and operating in Canada.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their families in Canada. They must also show that they have enough funds to support their business venture.

Applicants must meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French, depending on the linguistic requirements of the province or territory where they plan to settle.

Successful applicants and their families are granted temporary residence in Canada initially. Once they meet the requirements of the Startup Visa Program, including operating their business for at least one year and meeting job creation targets, they can apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The Startup Visa Program is part of Canada’s broader efforts to attract and retain skilled entrepreneurs and innovators, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global innovation landscape. It provides a streamlined pathway for promising entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in Canada while contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.

Immigrate as a self-employed person

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

Eligibility

To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:

Relevant Experience

Your experience is relevant if you have:

Definitions

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.

You can get more points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.

At a minimum, your experience must be:

Selection Criteria

We assess you on selection criteria that include your:

Medical, security checks and other requirements

You and your family members must have a medical exam and get police certificates

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.

Business Visitor Visa

A Business Visitor Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to enter Canada temporarily for business-related purposes without the intention of entering the Canadian labor market. It’s designed for individuals who need to conduct business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring business opportunities in Canada.

Here are the key features of a Business Visitor Visa:

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of a Business Visitor Visa is to facilitate short-term business activities in Canada. It’s not intended for individuals seeking to enter the Canadian labor market for employment purposes.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to engage in permissible business activities in Canada and that they have sufficient ties to their home country to ensure their departure from Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

3. Permissible Activities

Permissible activities for business visitors may include attending meetings, conferences, and trade shows; engaging in business negotiations; exploring investment opportunities; and conducting market research.

4. Duration of Stay

Business Visitor Visas are typically granted for short-term stays, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the specific circumstances of the visit.

5. No Work Authorization

It’s important to note that individuals holding a Business Visitor Visa are not authorized to engage in gainful employment in Canada. Any work activities, including hands-on work or providing services, would require a work permit.

6. Application Process

The application process for a Business Visitor Visa involves completing the appropriate application form, providing supporting documentation (such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian business, proof of funds, and a travel itinerary), paying the application fee, and attending any required biometrics appointments.

7. Entry into Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, business visitors must present their passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They may be asked about the purpose of their visit and their intended activities in

Application Process

Find out if you’re a business visitor or if you need to apply for a work permit instead

Business visitors are persons who stay in Canada for a few days or a few weeks to attend meetings or an event, and can stay for up to 6 months.

To qualify as a business visitor to Canada, you must show that

You plan to stay for less than 6 months
You don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
Your main place of business, and source of income and profits is outside Canada
You have documents that support your application
You meet Canada’s basic entry requirements, because you

If you plan to stay for more than 6 months or plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit.

Activities you may conduct as a business visitor include

Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government
Taking orders for goods or services
Going to meetings, conferences, conventions or trade fairs
Giving after-sales service as part of a warranty or sales agreement
Being trained by a Canadian parent company that you work for outside Canada
Training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company
Being trained by a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a U S or Mexican national may also take part in other activities, such as research, marketing and general services.

Find out if you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada

Check with your meeting, event or conference organizer to get an event code (if applicable)

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada and your meeting, event or conference is registered with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), your organizer will provide you with an event code and instructions about how to apply for a visa.

Apply for a visa or an eTA if you need one

Documents you need to bring when you travel to Canada

Make sure that you have the following documents when you arrive at the border (don’t pack them in your suitcase):

If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States (US), a valid green card (or equivalent official proof of status in the U S ) and a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent document)
Letters of support from your parent company, and a letter of invitation from the Canadian host business or a letter of recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency

Minors travelling with you to Canada

Canada has laws and regulations to protect children. Delegates who plan to travel with a child (17 years of age or younger) should consult the entry requirements for minors.