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Invite Business Visitors To Canada
Inviting business visitors to Canada involves facilitating the entry of individuals who wish to engage in business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. Here is some detailed information on inviting business visitors to Canada. However, please note that immigration policies and guidelines can change over time, so it's important to refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
1. Determine Business Visitor Category:
- The first step is to determine the appropriate business visitor category for the individual you wish to invite. The common categories include:
a) General Business Visitors: Individuals visiting Canada for general business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or networking events.
b) Academic Conference Visitors: Researchers, professors, or academic professionals attending conferences, seminars, or workshops in their field of expertise.
c) After-Sales Service Providers: Individuals coming to Canada to provide after-sales service related to a product or equipment they sold or leased to a Canadian company.
2. Determine Visa or eTA Requirement:
- Depending on the nationality of the visitor, they may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
- Visitors from visa-exempt countries generally require an eTA, while visitors from non-exempt countries need to apply for a TRV at a Canadian visa office or through the online application system.
3. Prepare an Invitation Letter:
- As the inviting party, you should prepare an invitation letter for the business visitor. The letter should include:
a) Information about the visitor: Full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport details.
b) Purpose of the visit: Clearly state the purpose of the visit, including details of any meetings, conferences, or business activities the visitor will be engaged in.
c) Duration of the visit: Specify the intended duration of the visit and the expected arrival and departure dates.
d) Support and expenses: Indicate whether you will be providing any financial support or covering the visitor's expenses during their stay in Canada.
e) Contact information: Provide your contact details, including your name, address, phone number, and email address.
f) Additional supporting documents: If necessary, include any supporting documents relevant to the purpose of the visit, such as conference invitations or business contracts.
4. Provide Supporting Documents:
- The business visitor may be required to provide certain supporting documents, including:
a) Valid passport: The visitor's passport should be valid for the duration of their intended stay in Canada.
b) Proof of ties to the home country: Evidence demonstrating that the visitor has significant ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family.
c) Financial documents: Proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Canada, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
d) Travel itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary outlining the purpose and duration of the visit, including information on accommodation and transportation arrangements.
5. Apply for a TRV or eTA:
- Once all the necessary documents are prepared, the business visitor should submit their application for a TRV or eTA, depending on their nationality.
- The application can be submitted online through the IRCC website or in-person at a Canadian visa office, if required.
- The visitor should pay the applicable visa fee and provide biometric information, if necessary.
6. Additional Considerations:
- It's important to note that business visitors are not allowed to engage in employment in Canada or carry out activities that would require a work permit.
- The visitor should also ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- It's recommended to submit the visa application well in advance of the planned visit to allow sufficient processing time.
Remember, the specific requirements and procedures for inviting business visitors to Canada can vary depending on the individual circumstances and nationality.
It's advisable to consult the official IRCC website or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific situation.
Consult us for the most up-to-date and accurate information before starting the application process.
Westland Immigration & Visa Services
Mr. Varinder Sharma (Director, MCom, Dip. Imm. Law), (RCIC), Member ICCRC
Cell: 1-778-988-8472
Office: +1-778-783-9991
Toll Free: 1-800-401-3797
Fax: 1-877-275-6880