Canada has long been a favourite destination for entrepreneurs and businesses for many reasons. With its strong economy, transparent legal policies and vast opportunities, the country is a land of opportunity and growth. However, the Canadian immigration system, despite its welcoming policies, can be strict, and many often face disappointment due to certain errors. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to obtain a visa, along with the Canada business visa requirements.
Understanding the Canada Business Visa
It is important to note that the Canadian business visa is not a work permit and does not allow you to work for a Canadian company or obtain paid employment in Canada. There are mainly two types:
Business Visitor Visa: A business visitor visa mainly serves the purpose of allowing foreign nationals to enter Canada for business-related matters such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts and other short-term business visits.
Start-up Visa: A start-up visa allows foreigners to build a business in Canada (outside Quebec) for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that have a recognised investor willing to support the business.
Step 01: Check Eligibility
Before applying for a business visa to Canada, it is essential to identify if you fit the eligibility criteria and make adjustments if necessary.
Meet the language requirements: You must meet the language requirement of the Canadian benchmark 5 in either French or English for the start-up visa programme.
Have legitimate proof of business or employment: Provide proof of your business or employment along with valid reasons for your visit.
Business Outside Canada: Your business and its source of income must be located outside of Canada.
Sufficient Funds: The Canadian Immigration requires that you show sufficient funds to finance your stay in the country.
Step 02: Prepare the Necessary Documentation
To get your visa approved, you will need to provide valid and updated documents that show your honest reasons and goals for visiting Canada.
- Valid Passport (that is valid till your return to your country)
- Letter of Support (for start-ups)
- Business Registration Documents/ Proof of Employment
- Travel and Financial History
- Proof of Sufficient funds
Step 03: Submit Your Application
Your application for your visa must fit all the necessary Canada business visa requirements and be submitted through the official website portal of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC. For this, an account must be created, and the requested documents must be submitted on time to meet the deadlines. Having a professional immigration consultant can help you keep track of deadlines and have your application ready on time without errors.
Step 04: Biometrics and Interview (If needed)
After the application, the IRCC will request most applicants to provide their biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at a valid Visa Application Centre. You may also be requested to provide an interview to prove your authenticity.
At IMM Consult, we will adequately prepare you with mock interviews and practice so that you are able to achieve success in your application.
Step 05: Post Approval
Once your visa has been approved, there are several measures that must be taken to ensure your successful entry to Canada and successful achievement of your business goals.
- Confirm your travel itinerary
- Have a copy of your letter of support and other relevant documents
- Familiarise yourself with Canadian Customs and Entry Procedures.
- Familiarise yourself with Canadian Business Etiquette
How IMM Can Help
At IMM Consult, we are dedicated to providing the best service to ensure stress-free, quick and efficient immigration journeys. Here’s how we can help you.
- Eligibility checks with up-to-date Canadian immigration laws and policies
- Documentation preparation
- Error-free submissions of applications
- Visa support
- Post-submission support, such as interviews
Consult IMM today- and start your business journey in Canada with confidence.
