Business visa to Canada: what you need to know

Canada attracts entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world thanks to its developed economy, transparent legal system and various business programs. There are many visas for entry for business purposes, each with its own requirements and privileges. This article discusses two types of visas — temporary and long-term.

More detailed information about Canada business visa processing time can be found on the website cbg-a.com.

Business Visa (Business Visitor Visa)

A business visa, or temporary resident visa (TRV), is intended for short-term trips for commercial purposes without entering the Canadian labour market / the opportunity to do business.

It allows you to stay in the country for up to 6 months to participate in negotiations, conferences, sign contracts or learn how to work with equipment.

To obtain it, you must confirm:

• No intention of staying in Canada;
• Availability of financial means for the trip and ties to the homeland (prove ownership of real estate, own a business or relatives);
• Have an invitation from a Canadian organization indicating the purpose of the visit.

To apply, you will need a valid passport, IMM 5257 and IMM 5707 forms, photographs, bank statements and insurance.

The consular fee is 100 CAD, biometric — 85 CAD. The processing time is from 1 to 6 weeks.

Advantages — fast processing and the possibility of multiple entries. It also does not require investment or a complex business plan.

Start-Up Visa

This visa is aimed at innovative entrepreneurs planning to create a technology or socially significant business in Canada.

Successful applicants receive permanent residence (PR) for themselves and their families.

Key requirements:

• It is necessary to receive investment or approval from a venture fund (minimum 200,000 CAD), a business angel (from 75,000 CAD) or a business incubator (no minimum investment);
• English or French proficiency at CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0) is required;
• The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in Canada until they receive income from the business (e.g. CAD 13,338 for one person).

The application process includes: obtaining a Letter of Support from a partner organization, collecting documents, and passing a medical examination.

The review takes 12-16 months.

After moving, the entrepreneur must actively manage the business. The program allows up to five co-founders in one project.

Benefits: path to citizenship after 3 years of residence in Canada. In case of failure of the startup, permanent residence is retained.