Business developers and investors find Canada to be an excellent location because of its thriving business environment. Canada serves as an outstanding business destination due to its stable economy combined with worldwide market accessibility and immigration assistance for business professionals.
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The Canada Business Visa enables foreign individuals to perform authorized business operations while staying in Canada through a range of temporary and immigration visa programs. Individuals who obtain business visas can perform a variety of business-related operations including meeting business partners and discussing agreements and investigating investment prospects or establishing and leading businesses. The purpose of the Business visa programs is to build economic development through the attraction of skilled entrepreneurs as well as investors and self-employed professionals.
*Want to apply for a Canada Business visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process.
Canada provides a variety of business visa categories which address various business objectives from short-term plans to long-term settlement through investment. The right program depends on your business background, goals, and intent to reside in Canada.
The Canada Business visitor visa grants permission to business professionals for attending Canadian events or meetings and negotiating contracts with existing partners. It does not however permit employment in Canada.
The program seeks new entrepreneurs who can attract investment from an approved Canadian investor or incubator. Successful applicants receive direct permanent residency which enables them to create internationally competitive businesses in Canada.
*Want to apply for the Canada Start-up visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
Canadian provinces and territories operate business immigration programs under the PNP to attract investors and business owners to their specific geographic areas. These typically require a business plan, proof of net worth, and a commitment to active management.
This program is for individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life. Applicants must demonstrate their experience and intent to be self-employed in Canada.
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Some of the advantages of applying for a business visa in Canada are as follows:
To qualify for a Canada Business Visa, applicants generally must:
The table below has a complete overview of the different Canada business visa types and the eligibility criteria for each:
| Visa Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| Business Visitor Visa | - Genuine intent to engage in short-term business activities (e.g., meetings, trade shows) |
| - No intention to enter the Canadian labour market | |
| - Must prove ties to home country and financial ability to support stay | |
| Start-up Visa Program | - Have a qualifying business idea |
| - Secure a letter of support from a designated organization | |
| - Meet language proficiency (CLB 5 in English or French) | |
| - Show sufficient settlement funds | |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Business Streams | - Receive a nomination from a province or territory |
| - Meet net worth and investment thresholds set by that province | |
| - Show intent to actively manage a business in the region | |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | - Have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities |
| - Intend to be self-employed in Canada | |
| - Meet medical, security, and financial self-sufficiency criteria |
You must have the below documents while applying for a business visa in Canada:
You can follow the below steps to apply for a Canada Business visa:
Step 1: Identify the appropriate business visa program based on your goals (e.g., visiting, investing, or starting a business).
Step 2: Review the official eligibility criteria and gather all required documents.
Step 3: Create an account on the IRCC portal or the provincial nominee portal if applying under a PNP stream.
Step 4: Fill out the relevant application form and upload supporting documents.
Step 5: Pay the visa application fee and, if applicable, the biometrics fee.
Step 6: Attend a biometrics appointment and medical exam, if requested.
Step 7: Submit your application and monitor its progress online.
Step 8: Wait for the decision and follow instructions for passport submission or further processing.
The table below has complete details of the Canada Business visa cost:
| Canada Business visa | Visa fee |
| Business Visitor Visa | $100 |
| Start-up Visa Program | $2,385 (principal applicant) |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | $2,385 (principal applicant) |
| Provincial Nominee Program (Business Stream) | Varies by province (typically $1,500–$3,500) |
| Accompanying spouse or partner | $1,525 |
| Accompanying dependent child | $260 per child |
The table below has complete details of the average processing time for a Canada Business visa:
| Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
| Business Visitor Visa | Up to 3 months |
| Start-up Visa Program | 43 months |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | 55 months |
| Provincial Nominee Program (Business Stream) | 12 to 24 months (varies by province) |
Yes, certain business visas, such as the Start-up Visa and PNP Business Streams, offer pathways to permanent residency, allowing you to establish and operate your business in Canada long-term.
At Y-Axis, we make your Canada Business Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:
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A Canada Business Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) that permits foreign nationals to engage in short-term business activities in Canada, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring partnerships. It does not authorize employment in Canada. Applicants must prove they have no intention to enter the labour market and that their main business activity and income source are outside Canada. The visa is generally valid for up to six months.
You must follow the below steps to get a Canada Business Visa:
Step 1: You must first determine your eligibility
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Step 3: Apply online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Step 4: Complete the visa application form and pay the fees,
Step 5: Wait for the visa processing.
You can refer to the below steps before applying for a Canada Business visa:
Step 1: Create an account on the IRCC portal.
Step 2: Complete the visitor visa application form (IMM 5257)
Step 3: Upload required documents such as your passport, proof of business activity, and financials.
Step 4: Pay the CAD 100 visa fee along with the biometrics fee.
Step 5: Attend your biometrics appointment and await a decision.
Note: Ensure that your documents clearly demonstrate the purpose of your trip and your intent to return home.
The standard fee for a Canada Business Visa is CAD 100. If biometrics are required, an additional CAD 85 applies, bringing the total to CAD 185. These fees are applicable per applicant and are non-refundable.
The general list of documents required for a Canada Business visa are as follows:
Note: Additional documents may include biometrics confirmation, a travel itinerary, and health or police clearance depending on your country of residence.
Typically, a Canada Business Visa allows you to stay in the country for up to six months. However, the exact duration is determined by the border officer at the port of entry. If your visit requires a longer stay, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires. The visa can be single or multiple-entry, depending on your travel needs and immigration officer’s decision.
For permanent pathways like the Start-up Visa Program, no personal investment is needed. However, you must secure CAD 200,000 from a designated venture capital fund or CAD 75,000 from a designated angel investor group. Acceptance into a designated business incubator requires no financial commitment. For Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), minimum investment varies, typically from CAD 150,000 to CAD 600,000, depending on the province.
An invitation letter is a key supporting document for your visa application. It should come from a Canadian business or organization and include the name, address, and contact details of the inviter and invitee, purpose and duration of the visit, and financial responsibility (if applicable). It validates the legitimacy of your visit and should ideally be printed on official company letterhead. While not always mandatory, it significantly strengthens your case.
Yes, Canada typically issues multiple-entry business visas, valid for up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Canada as often as needed during its validity period, as long as each stay does not exceed six months. Whether you receive a single or a multiple-entry visa depends on your application and travel history.
Yes, you can apply online via the IRCC secure portal. You'll need to create an account, complete the application form, upload scanned copies of documents, pay the applicable fees, and book a biometrics appointment (if required). Online submission is faster and allows you to track your application status easily.
The table below has the top 5 differences between a Canada Business visa and a visitor visa:
| Factor | Canada Business Visa | Visitor Visa |
| Purpose of Visit | Business-related activities (meetings, conferences, trade visits) | Tourism, visiting friends/family, or general short-term stay |
| Eligibility Requirement | Must demonstrate ties to a business outside Canada and intent for business only | Must show travel intent (tourism, family, etc.) and strong home country ties |
| Supporting Documents | Business invitation letter, meeting agenda, proof of business relationship | Hotel bookings, travel itinerary, family/friend invitation (if applicable) |
| Permitted Activities | No work; can engage in meetings, negotiations, and business networking | No work or business-related activities allowed |
| Application Form & Fee | IMM 5257; CAD $100 (+ CAD $85 biometrics if required) | Same application form and fees; purpose of travel determines visa category |
