Business Visa

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Business Visa

Business Visa

Canada offers excellent opportunities for business visitors and entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative startups

  • Business Visitor Visa for short-term visits

  • Start-up Visa for innovative entrepreneurs

  • Path to permanent residence available

  • Work permit for start-up visa holders

  • Spouse and dependents can accompany

Types of Business Visas

Canada offers two main business visa pathways for international entrepreneurs and business visitors in 2025:

Business Visitor Visa: For short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business negotiations without entering the Canadian labour market.

Start-up Visa Program: Designed for innovative entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that can compete globally and create jobs for Canadians.

Eligibility Criteria

Business Visitor Visa Eligibility

  • Primary business location: Your main place of business and source of income must be outside Canada

  • No labour market entry: You must not be planning to enter the Canadian labour market

  • Business purpose: Activities limited to meetings, conferences, purchasing goods, or receiving training

  • Temporary stay: Intention to leave Canada after your business activities are completed

  • Financial proof: Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay

Start-up Visa Eligibility

  • Qualifying business: Each applicant must have a qualifying business that meets criteria set by IRCC

  • Letter of support: Commitment from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator)

  • Language requirement: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French across all abilities (speaking, reading, writing, listening)

  • Settlement funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents after arrival in Canada (varies by family size)

  • Ownership requirement: At least 10% voting rights in the business, with designated organizations and applicants holding more than 50% combined

  • Business operations: Essential operations must be conducted in Canada

  • Incorporation: Business must be incorporated in Canada at the time of permanent residence assessment

Required Documents

Business Visitor Visa Documents

  • Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)

  • Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)

  • Recent passport-sized photographs (following IRCC specifications)

  • Proof of business ownership or employment letter

  • Business registration documents from your home country

  • Letter of invitation from Canadian business partner (if applicable)

  • Financial statements (bank statements, tax returns, proof of assets)

  • Travel itinerary and return ticket

  • Travel history documentation

Start-up Visa Documents

  • Valid passport for you and accompanying family members

  • Letter of support from a designated Canadian organization

  • Commitment certificate issued by the designated organization

  • Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP for English, or TEF for French) showing CLB 5

  • Proof of settlement funds (bank statements, investment portfolios)

  • Business plan and supporting documentation

  • Proof of business incorporation in Canada (at PR stage)

  • Educational credentials and work experience documents

  • Police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived 6+ months

  • Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved physician

Application Process 2025

Business Visitor Visa Steps

  • Determine
    Eligibility

  • Complete
    Online Form

  • Pay Fees &
    Submit

  • Biometrics
    Collection

  • Receive
    Decision

Step 1: Create an IRCC online account or sign in to your existing account at canada.ca

Step 2: Complete the application form IMM 5257 and upload all required documents

Step 3: Pay the application fee (CAD $100) and biometric fee (CAD $85) online

Step 4: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated collection point within 30 days

Step 5: Attend interview if requested by visa officer

Step 6: Receive decision and prepare for travel to Canada

Start-up Visa Process

  • Secure Letter
    of Support

  • Submit PR
    Application

  • Language &
    Medical Tests

  • Processing &
    Assessment

  • PR Visa
    Approval

Step 1: Develop your business idea and prepare a comprehensive business plan

Step 2: Contact designated organizations (venture capital funds, angel investors, or incubators) to pitch your business

Step 3: Obtain letter of support and commitment certificate from designated organization

Step 4: Take approved language test and achieve minimum CLB 5

Step 5: Submit permanent residence application through IRCC portal with all supporting documents

Step 6: Complete medical examination and provide biometrics

Step 7: Apply for work permit while PR application is processed (optional but recommended)

Step 8: Incorporate your business in Canada before final PR assessment

Step 9: Receive confirmation of permanent residence and prepare for landing in Canada

Processing Times (2025)

  • Business Visitor Visa: Typically 3-4 weeks for online applications

  • Start-up Visa: Average 12-16 months from submission to PR approval

Application Fees (2025)

  • Business Visitor Visa: CAD $100 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee

  • Start-up Visa: CAD $2,140 (principal applicant) + CAD $1,365 (spouse) + CAD $230 per dependent child

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515 per adult (for start-up visa)

Official Resources: All information is based on official IRCC guidelines. For the most current requirements and detailed information, visit canada.ca/start-visa for Start-up Visa information and canada.ca/visit-canada/business for Business Visitor Visa details.

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