Canada Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Canada Business visa is a type of visa that allows an individual to establish his/her business in Canada. However, acquiring a Canadian visa may seem far fetched, but by following the below guide you may acquire a business visa for Canada from India without many efforts. 

• The Canadian business visa is a visitor visa that allows an Indian National to enter the country for a short duration for only business purpose. 
  
  
• Initially, the business visa was granted for a validity of 6 months. 
  
  
• But, the booming percentage of visitors and investors to Canada has extended the Canada business visa validity for up to 3, 5 or 10 years. 
  
  
• The business purpose includes business meetings, conferences and seminars. 
  
  
• An individual visiting the country for a business purpose is not allowed to sign any potential deal that may last for more than the duration of his/her Canada visa. 
  
  
• The applicant may also not be able to work with any firm being operated in Canada.
  
  
• However, the duration for which you will be granted the visa will mostly be decided by the immigration officers associated with Canada. 
  
  
• You are not allowed to get accompanied by your dependents on the Business visa for Canada. 
  
  
• However, the Canada Business visa also allows you to explore as many attractions in Canada as possible. 
  
  
• Apart from holding only business purpose, you can also meet your friends, family members or relatives based in Canada along. 
  
  
• However, the other business immigration Canadian Visa types are as follows: Federal Business Immigration visa, Quebec Immigration visa and Provincial Nominee program.

a. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Business:

• Duration: Typically up to 6 months.
• Purpose: Short-term business visits, conferences, meetings, or trade shows.
  
  

b. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Business:

• Eligibility: Indians with a valid US visa.
• Duration: Up to 6 months or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Purpose: Similar to TRV, for short-term business engagements.
  
  

c. International Mobility Program (IMP):

• Purpose: For intra-company transfers, under free trade agreements (e.g., CETA), or specific international agreements.
• Duration: Varies based on the program.
  
  

d. Start-Up Visa Program:

• Purpose: For entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada.
• Duration: Leads to permanent residency.
  
  

e. Work Permit for Business Purposes:

• Purpose: For more extensive or long-term business engagements requiring work in Canada.
• Duration: Varies based on the work permit.

• Valid Indian Passport
  
  
• Intent to Return to India
  
  
• Sufficient Funds for Stay
  
  
• No Intent to Work (for TRV/eTA)
  
  
• Meet Health and Security Requirements
  
  
• Business Purpose Justification

General Requirements:

• Valid Indian Passport: At least six months beyond your planned departure date from Canada.
  
  
• Completed Application Form:
  
  
• IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa)
• IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada), if applicable.
  
  
• Recent Photos: As per IRCC specifications.
  
  
• Proof of Financial Resources:
  
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds (approximately CAD 2,500 for a 3-month stay).
  
  
• Police Certificates:
  
  
• May be required for stays over 6 months or based on your background.
  
  
• Medical Certificate:
  
  
• Required for stays over 6 months or if you intend to work in healthcare, etc.
  
  

Business-Specific Requirements:

• Invitation Letter:
  
  
• From the Canadian host company, detailing the purpose, duration, and terms of your visit.
  
  
• Letter from Your Employer:
  
  
• Explaining your employment, the purpose of your visit, and confirming your leave.
  
  
• Business Documentation:
  
  
• Incorporation documents, tax returns, or proof of your business’s legitimacy and your role.
  
  
• Travel Itinerary:
  
• Flight bookings or a detailed travel plan.

The photo specification for Canada Business visa are as follows -

• Recently taken photograph.
  
  
• Dimensions - 35mm X 45mm.
  
  
• Background of the photo must be white. 
  
  
• No blurred images are allowed.
  
  
• No designs are acceptable in the background of the image. 
  
  
• Photographs must be presented without any edits. 
  
  
• The face must be captured with the head centrally positioned, and directed towards the center of the camera, It must not be too far or too close either. 
  
  
• The top of your shoulder must be visible in the picture. 
  
  
• The facial reaction must be neutral. 
  
  
• Avoid keeping the mouth opened. 
  
  
• If you wear eye-glasses then the eye glasses must make your eyes visible. 
  
  
• No sunglasses are allowed.
  
  
• Headscarves are allowed only for religious purposes.

5.1 Check Eligibility: Ensure You Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Duration of Stay: Confirm your visit will be temporary (usually up to 6 months for a Business Visa).

• Purpose of Visit: Ensure it aligns with business, investment, or entrepreneurial activities.

• Intent to Return: Be prepared to demonstrate ties to India (e.g., family, job, assets) indicating your intent to return.

• Health and Security: Understand you must meet Canada’s health and security standards.

• Financial Resources: Know you need to show sufficient funds for your stay.

• Travel History: Be aware of how your travel history might impact your application.
  
  

Tools to Check Eligibility:

• IRCC’s Official Website: Utilize the "Determine your eligibility" tool.

• Consult Canadian Immigration Experts: For personalized assessments.
  
  

5.2 Gather Documents: Collect All Required Documents as Per Your Specific Situation

• Mandatory Documents:
  
  

• Valid Indian Passport (with at least six months’ validity)

• Completed Application Form (IMM 5257 for TRV, or as required)

• Recent Photos (as per IRCC specifications)

• Proof of Financial Resources (bank statements, etc.)

• Police Certificates (if required for your situation)

• Medical Certificate (if required for your situation or stay duration)
  
  

• Business-Specific Documents:
  
  

• Invitation Letter from the Canadian Host

• Letter from Your Employer (explaining your role, purpose of visit, and leave approval)

• Business Registration Documents (to prove your business legitimacy)

• Detailed Travel Itinerary
  
  

• Additional Documents (If Applicable):
  
  

• Proof of Language Proficiency (English or French)

• Proof of Education (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

• Birth Certificate (for dependent children, if applicable)
  
  

Tips for Document Gathering:

• Ensure All Documents Are Up-to-Date

• Translate Non-English/French Documents: Use certified translation services.

• Make Copies of All Documents: Keep originals safe, submit copies unless specified otherwise.
  
  

5.3 Fill Out the Application Form

Online: Through the IRCC Website

1. Create an Account: On the IRCC website to manage your application.

2. Fill Out the Form: Carefully, ensuring accuracy.

3. Upload Required Documents: As specified in the online application.

4. Pay the Application Fee: Online, using a credit card.

5. Submit Your Application: Review, then confirm submission.
   
   

Paper Application: If Online Application Is Not Possible

1. Download the Application Form: From the IRCC website (IMM 5257 for TRV).

2. Fill Out the Form: By hand, using black ink, ensuring accuracy.

3. Gather and Attach Documents: As specified in the application guide.

4. Pay the Application Fee: Through the specified payment methods for paper applications.

5. Submit to a VAC or by Mail: As instructed in the application guide.
   
   

Application Form Tips:

• Use the Latest Version of the Form

• Avoid Incomplete Applications: Ensure all required fields are filled.

• Sign the Application: If submitting a paper application.
  
  

5.4 Submit Biometrics

• Requirement: Check if your nationality requires biometrics (Indians typically do for a TRV).

• Location: At a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.

• Process:

• Book an Appointment: Through the VAC’s website.

• Attend the Appointment: Bring your passport, application ID, and biometrics instruction letter.

• Biometric Data Collection: Fingerprint scanning and a digital photo.
  
  

Biometrics Tips:

• Book Appointments Well in Advance

• Ensure You Have All Required Documents
  
  

5.5 Submit Additional Documents (If Requested)

• Notification: You’ll be contacted by IRCC if additional documents are needed.

• Response Time: Reply promptly to avoid delays.

• Submission Method: Follow the instructions provided in the request.
  
  

Tips for Submitting Additional Documents:

• Respond Promptly to Avoid Delays

• Ensure Documents Meet the Requested Specifications
  
  

5.6 Attend an Interview (If Required)

• Notification: You’ll be informed if an interview is necessary.
  
  

• Preparation:

• Review your application and supporting documents.

• Prepare to discuss your business plans, financial situation, and ties to India.
  
  

• Conduct:

• Be honest and clear in your responses.

• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
  
  

Interview Tips:

• Be Punctual

• Dress Professionally

• Stay Calm and Confident
  
  

5.7 Wait for Processing: Check Your Application Status Online

• Tool: Use the IRCC’s online tool with your application number.

• Frequency: Check periodically for updates.

• Understanding Status Updates: Refer to IRCC’s guide for status explanations.
  
  

Processing Time Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Apply well before your intended travel date.

• Avoid Unnecessary Inquiries: Unless your application significantly exceeds processing times.
  
  

5.8 Receive Your Visa: If Approved, Ensure All Details Are Correct

• Collection:

• If applying through a VAC, collect your passport with the visa.

• If by mail, ensure someone trustworthy can receive it.
  
  

• Verification:

• Check the visa’s validity period matches your travel plans.

• Ensure all personal and travel details are accurate.
  
  

• Next Steps:

• Make travel arrangements.

• Prepare for your business activities in Canada.
  
  

Receipt and Verification Tips:

• Double-Check All Details

• Contact IRCC Immediately If There Are Errors

• Application Processing Fee: Approximately CAD 100 (about ₹6,000)
  
  
• Biometrics Fee: Approximately CAD 85 (about ₹5,100) per person
  
  
• Service Fees for VACs: Vary by location
  
  
• Optional: Travel Insurance, Flight Bookings, etc.

• Online Applications: Typically faster, check the IRCC website for current times.
  
  
• Paper Applications: Generally take longer than online applications.
  
  
• Biometrics and Interviews May Add Time: Plan accordingly.

• Apply Early: To ensure timely receipt of your visa.
  
  
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all application details.
  
  
• Consult IRCC Website: For the most current information.
  
  
• Seek Expert Advice: If your situation is complex.

• Insufficient Documentation
  
  
• Inadequate Proof of Financial Resources
  
  
• Unclear Business Purpose
  
  
• Health or Security Concerns
  
  
• Past Visa Violations

Need more clarity on the Canada visa? Check out helpful resources below

Canada Visa Requirement

Canada Tourist Visa Requirement

Canada Business Visa Requirement

Canada Visit Visa Requirement

Canada Work Visa Requirement

Canada Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection