What You Need To Know About Applying for a Canadian Business Visa

Canada is gaining popularity among the business class. Even when its neighbor, the United States of America, is arguably the superpower of the world, this northern nation has its own aces up its sleeve. And the corporate world is already taking notice. Their major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and more are inviting loads and loads of business to not only keep the economy bustling but also let to also thrive. And if you're a business yourself, don't be surprised if this country makes it onto your business travels list. If it does, you'll need to get a Canadian business visa, and here are what you'll need to know in getting one!

 

Types of Business Canada Considers

Before you being, you have to first know what type of business Canada considers eligible for their visas. Yes, they're that strict! Despite having a reputation for being the nicest nation in the world, the country is rather rigid when it comes to granting visas. Only if you're visiting for an important conference or business meeting will they approve your application for a business visa. Or if you have to visit a particular site, they also allow that too. The big distinction is you're just visiting. You're not, in any way, working for a local company. Because if the latter is your case, you'll need to apply for a work permit/visa instead! 

 

Difference between Canadian Business Visa and eTA

So, you're just visiting Canada on business, right? If so, then it's time to apply for a Canadian business visa. But wait, what if you'll need to get an eTA instead? And what is the difference between that to a standard business visa? Firstly, you're only required to apply for an eTA if you're a British or European citizen. And it's only good for three months, which means if your trip is short and you come from those countries, this is your best bet in entering Canada. However, if you're from a different country and you'll need to stay in Canada for a minimum of six months, that's when you'll need to apply for a standard business visa. 

 

Fees for Canadian Visa

Now, it's time to talk about fees. Just like any other country, Canada requires you to pay for applying for a visitor or business visa to enter their country. While it often differs from country to country, the standard price is approximately 100CAD. And that doesn't include the biometric data that you'll need to give too. For that, it'll cost you another 85CAD. But what if you're going to apply for an eTA? You're in luck because an eTA will only cost you 7CAD! If you're a UK citizen or from a European country, it may be best to apply for an eTA if your stay in Canada is less than three months. 

 

Requirements for a Canadian Business Visa

Once you've paid for the fee, it's time to gather up your requirements. Both a standard Canadian visitor/business visa and eTA will require you to show your current and valid passport, The former will also ask for two additional passport photos. In addition to that, they will need to see proof of both your current employment (certificate, company ID, a letter from employer) and financial stability (bank statements, a letter from your sponsor, etc.). And finally, they will also ask for proof of your intended return to your country. This can mean your return flight ticket, a detailed itinerary, or even your reservation from your Canadian accommodation which shows your check-out date. 

 

Requirements for an eTA

But what about if you're applying for an eTA? What requirements do they have for that? Actually, most of what they will ask you to show will be the same as that of a standard business/visitor Canadian visa application. The only difference is that they will ask for your current and valid email address and details from your payment method (i.e. credit card information and the like). 

 

Process of Applying for Canadian Visa

When you have your documents ready, it's time to start your application process. You can start by researching the process online through Canada's official immigration website or your country's Canadian embassy's online platform. the latter will likely have an online form upon which you should fill out and print to present on the day of your submission and interview. When you have your date, make sure to look presentable. Give your biometric data and pay the necessary fees. Take part in the interview process and await further instructions from your embassy. They will likely just send your passport to your home or ask you for another interview if necessary. 

 

Eligibility for Visa Extension

Now, let's say you were approved and you're now in Canada. But suddenly, you need to extend your stay there. How will you know if you're eligible for an extension? You'll need to apply for a visitor record and you must do so 30 days before your already-approved visa expires. You can check out the process for this on Canada's immigration website as well. It will give you all the info you'll need and, as long as you do the process correctly, there's a big chance you get to stay in the country! 

 

What's not to love about Canada? it's a beautiful country full of kind people and a booming economy. You'll probably visit this place for business, and when you do, it's important that you know how to properly apply for a business visa in order to get it approved for your trip!