Maple News reports that not all foreign nationals require a work permit to legally work in Canada. In select cases, individuals may engage in certain business activities without the need for a permit if they qualify as ‘business visitors’. These individuals do not formally enter the Canadian labour market and are typically in the country for short-term work related to international business functions.
Under Canadian immigration guidelines, business visitors may carry out activities such as attending meetings, conducting research, managing commercial transactions, or participating in trade fairs, provided they represent enterprises based outside of Canada. Their work must not benefit a Canadian employer directly and should revolve around international collaboration or oversight.
Common permitted activities for business visitors include participating in seminars and conferences, researching on behalf of foreign firms, managing overseas production schedules, or negotiating and executing contracts related to international trade. For example, sales representatives can negotiate deals but cannot deliver products or services themselves.
Individuals providing after-sales or after-lease services also fall under this exemption—if they are installers or technical specialists performing work under warranty agreements for commercial or industrial equipment purchased outside Canada. However, such individuals must possess specialized knowledge tied to those contracts.
Specific roles such as supervisory personnel overseeing the installation of foreign-purchased machinery, or training staff on foreign equipment, also qualify—assuming the individual maintains their overseas employment and receives no compensation from a Canadian source.
Other cases include board members attending company meetings in Canada, personal employees of short-term visitors (such as nannies or personal assistants), or foreign company inspectors overseeing contracted work performed inside Canada. In all these scenarios, the Canadian operations must not become the individual’s main source of employment or compensation.
To maintain business visitor status, individuals must not assume roles that compete with or contribute directly to the Canadian job market. Overstaying or breaching these terms could result in denial of entry or future inadmissibility.
Maple News advises individuals and companies to consult with an immigration professional if unsure about their eligibility. Obtaining a legal opinion letter before travel can protect travelers from unexpected issues at Canadian ports of entry.
Understanding these exemptions helps international businesses operate smoothly while staying compliant with Canadian immigration regulations.