Business Visitor / Short-Term Work Permit Exemption
Some foreign nationals may be able to enter Canada for limited business activities without obtaining a standard work permit. Others may qualify for a short-term work permit exemption depending on the nature of the activity, the duration of the work, and the person's role in Canada. This service is for individuals, employers, executives, professionals, and business travellers who need legal assistance determining whether a business visitor or short-term work permit exemption applies, and preparing the supporting documentation needed for travel to Canada.
Government fees are separate from the legal fee. For visa-required travellers, a Temporary Resident Visa fee is generally $100 and biometrics are generally $85. Visa-exempt air travellers may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa. The eTA government fee is generally $7. Biometrics are generally not required for an eTA.
What Is Included
- Review of the proposed Canadian business activity
- Assessment of business visitor or short-term work permit exemption eligibility
- Review of the applicant's role, employer, and purpose of travel
- Supporting document checklist
- Preparation guidance for business visitor or exemption documentation
- Guidance on explaining the visit to border officials
- Review of invitation letter or employer support letter, where applicable
What Is Not Included
- Government filing fees
- TRV fees
- Biometrics fees
- eTA fees
- Work permit application, if one is ultimately required
- Employer compliance filing, if required
- Immigration litigation, mandamus, reconsideration, or judicial review
- Guarantee of entry to Canada
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Passport
- 2Citizenship and country of residence
- 3Proposed travel dates
- 4Purpose of travel
- 5Description of activities in Canada
- 6Employer or business information
- 7Canadian host or inviting organization details
- 8Invitation letter, if available
- 9Employment confirmation or business records
- 10Prior Canadian immigration history
- 11Previous refusal letters, if any
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •Submitting a request for this service does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
- •All matters are subject to conflict check, lawyer approval, scope confirmation, signed retainer agreement, and payment arrangements.
- •Government fees, biometrics, eTA fees, TRV fees, translations, notarizations, courier fees, and other third-party costs are not included.
- •Immigration forms, government fees, processing times, and legal requirements can change without notice.
- •Border officials make the final decision on admission to Canada.
- •This service does not include a full work permit application unless separately agreed in writing.
- •This service does not include litigation, mandamus, reconsideration, or judicial review unless separately agreed in writing.
Fixed fee
$2,000
Plus HST
This service is provided by a third party. By requesting this service, you consent to us sharing your inquiry with one of our partner law firms, and you may be contacted by them, pursuant to our Privacy Policy.
Requesting does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Subject to conflict check and acceptance.
Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Fixed fee
$2,000
Plus HST