Who counts as a business visitor
IRCC describes a business visitor as someone coming to Canada for a few days or weeks, up to 6 months, who won't enter the Canadian labour market, and whose main place of business and source of income are outside Canada.
If you work for a company in the UAE and you're paid there, a short business trip usually fits. You still need a visitor visa or eTA based on your passport, the same as for tourism.
What you can do
- Attend meetings, conferences, conventions and trade fairs.
- Buy Canadian goods or services for your UAE company.
- Take orders for goods or services.
- Provide after-sales service under a warranty or sales agreement.
- Receive training from your parent company, or from a Canadian company that sold you equipment or services.
- Train employees of a Canadian branch of your company.
What you can't do
You can't work in the Canadian labour market. If you'll be doing hands-on work for a Canadian company, staying longer than 6 months, or being paid in Canada, you likely need a work permit. If your company is moving you to its Canadian office, see my guide to intra-company transfer and treaty investor work permits.
Documents to carry
IRCC recommends carrying these with you rather than packing them in checked luggage:
- A passport valid for your whole stay, plus your visitor visa or eTA.
- A letter of support from your UAE employer or parent company.
- A letter of invitation from the Canadian business you're visiting.
- Any relevant contracts, warranty or service agreements.
- 24-hour contact details for your host in Canada.
- Proof you can pay for your stay and return home.
If the event is registered with IRCC, the organizer gives you an event code to enter on your visa application. Ask for it before you apply.
How long to allow from the UAE
If you need a visitor visa, IRCC currently estimates 55 days for applications from the UAE (October 29, 2026), plus time for biometrics. Apply as soon as your event dates are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work permit to attend a conference in Canada from Dubai?
Usually not. Attending meetings, conferences and trade fairs are business visitor activities. You need a visitor visa or eTA based on your passport, and supporting letters from your employer and the Canadian host.
How long can a business visitor stay in Canada?
Business visitors can stay up to 6 months. Staying longer, or working in the Canadian labour market, usually needs a work permit.
What is an IRCC event code?
Some events are registered with IRCC. If yours is, the organizer gives you an event code to enter on your visitor visa application.
Applying from the Gulf? Let's talk.
A free 15-minute call, no obligation. I'll give you an honest read on your situation before you spend anything, including whether you need help at all.
This guide is general information based on IRCC's published rules as of October 30, 2026. It isn't legal advice and doesn't assess any individual case. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm current requirements on IRCC.ca.