|
|
|
|
Legal Line® provides Free legal information to Canadians through its website, telephone and fax-on-demand systems.
1,000 topics are covered within 35 areas of law...
Search...
Ontario|Immigration LawGeneral Information 665 Business in Canada under NAFTA The North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) has made it faster and easier for many business people to gain temporary entry to Canada for business purposes. American or Mexican citizens who want to enter Canada to trade goods, provide services, or participate in investment activities may be eligible for entry to Canada under NAFTA. Applicants must qualify in one of four categories of business persons. The four categories are: business visitors, professionals, intra-company transferees, or traders and investors. Once an applicant has qualified for entry into Canada, they will be given a document called an Employment Authorization.
- Business visitors
Business visitors are people who plan to engage in business activities. They have no intention to enter the Canadian labour market. Business visitors will be asked to provide evidence that they will engage in international business activity.
- Professionals
Professionals are people who plan to engage in a business activity at a professional level in a designated profession. A list of designated professions is available from Canada Immigration Centres or Canadian visa offices. Professionals must be qualified to work in their occupation, and they must have pre-arranged employment with a Canadian organization. There is no limit on how long a professional may remain in Canada, as long as they have a valid Employment Authorization.
- Intra-company transferees
Intra-company transferees are people who are employed by an organization, and who plan to provide managerial, executive, or specialized services to the organization. Intra-company transferees may not stay in Canada for more than seven years as a manager or executive, or for more than five years as a specialized employee.
Business visitors, professionals, and intra-company transferees can apply to enter the country at a Canadian border or airport.
- Traders and investors
Special rules apply to traders and investors. Applicants in this category must obtain a visa application from a Canadian embassy, consulate or Immigration office, and provide details about their proposed activities. Applications are not accepted at Canadian ports of entry. In addition to submitting the completed application to a Canadian embassy or consulate, applicants may be asked to attend an interview. Once the entry requirements are met, there is no time limit on how long traders and investors can remain in Canada.
Business people who are covered under NAFTA must still meet the general immigration requirements that govern entry to Canada. For example, people with certain medical conditions or a criminal record may not be allowed to enter.
If your spouse and children satisfy the general entry requirements, they may accompany you, but they cannot work or study in Canada without the appropriate employment or student permit.
If you need to extend your stay in Canada, you can apply for an extension of your Employment Authorization at any time up to one month before your Employment Authorization expires.
American or Mexican business persons who plan to enter Canada temporarily under the North American Free Trade Agreement can obtain more information from an immigration lawyer or from a Canada Immigration Centre.
|