U.S. Business Travel for Canadians: Meetings, Contracts and Work

A. The activities to be performed in the United States

A client visit, sales trip or project meeting must be assessed according to the activities to be carried out in the United States. The general description of the trip does not determine its immigration treatment.

Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for a temporary business visit. That exemption does not create permission to perform every kind of work. Citizenship, the purpose of travel and admissibility still matter.

Before booking travel, prepare an itinerary identifying the people to be met, matters to be discussed, any work or materials to be produced and the expected return date.

B. Permitted business visitor activities

The Department of State identifies activities such as business consultations, conferences and contract negotiations as possible purposes of temporary business travel. Eligibility still depends on the circumstances of the visit.

Consider the difference between discussing a proposed service contract and staying to perform the contracted services. The fact that both activities concern the same customer does not settle their immigration treatment. A short visit also needs the correct purpose; length alone does not determine whether the work is permitted.

C. Payment arrangements and work restrictions

Keeping your Canadian salary or invoicing through a Canadian company does not, on its own, establish that your U.S. activities fit visitor status. Visitors are not generally authorized to take up employment in the United States.

There are narrowly defined business-visitor provisions for some specialized activities. For example, certain installation or servicing work connected to equipment sold from abroad is subject to particular conditions. An ordinary client-service assignment should not be treated as an exception without reviewing those conditions and the contract.

D. Supporting documents and travel details

Supporting information may include meeting agendas, conference registration, relevant correspondence, proposed travel dates and a description of the Canadian business. The documents required depend on the circumstances, and no document checklist guarantees admission.

If one trip combines meetings with other activities, explain the whole itinerary. An invitation letter should reflect the real arrangements. It should not describe hands-on work as a meeting simply because that description appears easier to present.

E. Changes to the proposed activities

A request to remain in the United States after negotiations to assist with project delivery should be assessed before the additional activity is agreed to. A work classification may be required.

Our firm assists Canadians with the immigration requirements for proposed U.S. business travel and work. Please provide details of the intended activities and timing for an assessment.

Businesses planning a U.S. employee assignment can also review our employer guide to sending employees to the United States, covering work classifications, supporting evidence and admission records.

General information only; it does not replace advice about an individual case.