Business or Tourist visa?

[paki786]

Hello everyone,

I'm Canadian citizen and my friend from Pakistan would like to visit Canada. I need some help decide which option he should apply under, 'Business' or as a 'Tourist.

First of all, he will stay with me and I will cover his living expenses here. So in other words, I will provide the invitation letter. He owns a business back in Pakistan where he sometimes imports goods from Canada and sells in Pakistan. The purpose of his trip is to go around, find some good companies here, and build some relationships so he can import more goods from Canada to help grow his business in Pakistan. Beside this, he is my close friend and would enjoy visiting Canada overall (some sight seeing etc).

I have been reading on CIC and I'm not sure if he falls under 'Business' category and whether that would improve his chances of getting the visa. I also understand that for 'Business' visa, he would need invitation from a company which is not the case here because he wants to visit to find companies to work with. Also correct me if I'm wrong, 'Business' visa is single-entry for maximum 6 months and 'Tourist' visa is by default multiple-entry with maximum 6 months each time?

So which option should we go for? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Regina]

IMHO, Business visa is when a Canadian business invites a business representative from another country. Your friend comes to Canada for personal matter even if it concerns somehow his business in Pakistan.

Tourist' visa is by default multiple-entry with maximum 6 months each time?

No, tourist as well as business visa is for the time of intend visit. How long a person will be allowed to stay an officer at the border decides.

He may ask VO for single or multi-entry visa. However :

Starting on February 6, 2014 , all visa applicants will automatically be considered for a multiple entry visa. The visa officer reviewing your application may be able to give you this type of visa even if you applied for a single entry visa.

( "Considered" does not mean entitled. )

 

[paki786]

Thank you for your response Regina. Even though they consider for Multiple Entry but what's best to choose when applying? Single or Multiple? Does it have any effect on how they view applicant's intention?

Also if we apply under 'Tourist', should I clearly state on invitation letter that my friend wants to visit me AND find suppliers for his business?

 

[Regina]

Even though they consider for Multiple Entry but what's best to choose when applying? Single or Multiple? Does it have any effect on how they view applicant's intention?

They say they consider multy entry visa for anybody.

Also if we apply under 'Tourist', should I clearly state on invitation letter that my friend wants to visit me AND find suppliers for his business?

Yes, you could do that. It is a good reason to visit Canada and a friend.