Guidance on Main Purpose of Visit – Visitor Visa (TRV) Application

[Jiaul Haque Kawsar]

Hello,

I have received an invitation to attend Web Summit Vancouver 2026, which will take place from May 27–30, 2026.

While completing the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) application, I came across the section: “What is the main purpose of your visit?” The options are:

• To conduct business
• Tourism

Since my purpose is to attend an international technology and business summit, I am not sure which option would be the most appropriate to select.

Could anyone kindly guide me on which option I should choose?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[steaky]

Hello,

I have received an invitation to attend Web Summit Vancouver 2026, which will take place from May 27–30, 2026.

While completing the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) application, I came across the section: “What is the main purpose of your visit?” The options are:

• To conduct business
• Tourism

Since my purpose is to attend an international technology and business summit, I am not sure which option would be the most appropriate to select.

Could anyone kindly guide me on which option I should choose?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Since it's a business summit, shouldn't be conducting business? Besides attending the summit, wouldn't you be sightseeing landmarks such as Niagara Falls? If so, you can also select tourism. Or a combination if applicable.

 

[canuck78]

Hello,

I have received an invitation to attend Web Summit Vancouver 2026, which will take place from May 27–30, 2026.

While completing the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) application, I came across the section: “What is the main purpose of your visit?” The options are:

• To conduct business
• Tourism

Since my purpose is to attend an international technology and business summit, I am not sure which option would be the most appropriate to select.

Could anyone kindly guide me on which option I should choose?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Typically falls under tourism if just attending the conference and not actually doing any business. Would be prepared to show why you need to attend this specific conference, that you have attended similar conferences in the past, that your employer is covering your expenses, that you have strong ties to return, etc. If you have proof that you will be presenting at the conference also important to include versus just attending.

 

[Jiaul Haque Kawsar]

Typically falls under tourism if just attending the conference and not actually doing any business. Would be prepared to show why you need to attend this specific conference, that you have attended similar conferences in the past, that your employer is covering your expenses, that you have strong ties to return, etc. If you have proof that you will be presenting at the conference also important to include versus just attending.

I have received an invitation to attend this conference because I am a Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, and also working as a Microsoft Certified Trainer in Bangladesh.

Now, while filling out the Visitor Visa (TRV) application, I see the options for “What is the main purpose of your visit?” are:

• To conduct business
• Tourism

Since I will be attending an international technology conference, could you please advise me which option would be the most appropriate for my case?

 

[canuck78]

I have received an invitation to attend this conference because I am a Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, and also working as a Microsoft Certified Trainer in Bangladesh.

Now, while filling out the Visitor Visa (TRV) application, I see the options for “What is the main purpose of your visit?” are:

• To conduct business
• Tourism

Since I will be attending an international technology conference, could you please advise me which option would be the most appropriate for my case?

Still tourism. I assume your employer will be paying for your to attend this conference, this is not your first conference and you have attended similar conferences closer to home. IRCC is aware that people try to use conferences as a way to enter Canada and do things like claim asylum, try to find employment, etc. A general invitation to most conferences are easy to obtain if you are willing to pay to attend so means very little to IRCC.

 

[Jiaul Haque Kawsar]

Still tourism. I assume your employer will be paying for your to attend this conference, this is not your first conference and you have attended similar conferences closer to home. IRCC is aware that people try to use conferences as a way to enter Canada and do things like claim asylum, try to find employment, etc. A general invitation to most conferences are easy to obtain if you are willing to pay to attend so means very little to IRCC.

After attending the Web Summit conference in Canada, I will return to my home country. Alhamdulillah, I am successfully running my own business here and managing an established organization where employees are working under my leadership. My professional commitments, responsibilities, and personal ties are all strongly connected to my country. Therefore, I have every reason and obligation to return after the conference.





Thank you for your kind consideration.

 

[steaky]

After attending the Web Summit conference in Canada, I will return to my home country. Alhamdulillah, I am successfully running my own business here and managing an established organization where employees are working under my leadership. My professional commitments, responsibilities, and personal ties are all strongly connected to my country. Therefore, I have every reason and obligation to return after the conference.





Thank you for your kind consideration.

Despite what you said...

We've seen in these forums over the years that IRCC sometimes think people's job or business have little prospects and might become one of the reasons for refusals.

 

[canuck78]

After attending the Web Summit conference in Canada, I will return to my home country. Alhamdulillah, I am successfully running my own business here and managing an established organization where employees are working under my leadership. My professional commitments, responsibilities, and personal ties are all strongly connected to my country. Therefore, I have every reason and obligation to return after the conference.





Thank you for your kind consideration.

Then you need to show why you need to attend this specific conference, that you’ve attended similar conferences in the past, appears as though your business will be supporting your attendance at the conference so proof that it makes financial sense for you to travel to Canada for your business, etc

 

[Jiaul Haque Kawsar]

Then you need to show why you need to attend this specific conference, that you’ve attended similar conferences in the past, appears as though your business will be supporting your attendance at the conference so proof that it makes financial sense for you to travel to Canada for your business, etc

Thanks

 

[Jiaul Haque Kawsar]

Thank you very much for spending your valuable time with me and for answering my question so beautifully. I truly appreciate it.