The business visitor work permit exemption under paragraph 186(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) facilitates entry to Canada for foreign nationals who intend to engage in international business activities in Canada. These activities are considered to be work as per the definition in section R2, as the foreign national may receive wages or commission even though they are not directly entering the Canadian labour market.

Note: Work experience obtained as a business visitor cannot be included in the calculation for the Canadian Experience Class. See Canadian Experience Class selection criteria - Qualifying work experience.