Please note that in most cases, Canadian business travelers may apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa.

Two notable exceptions are discussed in detail on these pages:

• Apply for an Investor Visa
• Apply as a professional under NAFTA

Canadian citizens may enter the U.S. from Canada in several business-related categories. A brief description of each category, and a summary of the documents required to establish eligibility for admission in that category are provided. All of these categories are for nonimmigrant (temporary) visits and do not authorize the traveler to live or work permanently in the United States.

To engage in commercial or professional activities, attend conferences, meetings or consultations. No remuneration may be received from a United States source.

Evidence of identity and Canadian nationality, evidence of a residence in Canada and intent to depart the U.S., documentation describing the traveler's business purpose.

To carry on trade between the U.S. and Canada. The applicant may be the principal trader or an employee in an executive, supervisory, or essential-skills capacity.

E-1 visa must be obtained from the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto or the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver.

To direct the operation of a bona fide investment enterprise. The applicant may be the principal investor or an employee in an executive, supervisory, or essential-skills capacity.

E-2 visa must be obtained from the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto or the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver.

Australian Citizen - only - to engage in specialty occupation employment.

Evidence of Australian citizenship, an approved Labor Condition Application, a legitimate offer of employment in the United States (indicating the nature and duration of employment and remuneration offered), proof of necessary educational background and professional credentials that the position he or she is coming to fill qualifies as specialty his or her stay will be temporary, if required before the alien may commence employment in the specialty occupation, that he or she has the necessary license or other official permission to practice in the specialty occupation.

To perform temporary work (maximum period of six years) requiring specialized knowledge, and a university degree or its equivalent.

Evidence of identity and Canadian nationality, approved I-129 petition or notification thereof (petition must be filed by prospective U.S. employer with Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services), employment letter (indicating nature and duration of employment and remuneration offered).

To receive training (other than medical or academic) at the invitation of an individual, organization, firm, or other trainer.

Evidence of identity and Canadian nationality, approved I-129 petition or notification thereof (petition is filed by the individual/institution in the U.S. which is providing the training).

To be employed in the U.S. in a managerial, executive, or specialized-knowledge capacity by a branch, parent, affiliate or subsidiary of a Canadian or international employer. (To be eligible, one must have worked for the Canadian/international firm continuously for at least one year - or in some cases for at least six months - within the three years preceding transfer to the U.S.).

Evidence of identity and Canadian nationality, I-129 petition (petition may be filed by the applicant at the U.S. port of entry), employment letter (indicating nature and duration of employment and remuneration offered). For more information od the documents required click here. L-1 applicants may direct questions to one of the U.S. Immigration Service free trade specialists listed at this page:

To engage in business activities at a professional level. Over 60 qualifying professional occupations are listed in Appendix1603.D.1 of NAFTA. Canadian citizens may direct questions to a free trade specialist.

Evidence of identity and Canadian nationality, proof of necessary educational background and experience in one of the qualifying professions, employment letter (indicating nature and duration of employment and remuneration offered).

E1/E2 Dependents (spouse and minor children) may book appointments on line or via the Visa Information Call Centre for any post in Canada only if the principal applicant's visa has already been issued. The dependent applicant must present a copy of the Principal Applicant's visa at the time of the interview. Use the link below to book your appointment

The spouse and minor children of other Canadian business travelers do not require a visa to enter the United States. Instead, they may apply for admission directly to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services at a port of entry. At the time of application, they must present evidence of identity and Canadian nationality and proof of the claimed familial relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate).

Spouses of E and L aliens should refer to the Dependents section of the page linked below for information about their authorization to work.

A more complete list of visa categories, along with details of the documentation required for each, may be found by selecting the link below.

1-888-840-0032 from either the U.S. or Canada - you will be asked to provide your credit card number. CA$1.59/minute
1-900-451-2778 from within Canada - you will be charged CA$1.89 per minute
1-900-443-3131 from within the U.S. - you will be charged US$1.89 per minute

Many office phones and all pay phones are set to block calls to 900 numbers. If the 900 telephone service is not available to you, please use the 888 number above.

Other questions regarding entry into the U.S. should be directed to one of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Ports of Entry along the U.S./Canada border.