A business visitor is someone who intends to enter any country to engage in international business activities. For example, someone who comes to Canada to meet people from companies doing business with his or her country would be a business visitor.

The definition of "business" in this instance is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful employment or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work. Term "business" is limited to the negotiation of contracts, consultation with business associates, litigation, and participation in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars and other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature. It does not include local employment or labor for hire.