Obtain a national passport. The passport must have at least one blank page for the appropriate visa stamps and stickers. The passport will also have to be valid for at least six months after the intended departure date from Canada.
Acquire a letter from your place of employment that states your reason for travel. This must be issued by your employer and state with whom you will be conducting business while you are in Canada.
Provide a photocopy of your valid return ticket. This is to show the immigration official that you intend to leave Canada.
Show proof of financial stability while in Canada. There are several ways to show proof of financial stability. This can be done by showing prior bank statements, proof of a business account, or other proof of financial support.
Fill out the Application for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada. The application can be downloaded from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website as a PDF file (see Resources). The application asks questions regarding name, dependents traveling with the visa applicant, passport information, citizenship information, current occupation, and prior education.
Get your picture taken. You will have to take at least two additional passport photos that need to be submitted with the application.
Pay the application fee (see Resources). The application fee will change depending on whether you need the application expedited, and where you file the application.
File the application and all additional documents. The visa applicant will have to apply at the nearest consulate or embassy. The U.S. embassy is located in Washington D.C., and additional consulates are in Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. The application must be filed in person, and an appointment must be made before the application is filed.
