Do You Intend To Come To Canada As A Digital Nomad?

In June, Canada launched its Tech Talent Strategy to promote digital nomads. Here’s a guide if you wish to Move to Canada as a digital nomad.    

A digital nomad is someone who can do their job remotely from anywhere. Under present Canadian immigration rules, a digital nomad only requires a visitor status to come to Canada for up to six months at a time while they perform the job remotely for a foreign employer. 

IRCC has stated that in the forthcoming months, they will collaborate with public & private partners in order to determine whether additional policies to attract digital nomads would be desirable or not. 

In addition, IRCC expects that some digital nomads who come to Canada to work remotely will decide to seek job opportunities with Canadian employers. Moreover, if they obtain an employment offer from a Canadian company, they can bring their skills to the employer by applying for a temporary work permit/ permanent residence. 

What Is The Application Process? 

The government hasn’t released much information on the application process. However, since these digital nomads only require visitor status to come to Canada, they would just need to enter the nation as a visitor. 

Moreover, if you are a digital nomad/ remote worker, you can apply for a TRV, i.e., Temporary Resident Visa. Foreign nationals need a TRV who aren’t from a visa-exempt nation. 

Your application must disclose information that would convince the officer that your remote work isn’t captured under the IRPR work definition.  

The definition is: ‘Work’ implies an activity for which wages are paid, a commission is earned, or which is in direct competition with the activities of permanent inhabitants/ citizens in the labor market.’

Notably, the digital nomad/ domestic worker must demonstrate that their remote work does not take an opportunity away from a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen. The application would include standard application requisites, like evidence of financials. 

On the contrary, you can apply for an ETA if you are from a visa-exempt nation. An Electronic Travel Authorization is for eligible candidates who intend to work remotely for their employer. 

Well, in both situations, CBSA makes a decision at the Canadian border entry point. It has the right to determine how long you can stay in Canada. If CBSA approves your entry, you might work remotely in Canada without securing a Canadian work permit.