Canada announced the launch of the Tech Talent Strategy in June. The approach included promoting Canada as a location for digital nomads. A digital nomad is someone who can work remotely from anywhere in the world. According to current Canadian immigration regulations, a digital nomad only requires visitor status to migrate to Canada for up to six months at a time to work remotely for a foreign business.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that they would cooperate with public and private partners in the coming months to evaluate whether further policies to encourage digital nomads are desirable. IRCC anticipates that some digital nomads who come to Canada to work remotely will decide to look for work with Canadian firms. If they are offered a job by a Canadian company, they can transfer their abilities to a Canadian employer by asking for a temporary work permit or even permanent residence in Canada.
What is the procedure for applying?
The Canadian government hasn’t said anything about the application process. However, because these digital nomads only require visitor status to live in Canada for up to six months, they would easily enter the nation as a visitor.
You can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you are a digital nomad or remote worker. Foreign nationals who are not from a visa-exempt country must obtain a TRV.
Your application must include material that will persuade the decision officer that your remote employment does not fall under the category of work as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
“Work” is defined as “any activity for which wages are paid or commission is earned, or which competes directly with the activities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market.”
Essentially, the digital nomad or domestic worker would need to establish that their distant employment does not deprive a Canadian or permanent resident of an opportunity. An application would include standard application requirements such as verification of financials.
If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt nation, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). ETA- qualified candidates would indicate their intention to work remotely for their employer.
In both cases, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) makes a judgement at the Canadian border entry point and decides how long you can stay in Canada. If the CBSA confirms your entrance, you will be able to operate remotely in Canada without the need for a Canadian work permit.
