Digital nomadism is the lifestyle of working remotely while traveling, offering flexibility and the freedom to explore different destinations. Canada has become an appealing choice for digital nomads due to its high quality of life, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
At the same time, digital nomads spend money in the country, which contributes to the Canadian economy and provides mutual benefit.
While Canada doesn’t offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can still take advantage of existing visa options, such as the Visitor Visa or the International Experience Canada program, to live and work remotely in the country.
Understanding Canadian Digital Nomad Visa Options
While there aren’t any dedicated Digital Nomad Visas, there are plenty of options that allow a digital nomad to perform their job remotely from Canada. In this section, we will go through all these options.
Work Permit Exemptions
Digital nomads who work for a foreign employer in a way that does not interfere with the Canadian labor market may be allowed to stay in Canada on a visitor visa. This includes people who work for a non-Canadian employer, as well as self-employed people providing services to clients outside of Canada.
In most cases, the visitor status allows them to remain for up to six months. The maximum stay duration can be prolonged if the digital nomad applies to a visitor’s record to extend their stay. However, they must do this before their visitor visa expires.
Permanent Residence Options
The Canadian government allows highly skilled workers to enter the country to boost its economic growth and address labor shortages. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers several options for digital nomads to achieve permanent residency.
Global Skills Strategy
The Global Skills Strategy allows skilled workers to get a work permit faster, with processing time as short as two weeks.
Foreign workers who have been hired under the new Innovation Stream may be eligible for faster processing. These workers received a job offer from one of the Canadian employers in the Global Hypergrowth Project and have an occupation in Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0 or 1. These jobs are managerial positions (0) or require a university degree, such as a journalist (1).
Experience and education are also some of the eligibility criteria.
Their family members can apply with them and may be eligible for a study permit, a work permit, or a visit visa if they apply at the same time.
The online application process is different for people who apply inside Canada and those who apply outside Canada. Except for some different answers in the beginning, applicants should go on to apply for a work permit in the same way as other worker categories.
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- Proof of job offer
- A valid passport
- Certified translations of non-English documents
- Birth, marriage, adoption, and other certificates for the family going with you
Global Tech Talent
Canada’s tech talent strategy aims to attract skilled tech workers. While the country closed one of its programs, it still has other options, including:
- The Startup Visa for tech entrepreneurs (with reduced backlog)
- Innovation Stream Employer Specific Work Permits (including TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3)
- Prioritizing applications related to the tech sector, especially startup visas
The strategy also highlights that digital nomads can work from Canada without a work permit. Instead, they can do so on a visitor visa.
Express Entry
While Express Entry is primarily designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residency, digital nomads with in-demand skills may qualify under one of its programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Key tech occupations such as electrical and electronics engineers, software developers, and data scientists are especially desirable due to labor shortages in Canada’s tech industry.
If you’re a remote worker interested in permanent residence in Canada, you can create an Express Entry online account. After you answer questions about your education, age, work experience, language abilities, and other factors, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score. Higher-score candidates can receive an Invitation to Apply, after which they have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
However, the processing fees reach CAD1,525 per person, and processing times may last up to six months.
Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Canada
Canada’s tax residency rules determine whether someone must pay taxes as a resident. These rules include criteria such as duration of stay and personal ties to the country. If a digital nomad is considered a tax resident in Canada, they will need to pay income taxes on their worldwide income.
Even non-residents (who aren’t classified as tax residents) may still face tax obligations on Canadian-sourced income, such as from Canadian clients or investments.
Canadian Digital Nomad Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely in Canada without a work permit?
Yes, you can. If you’re a digital nomad who works for a non-Canadian employer, you can come and stay in Canada on a visitor visa. This visa allows you to remain in the country for up to six months. As long as you do not interfere with the Canadian labor market, you do not need a work permit.
How long can I stay in Canada as a digital nomad?
If you come as a visitor, you can stay for six months (although there are possibilities of extending your stay). If you work or want to work for a Canadian employer, your maximum stay duration will depend on the work visa that you obtain.
What are the best cities in Canada for digital nomads?
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa are considered the best cities for digital nomads. They provide plenty of networking options and things to do in your free time. However, Vancouver and Toronto are more expensive.