Foreign nationals looking to work in Canada as digital nomads now have clarified details. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a digital nomad is a person who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. A digital nomad may only need visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to 6 months at a time while performing their job remotely, and they can be employed by a foreign employer, self-employed, or work for clients outside of Canada.
Initially, digital nomads may come to Canada to work remotely with a visitor visa, but they are permitted to seek a work permit if they find a Canadian employer after entry. Also, foreign nationals entering Canada with visitor status to be a digital nomad do not require any additional documentation.
Family members of digital nomads who intend to work or study in Canada can do so, according to IRCC’s January 30 policy announcement. Additionally, last year, IRCC announced a tech talent strategy aimed at helping attract global tech talent to Canada. This strategy included several measures such as a new innovation stream under the International Mobility Program which is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment process.
The strategy also includes a streamlined work permit for H1-B speciality occupation visa holders. The department also said it would make improvements to existing tech programs such as the Global Skills Strategy, through which Canadian employers who hire foreign workers in specific information technology roles are eligible for expedited processing of their LMIA.
Still have some travel questions? Ask in our Travel WhatsApp Group.
