Canada Digital Nomad Visa – Freedom to Live in Canada 6 Months

Canadian government, as the part of its New Tech Talent Strategy, promoting Canada as a prime destination for Digital Nomads. Recently, Canada has taken several measures to streamline the immigration process in order to attract the Technology professionals and Canada Digital Nomad Visa is also one of these measures. The new Digital Nomad program will allow visitors to live in Canada for up to 6 months without needing a work permit and later, opens the door to permanent residence.

What is digital nomad?

A digital nomad is a person who can perform their job remotely from any part of the world. Instead of being tied to a specific office or physical workplace, digital nomads have the freedom to choose their work environment and travel to various destinations while continuing to perform their professional duties.

Digital nomads usually leverage their skills and expertise in fields that allow for remote work, such as freelancing, web development, graphic design, writing, online marketing, and various other digital professions.

Why Apply for Canada Digital Nomad Visa? 

• Enjoy a 6-month stay in Canada
• No income requirements
• Receive your visa approval in just 28 days
• Bring your family along
• The quickest and most straightforward path to Canadian Permanent Residency 

Key Benefits of Canada's Digital Nomad Visa  

Find below the key benefits of Canada Digital Nomad Visa: 

• No age restrictions
• No need for an IELTS score
• No CRS score or points system
• No Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) requirements
• Swift processing in just 28 days
• No need to participate in draws or wait for Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
• The chance to stay in Canada while job hunting and attending in-person interviews
• Enhanced prospects of securing well-paying employment
• A valuable opportunity to earn income in Canadian dollars
• The freedom to reside in Canada and experience the country rather than being confined to your current location
• The opportunity to engage with employers and placement agencies in person
• Easy transition to a work permit or even Permanent Residency (PR) after securing a job in Canada 

Eligibility Requirements  for the Canadian Digital Nomad Visa 

Here are key requirements to apply for the Canadian Digital Nomad Visa: 

• You are presently engaged in employment outside of Canada.
• Your job is suitable for remote work.
• You can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself in Canada for a maximum of 6 months.
• Having accommodation arrangements with close friends or family in Canada can be beneficial, as it indicates your ties within the country.

Canada -a destination for Digital Nomads 

In 2022, Circle Loop, a United Kingdom-based company specializing in cloud-based VoIP solutions that offer phone systems accessible through desktop and mobile devices, released its Digital Nomad Index, placing Canada in the top position as the preferred destination for digital nomads.

Find out key points to understand how Canada plans to attract digital nomads:

• Under current Canadian immigration rules, a digital nomad only needs visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to 6 months at a time while they perform their job remotely for a foreign employer.
• In the upcoming months, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will collaborate with public and private partners alike to determine whether additional policies to attract digital nomads to Canada would be desirable.
• The IRCC expect that some digital nomads who initially enter Canada to work remotely will decide to seek opportunities with Canadian employers.
• When they receive a job offer from a Canadian company, they would be able to bring their skills to a Canadian employer by applying for a temporary work permit or even permanent residence.

Key Documents Required for Canada Digital Nomad Visa

Here is the list of key documents required for Canada Digital Nomad Visa:

• A half-year bank statement demonstrating financial resources.
• An employment offer letter and recent pay stubs from your current employer.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• Certificates of work experience.
• Evidence of residence, such as a house lease or other supporting documents.

Digital Nomads can spend 6 months in Canada on Visitor status

Under this measure, digital nomads will be offered an opportunity to spend up to 6 months in Canada, working remotely in tech roles. By offering this appealing proposal, Canada aims to create a diverse pool of talented people who may ultimately choose to settle in the country permanently, becoming valuable contributors to tech industry of the maple leaf country for decades to come.

Recently, Sean Fraser (former Immigration minister) stressed upon the significance of looking beyond short-term gains and focusing rather on the far-reaching advantages of having an enhanced talent base for tech entrepreneurs and professionals. The long-term vision is to reinforce Canada's position as a global tech hub, promoting innovation and job creation that will benefit future generations.

What is the application process?

The Canadian government has not provided extensive details on the application process for digital nomads. Given that digital nomads can relocate to Canada for up to six months with visitor status, the process is relatively straightforward – they enter the country as visitors.

For applicants, not from visa-exempt country

For digital nomads or remote workers who are not from a visa-exempt country, the option is to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This is a prerequisite for foreign nationals from non-visa-exempt countries.

The application should include information aimed at convincing the reviewing officer that their remote work does not fall within the scope of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) definition of work. According to the IRPR, "work" refers to activities for which wages or commission are earned or activities that compete directly with those of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labour market.

Essentially, digital nomads or remote workers must demonstrate that their remote work does not deprive opportunities from Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Standard application requirements, such as proof of financial means, are typically included.

For Applicants from visa-exempt countries

For those applicants who are from visa-exempt countries, the option is to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). ETA-eligible applicants should indicate their intention to work remotely for their employer in their application.

In both scenarios, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assesses your situation at the Canadian border entry point and has the authority to determine the duration of your stay in Canada. If your entry is approved by CBSA, you can engage in remote work in Canada without the need for a Canadian work permit.

Options Following the Application of a Digital Nomad Visa

• Obtain a Canadian Work Permit.
• Explore the opportunity for Canadian Permanent Residency.
• Renew your Digital Nomad Visa if neither of the above options materializes.

Stepwise process to Apply for Canada Digital Nomad Visa

Find below the stepwise process to apply for Canada Digital Nomad Visa:

• Step 1: Assess your eligibility.
• Step 2: Compile the necessary document checklist.
• Step 3: Submit your application for the Canada Digital Nomad Visa.
• Step 4: Provide all the required documentation.
• Step 5: Receive your visa decision and make your journey to Canada.

What is the Processing Time of the Canada Digital Nomad Visa?

Currently, visa decisions are reached within 28 days of application.

What is Canada Digital Nomad Visa fee

Find below the Application fees (in CAD) to apply for Digital Nomad visa:

• Visa application fee: 100
• Biometric fee: 85

A perfect time to apply for immigration to Canada

With such multiple immigration pathways open for the Tech Professionals, it is the perfect time to apply for immigration to Canada. The Canadian government is actively looking to attract digital nomads to its shores. With a thriving tech industry and a growing demand for skilled tech workers, Canada offers an excellent environment for professionals like you to thrive.

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle in Canada means exploring the country's diverse landscapes while contributing your exploring its dynamic tech sector. Hence, digital nomads must not miss this chance to embark on an exciting journey that combines work and adventure in the beautiful and tech-savvy nation of Canada.

How Visas Avenue can help?

As your trusted immigration advisor, we are here to ensure your journey to a new life in another country is smooth and hassle-free. Your dreams and aspirations are important to us, and we are dedicated to making them a reality.

Our Services

• Pre-assessment of the application
• Documentation assistance
• Visa Application filing
• International Admissions
• IELTS Coaching
• Application follow up with the Immigration office
• Post landing services

To know more details and apply for Canada Digital Nomad Visa this year, you may contact qualified and trusted Canada Migration Expert at Visas Avenue on Toll-Free-Number- 78-18-000-777 or can e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions- Canada Digital Nomad Visa

How long a Digital Nomad Can stay in Canada?

Digital nomads can remain in Canada for up to 6 months at a stretch under visitor status while continuing their remote work for an overseas employer or managing their own business, serving clients outside Canada.

Can a Digital Nomad work for a Canadian employer?

While a digital nomad can initially enter Canada to work remotely, securing a work permit is mandatory if they decide to work for a Canadian employer post-entry. If the intention to seek Canadian employment is disclosed during entry, applicants must be aware of the need for a work permit before commencing work.

What additional documentation required for a digital nomad visa?

No extra documentation is necessary for individuals arriving in Canada as digital nomads, although they must convincingly demonstrate to immigration officers their intention to depart Canada upon the expiry of their authorized stay.

When a Digital Nomad should apply for a work permit?

Digital nomads who secure employment with a Canadian employer must apply for a Canadian work permit.

Can the Family members of digital nomads work or Study in Canada?

Family members of digital nomads seeking to work or study in Canada must apply for their respective work permits or study permits.

What is Open Work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders?

In alignment with its Tech Talent Strategy, Canada is facilitating labour mobility within North America by introducing an efficient work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders from the US.

This initiative, effective from July 16, 2023, grants successful applicants and their immediate family members open work permits, valid for up to 3 years, enabling them to work for any Canadian employer. Spouses and dependents can also apply for temporary resident visas, including work or study permits as needed. This initiative aims to streamline cross-border employment for skilled individuals in the tech sector.