On January 30, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a policy that clarifies the eligibility requirements for foreign nationals who want to come to Canada and work as digital nomads. A digital nomad is a person who performs his job remotely, not in a specific office. This means he can work from anywhere in the world, as long as it’s allowed. According to the IRCC, digital nomads who want to relocate to Canada need to obtain a visitor visa to work remotely for up to six months. Digital nomads can be self-employed, work for a foreign employer or provide services to clients from outside the country.
Can Digital Nomads Obtain a Work Permit?
The IRCC clarifies that foreign nationals can initially visit the country to work as digital nomads with their visitor visas. However, they’re also allowed to obtain a work permit, if they’re able to find a Canadian employer who can offer them work. If a foreign national declares he intends to also find a Canadian employer, he should first acquire a work permit before starting work with a Canadian employer. It’s a must for them to first apply and obtain a work permit when they find a Canadian employer who can offer them work.
To apply, digital nomads need to meet the eligibility requirements but there is no additional documentation needed for their visitor visa apart from what’s in the eligibility requirements. Foreign nationals do need to make sure they will leave at the end of their stay or switch to a work permit visa if they find a Canadian employer. Family members of the foreign nationals may work or study in Canada. However, they will need to also obtain a study or work permit.
