Canada Visa Targets Digital Nomads to Work Remotely

Digital nomads will soon be able to come to Canada for up to six months and work remotely in tech roles as the country seizes what Immigration Minister Sean Fraser is calling a generational opportunity for economic growth.

“We’re actually creating a pool of talented people who will be able to stay in Canada in the long term,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

Do you know how does Canada’s digital nomad visa program work?

The digital nomad visa will allow those who work for an employer outside of Canada to live in Canada for up to six months.

Though Canada will focus more on tech workers, anyone with remote employment can apply.

There is no salary threshold, which isn’t true of some countries, like Iceland, which requires minimum monthly salary.

Should digital nomads land a job with a Canadian employer while in the country, they can also apply for a temporary work permit and stay for an additional three years, after which it’s possible to apply for citizenship if you stay for 1,095 days in a five-year period.

If you’re keen on applying for the six-month Canadian remote worker visa, you’ll need to submit an application with proof of employment, a photo, and fingerprints. You may also require to do an interview with an immigration officer. If approved, you’ll need to send your passport to the Canadian government, which will add the visa and mail it back.

Visa holders are responsible for finding their own housing and getting themselves to Canada.

According to a press release, Canada’s department of immigration, refugees, and citizenship will spend the months ahead collaborating “with public and private partners alike to determine whether additional policies to attract digital nomads to Canada would be desirable.” For now, those interested should keep an eye on the website of Canada’s government for up-to-date information. The government said it hopes to officially launch the program (and release applications) by late 2023.