A recent policy announcement on January 30, 2024, included IRCC’s requirements for foreign national digital nomads in Canada. These requirements primarily concern foreign nationals who look forward to working in Canada as digital nomads.
IRCC states that digital nomads are individuals who have the authority to perform their work remotely from any part of the world. The immigration department also states that digital nomads are those individuals who possess only visitor status to locate in the country for up to six months at once. Meanwhile, they must be working in their job remotely. In addition, digital nomads might also perform work for:
- Foreign employer;
- Self-employed;
- Working for oneself;
- Offering services to customers outside Canada.
Is it possible for foreign national digital nomads to apply for a work permit in Canada?
According to IRCC, foreign nationals might arrive in Canada initially for remote work as digital nomads with visitor visas. However, they have permission to apply for a work permit if they get an employer in Canada after their arrival.
In addition, IRCC states that if a digital nomad demonstrates that they intend to search for a Canadian employer, they must understand that they will need to show a work permit before they begin working for an employer.
Overall, the policy announcement claims that if a digital nomad is able to search for an employer in Canada, they will need to start the process of submitting a work permit application.
IRCC’s requirements for foreign national digital nomads in Canada – What about additional documents?
Foreign nationals in Canada who arrive here with a visitor visa status and seek to be a digital nomad will not be required to demonstrate any additional documents. However, they must be able to convince the officer that they will depart from Canada once their authorized stay is over.
What if a digital nomad’s family member seeks to work or study in Canada?
The January 30 policy declaration by IRCC states that a digital nomad’s family members who seek to study or work in Canada have the right to do so. They must also apply for a study or work permit.
The Tech Talent Strategy in Canada
IRCC also launched a Tech Talent Strategy to get more global tech talent in Canada on June 27, 2023. This Tech Talent Strategy is crucial due to the significance of the tech sector in the Canadian economy. It also helps to showcase Canada as an appealing destination for digital nomads. In addition, the strategy also introduced several initiatives, such as the International Mobility Stream’s new innovation stream. Expectedly, the stream had to occur toward the end of 2023 but has yet to come into action.
The immigration department also stated that the innovation stream will continue to be exempt from the LMIA process. The innovation stream intends to support employers and workers in further advancing the tech industry’s priorities in Canada.
Furthermore, IRCC brought forward an effective work permit for H1-B Visa holders of the specialty occupation. On July 16, last year, the 10,000 permit cap was fulfilled for a year.
The immigration department further announced that it looks forward to enhancing the current tech programs, such as the Global Skills Strategy.
The Global Skills Strategy helps Canadian employers qualify for faster Labor Market Impact Assessment processing. This applies to those employers who recruit foreign national workers for certain positions related to information technology.
Do you have any queries on Canadian immigration? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at MakeHomeCanada by writing to us at [email protected].
