Moving to Canada as a Digital Nomad is a new trend, with several individuals looking for remote jobs there. Canada even introduced the Tech Talent Strategy to let digital nomads perceive Canada as their destination. The term Digital Nomad represents individuals who perform remote work from anywhere worldwide.
According to the rules of Canadian immigration, a Digital Nomad is required to hold a visitor status if they want to move to Canada. Also, they will only have permission to be in Canada as a visitor for up to six months at one time. During this time, they would perform remote work for a foreign employer.
Furthermore, IRCC even stated that it would partner with public and private partners in the forthcoming months to observe whether there is any need to welcome digital nomads through different policies. This implies that the department will align with various stakeholders to evaluate the prospects for any additional policies for those working remotely.
The department also anticipates that the newcomers in Canada, as digital nomads, might initially find Canadian employers to access work opportunities.
However, if they get to work for a Canadian firm, they must showcase their skills by applying for a temporary work permit or even Canadian Permanent Residence. They can work toward bringing their expertise to integrate well within the Canadian labor market. A Temporary Work Permit will offer them a chance to work under a Canadian employer through legal terms and conditions. Next, those who have long-term goals to work in Canada can also apply for PR. Most Digital Nomads would like to reside here permanently and might work toward their long-term goals. Applying for PR will help them fulfill their long-term work goals.
Moving to Canada as a Digital Nomad – what is the application process?
Digital Nomads are only required to hold a visitor status to move to Canada for up to six months at once. This further only means that they must arrive in Canada as a visitor. Being a Digital Nomad or someone working remotely, you must seek to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This Visa is a requirement for foreign nationals who don’t belong to a visa-exempt country.
Key factors
Additionally, you must present information through your application suggesting that your work is not aligned with the work defined by Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. You must be able to convince the adjudicating officer that your remote work doesn’t comply with the IRPR guidelines.
The definition of work implies an activity for which one gets wages or commission as their form of payment. It is also the work that directly aligns with the activities performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the Canadian labor market.
However, Digital Nomads must ensure that their domestic work will in no way negatively impact Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This means that remote work must not affect a Canadian citizen’s or Permanent Resident’s employment prospects. Standard application requisites in the form of Financial proofs will be a part of the application.
Electronic Travel Authorization is another alternative for Digital Nomads coming from visa-exempt countries. Additionally, those applicants eligible for an ETA must demonstrate that they seek to work for their employer remotely.
The Canada Border Services Agency has the final say at the Canadian border entry point in the above circumstances. Further, CBSA also has the authority to determine the duration of your stay in Canada. CBSA’s approval is crucial for your arrival in Canada, and once you get it, you can work remotely even without possessing a work permit in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada’s Tech sector was facing a massive shortage of workforce. Hence, this initiative took effect because the country wants to welcome as many Digital Nomads as possible. The idea behind launching the Tech Talent Strategy was to hire tech-skilled workers who get to work remotely through the nature of their jobs. However, a Digital Nomad must figure things out before they actually spend either six months or a year in the country. They must see if their Canadian employer possesses a formal digital nomad policy.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our MakeHomeCanada experts at 1-800-979-0509, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
