IRCC, Canada’s immigration department, announced a policy concerning the Foreign Digital Nomads on January 30. In the announcement, it publicized Canada’s Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Digital Nomads. This is to help individuals from overseas who want to work in Canada as digital nomads.

Discover what makes foreign digital nomads suitable to work in Canada. 

Canada’s Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Digital Nomads

IRCC defines a digital nomad as someone “who may operate their job remotely from any place across the globe.”

Per IRCC, foreign digital nomads only require a visitor visa or visitor status to move to Canada and work remotely for a maximum of 6 months at a given time. They can work under a foreign employer, be self-employed, or provide services to people outside of Canada.

Is it possible for Foreign Digital Nomads to Obtain a work permit?

Foreign Digital Nomads may apply for a work permit under specific terms. Per IRCC, foreign digital nomads who enter Canada to work remotely through a Visitor Visa are allowed to apply for a Canadian work permit. This is possible if a Canadian employer hires them or they find an employer after they enter the country.

Furthermore, IRCC stated that if a foreign digital nomad expresses their desire to work under a Canadian employer, they should be aware that in Canada, a work permit is necessary to work for a Canadian employee.

As per new policy, if a digital nomad finds a Canadian employer who is eager to hire them, they must apply for a work permit. 

What documents does a foreign digital nomad need to come to Canada?

A digital nomad who is entering Canada with a visitor visa does not need any additional documents. However, they must still convince the officer that they will depart from Canada when their visitor visa validity expires or their authorized period ends.

Is it possible for a digital nomad’s family member to study or work in Canada? 

As per IRCC’s recent policy concerning foreign digital nomads, family members of digital nomads can study or work in Canada. Such individuals intending to study or work in Canada must apply for a study or permit in Canada.

The Tech Talent Strategy of Canada

The Canadian immigration department publicized a Tech Talent Strategy on June 27, 2023. It aimed to attract and encourage tech talent from across the globe to Canada. It was a notable step as Canada’s tech sector is vital to its economy, and encouraging such tech experts can help strengthen it.

This Strategy helped Canada appear as a desirable location for digital nomads and consists of various measures like the introduction of a new innovation stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP). This new innovation stream was expected to launch at the end of 2023. However, it is still unclear.

As per IRCC, the new innovation stream will be exempt from the LMIA process. The stream will help workers and employers to address and support Canada’s tech sector priorities.  

Moreover, the department also declared a facilitated work permit for H1-B specialty profession visa holders. For 2023, IRCC has achieved the the target of 1000 work permits on July 16, 2023.

Besides all these, IRCC has noted that it will strengthen Canada’s existing tech programs like the Global Skills Strategy.

Employers who recruit foreign nationals in a particular IT field may become eligible for expedited LMIA processing under this Strategy.