Temporary residents: Digital nomads

As per last year’s announcement of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, IRCC is clarifying requirements that could affect a 'digital nomad'.

• A digital nomad is a person who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world.
• A digital nomad only needs visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to 6 months at a time while they perform their job remotely for a foreign employer or, if they are self-employed, working for themselves or providing services to clients outside of Canada. A person may enter as a digital nomad to work remotely, but seek a work permit if they find a Canadian employer after entry. If an intention to find a Canadian employer is declared, they should be counselled that a work permit will be needed before starting work for such an employer.
• Additional documentation is not required of a person entering to be a digital nomad (although they must still satisfy the officer that they will leave at the end of their authorized stay).
• Should the digital nomad find a Canadian employer willing to hire them, they would need to apply for a work permit.
• Family members of digital nomads who intend to work or study in Canada should apply for a work permit or study permit.