Canada | Requirements for digital nomads announced

Canadian officials provided additional guidance on requirements for digital nomads.

‌Key Points:

• Officials define a digital nomad as an individual who can perform a job remotely from anywhere. Officials clarified that an individual only needs visitor status to relocate to Canada while they perform their job remotely for a foreign employer or, if they are self-employed, work for themselves or provide services to clients outside of Canada.
• A person may enter as a digital nomad to work remotely for up to six months at a time and additional documentation is not required. Individuals still need to speak with immigration authorities and confirm their intention to leave at the end of their authorized stay.
• If an intention to find a Canadian employer is declared at that time, or if an individual finds an employer who wishes to hire them while in Canada, they will need to apply for a work permit. More information on work permit qualifications and requirements can be found here.
• Family members of digital nomads should apply for a work or study permit if they intend to work or study in Canada.

Additional Information: Canada announced a Tech Talent Strategy last year to attract highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the country. Along with promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads, the initiative made improvements to the startup visa program, developed an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility program to attract highly talented individuals, returned to the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Skills Strategy and created a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection to issue additional invitations to apply under the Express Entry program. The Canadian government’s strategy was to introduce new measures and improvements on existing programs to help businesses in Canada thrive in a competitive landscape.

BAL Analysis: The Tech Talent Strategy, and specifically the creation of the digital nomad program, are designed to attract and retain highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the country. Additional clarifications and guidance regarding the requirements for the digital nomad program are a welcome confirmation for those seeking this status in Canada.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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