Canada’s approach to the digital nomad visa for remote workers
Camila is a Brazilian cloud computing engineer. She has successfully worked for two Brazilian firms in the past. However, Camila is considering moving to Canada and living there. Therefore, she wonders if Canada offers any form of Digital Nomad Visas for remote workers. Moreover, Camila wants to know if she can permanently move to Canada.
Table of contents
- Canada’s emerging role in tech talent recruitment
- The digital nomad visa in Canada: a new opportunity
- Global Skills Strategy: fast-tracking talent for nomad visa applicants
- Start-up Visa Program: fostering innovation and facilitating nomad visa applications
- H-1B specialty occupation visa holders: a note on the current situation
- Digital nomad work permits for the current applicants
- Why choose us for your digital nomad visa needs?
Canada’s emerging role in tech talent recruitment
Canada is embracing its role as a leader in the global tech talent landscape. With a focus on innovation and attracting highly skilled individuals, the Government of Canada has unveiled a multi-faceted approach to not only fill in-demand jobs but also foster the creation of future opportunities. However, you must know that all these efforts are in their infancy. Consequently, keep an eye on the developments to reap the benefits when they become available.
The digital nomad visa in Canada: a new opportunity
A digital nomad is an individual who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. Canada’s new approach recognizes this growing trend, offering unique opportunities for these remote workers.
Under current rules, digital nomads need only visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to six months while working remotely for a foreign employer. I have a video with a focus on vloggers that explain this matter. However, the government is exploring additional policies to make Canada an even more attractive destination for digital nomads.
These potential opportunities may include:
- Open work permits for in-demand occupations.
- Identifying “well-behaved” Canadian employers and expediting the work permit process for their foreign workers
- Collaboration with public and private partners to create attractive policies
- Enhancing the existing programs, such as the Start-up Visa Program and the Global Skills Strategy
- Encouraging digital nomads to seek Canadian employment opportunities
Global Skills Strategy: fast-tracking talent for nomad visa applicants
The Global Skills Strategy, aiming at attracting international talent, aligns with the digital nomad visa. Employers can leverage this program to recruit the best international talent with our guidance. Generally speaking, under this program, IRCC strives to process work permit applications in two weeks.
Start-up Visa Program: fostering innovation and facilitating nomad visa applications
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program supports aspiring entrepreneurs and provides opportunities to qualify for permanent residency in Canada. Although this program is not for digital nomad visas per se, you may use it to secure an initial work permit and the eventual PR status in Canada.
H-1B specialty occupation visa holders: a note on the current situation
While an open work permit was available for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the U.S., the cap of 10,000 applicants was reached in less than 48 hours on July 16, 2023. This option is currently on hold, and there has been no official announcement regarding future invitations. However, it’s an area to watch for future possibilities.
Digital nomad work permits for the current applicants
IRCC has promised to introduce more innovative options for digital nomad visas by the end of 2023. However, some options are available to this group under the traditional work permit and work without permit routes.
Why choose us for your digital nomad visa needs?
Navigating the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration and work permits can be complex. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking to explore new horizons or a tech professional looking to leverage Canada’s growing opportunities, our expertise can guide you through the process. Please consider booking a consultation session with me today. Alternatively, please fill out the following form or our assessment form.
Share it!
Would you please fill out our free assessment form if you wish to visit or move to Canada? We will review it for free, but we will contact you only if we find an opportunity for you. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session. Consultation sessions are not free, but you will receive formal immigration advice from a licensed practitioner.
Al ParsaiAl Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
Fill our Free Canada Immigration Assessment Form in your language!
