Temporary residents: Digital nomads

A digital nomad is a person who can perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. To work remotely from Canada, digital nomads require only temporary resident status as a visitor. This allows them to relocate to Canada for up to 6 months at a time while performing their job remotely for a foreign employer or, if self-employed, while providing services to clients outside of Canada.

Labour market considerations

Remote work for a foreign employer does not constitute entering the Canadian labour market. If the digital nomad intends to work for a Canadian employer, a work permit will be required before starting work for that employer, unless exempt under section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For further information on who may work without a work permit: Work without a permit list [R186 and public policies] – International Mobility Program

Visitor requirements

To remain in Canada beyond the initially authorized period of stay, the digital nomad must apply for a visitor record.

Digital nomads remain subject to all standard visitor requirements and should provide documentation, whether applying to IRCC for a visitor visa or visitor record, or at the port of entry, to demonstrate that they will:

• not enter the Canadian labour market
• have sufficient financial resources to support themselves
• l eave Canada at the end of their authorized period of stay

The digital nomad must provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate that their income is earned entirely outside Canada and that they will be working remotely for a foreign employer or, if self‑employed, that they will be providing services exclusively to clients outside Canada .

Acceptable supporting documents may include, but are not limited to

• a letter of employment or an employment contract from a foreign employer
• pay stubs issued by a foreign employer
• service/sales contracts and invoices
• a foreign business registration
• foreign income tax documents
• bank statements

Family members

Family members of digital nomads who wish to come to Canada must apply for their own temporary resident status (for example, worker, student, visitor). They are not automatically authorized to work or study in Canada and must obtain a work or study permit if they intend to do so.