Canada Invites You to Live and Work There with a New Digital Nomad Initiative

Canada has recently joined a growing roster of nations—such as Australia, Barbados, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Portugal, among over two dozen others—in establishing a visa program specifically designed for remote workers.

While the comprehensive details of the program are still being finalized, as stated by Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, the aim is to draw skilled tech professionals from abroad.

“We’re excited about the ambitious targets we've set for immigration, as they go beyond mere numbers—they are strategic,” Fraser expressed in a statement. “Through Canada’s inaugural immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we are focusing on newcomers who can help position Canada as a global leader in various emerging technologies.”

Here’s everything we currently know about Canada’s new remote worker initiative.

How does Canada’s digital nomad visa operate?

The digital nomad visa enables individuals working for an employer outside Canada to reside in Canada for up to six months. While the focus is primarily on tech workers, anyone with remote employment can apply. Notably, there is no salary requirement, unlike some countries such as Iceland, which mandates a minimum monthly salary of $8,000 for applications.

If digital nomads secure a job with a Canadian employer during their stay, they can apply for a temporary work permit, allowing them to remain for an additional three years. After this period, they may apply for citizenship (the naturalization requirement is 1,095 days of residency within a five-year timeframe).

To apply for the six-month Canadian remote worker visa, you must submit an application that includes proof of employment, a photo, and fingerprints. An interview with an immigration officer may also be required. Upon approval, you will need to send your passport to the Canadian government, which will affix the visa and return it. Visa holders are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel to Canada, and once there, they can relocate to any city or remote area of their choice.

As per a press release, Canada’s department of immigration, refugees, and citizenship plans to work in the coming months with both public and private partners to evaluate if further policies to attract digital nomads to Canada would be beneficial. For now, interested individuals should monitor the Canadian government’s website for the latest updates. The government aims to officially launch the program (and open applications) by late 2023.