Canada is one of the leading destinations for remote workers and freelancers worldwide. It offers a high standard of living, stable connectivity, multicultural city life such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and beautiful nature — it is the top destination for those who like work and travel combination life. Canada offers the digital nomad the best of both worlds — comfortable working environment and endless opportunities for adventure.
However, you should first know that you need the right visa or entry permit for you to be legally present within Canada. Filling out the right visa will ensure you don't get immigration issues, are denied entry at the border, or unintentionally violate the labour standards of Canada. In this article, we explain Digital Nomad Visa Canada, the available visas, requirements, documents, process of application, fees, and frequently asked questions digital nomads like you would like answered before immigrating to Canada.
Digital Nomad Visa Canada – Explained
There isn't an official "Digital Nomad Visa" for Canada, however, it provides various channels for remote workers to live and work legally within Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently released a Tech Talent Strategy and officially recognizes that digital nomads can work remotely within Canada under visitor status. As a result, it has become even more attractive for remote workers for Canada.
These are the main visas and permits for digital nomads
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
The most prevalent method for digital nomads to remain within Canada is by use of a Visitor Visa (TRV).
Length of Stay - Typically enables you to remain for up to 6 months within one period. You can receive a longer or shorter amount of hours based on the border officer's decision.
Approved Activity - You can perform remote work for a foreign boss or run your own online business with foreign customers and still experience living the life within the Canada.
Prohibited Activities - You cannot take on employment from a Canadian company or receive income from a Canadian source. Doing so without a work permit is considered illegal work.
Renewal - You can apply for a "visitor record" in Canada to stay longer if you want. It is very crucial that you apply before your status expires.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
For tourists who do not require visas, Canada offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which makes the process very simple.
Duration of Stay - Generally permit the stay for a maximum of 6 months, similar to the visitor visa.
Process - The form is all online and normally processed within minutes. The eTA is automatically linked to your passport electronically.
Use Case - Ideal for the digital nomads who are from the United States, the United Kingdom, or any European continent nation and wish to spend a few months within Canada without extensive paperwork.
3. Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy (Digital Nomad Policy)
In 2023, Canada unveiled a special policy within its Tech Talent Strategy assuring remote workers that they are able to reside and work for up to six months under the visitor status of Canada.
It offers clarity for remote workers, and Canada happens to be one of the friendliest countries for remote workers.
If the digital nomad receives an employment opportunity from Canada at a future date, they can apply for a work permit within the country without leaving the nation.
4. Work Permits for Remote Workers
If your goal is to ultimately work for a company within Canada or remain for an extended period, you could require a work permit.
Employer-Specific Work Permit - This permit binds you to one specific work position and one specific employer only. You are not allowed to change jobs unless you apply for another permit.
Open Work Permit - Gives you the freedom of working for almost any firm within Canada. It is a desirable one for the spouses of trained labourers or foreign graduates.
Work permits typically last for 1–3 years and can usually be renewed. They can also be a bridging option into permanent residency if you eventually wish to settle in Canada.
5. Startup Visa or Self-Employed Program
Canada also provides entrepreneur and creative friendly immigration programs for businesses.
Startup Visa - Intended for individuals who wish to start up a company within Canada and can procure financing or sponsorship through legitimate organizations.
Self-Employed Stream - For artists, culture professionals, or athletes who are established and wish to contribute to the culture of Canada.
They are a tad more complex but can grant permanent residency and are therefore an option for digital nomads who want to settle into Canada for the longer term.
ZetSIM eSIM - Internet Without Borders
If you’re often hopping between countries or living abroad, ZetSIM makes staying connected friction-free. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards or hunting for local SIM shops, you scan a QR code and activate your eSIM instantly — even before you land. ZetSIM covers 180+ destinations, with plans designed for flexibility: short trips, long stays, data-heavy users, or just basic connectivity.
What makes ZetSIM especially great for expats and frequent travellers is that there are no surprise roaming fees, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support should anything go wrong. You can retain your current phone number (for calls/SMS where needed) while using ZetSIM for data, so you don’t lose touch with your existing networks. Add in dependable network partners around the world, top-tier security, and affordable top-ups on the go — it turns mobile internet into something reliable rather than a headache.
Requirements for Becoming a Digital Nomad in Canada
Before you apply, you must meet certain requirements. These vary depending on the visa type but generally include proof of identity, financial stability, and evidence that you will follow the rules of your visa.
Requirements for Visitor Visa / eTA
-
Valid Passport - Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your visit dates. This eliminates entry or return journey trouble.
-
Remote Work Evidence - You must show evidence that you are employed or self-employed working outside Canada. It could be an employment letter, freelance contract, or remote company evidence.
-
Proof of Financial Support - You are required to show an ability to cover your stay. You can submit recent bank statements, income statements, or your savings. As an informal rule, you ought to save enough for lodging, nutrition, and trips — it is recommended to save at least CAD 2,000 per month.
-
Return Ticket or Plans for Travel - Immigration officers prefer that you will depart Canada when your visa is up. Producing evidence of onward travel is helpful.
-
No Crime or Immigration Violations - You should have a clear record and no prior record of overstaying visas for Canada.
-
Health Insurance - Although not mandatory, it is worth visitors' while to make a purchase of travel health insurance because health facilities are costly for foreigners.
Requirements for Work Permits
If you change over subsequently to a work permit, you will require:
-
Job Offer through a Canadian Employer - This should include an offer of a job through a Canadian employer and sometimes the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
-
Evidence of Education and Skills - Degree, diplomas, and letter of work experience for you to be eligible for the position.
-
Language Competency - Some programs require you to show your competence in English or French by evaluation tests like IELTS or TEF.
-
Medical Exam and Biometrics - Needed for lengthier visits to verify that you qualify health and security requirements.
Documents Required for Digital Nomad Visa Canada
Filling out documents carefully is the secret to an unproblematic application process. Below is what you will typically require:
-
Valid Passport - Must cover the entire duration of your visit and should include a clear page for a visa stamp.
-
Passport Photos - Complies with Canadian standards (recent, plain back).
-
Visa or eTA Application Form - Completed and signed online.
-
Documentation for Online Employment - This can be your company letter, your client invoices, or evidence of your online working life.
-
Proof of Funds - Current bank or pay slips showing you are able to fund yourself back into Canada.
-
Accommodation Information - Hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or rental contract for the purpose of demonstrating where you will reside.
-
Travel Insurance - Covers for medical emergencies, cancellations of trips, and hospital admissions.
-
Itinerary for Travel - Evidence of return flight or onward journey.
-
Biometrics Verification - Documentation that you went for your biometrics interview, if needed.
-
Extra for Work Permits - Provide letter of employment, LMIA where appropriate, school certificates, police clearance, and the results of the medical examination.
How to Apply for Digital Nomad Visa Canada
Applying Through Canadian Embassy or Consulate
If you are from country that needed a visitor visa (TRV):
Step 1: Fill the TRV application form via the IRCC website.
Step 2: Assemble all the supportive documents i.e., evidence of remote working, remittances, and lodging.
Step 3: Pay the online visa fee and book a biometrics appointment if it is needed.
Step 4: Apply and wait for processing. It may take a few weeks, so apply early.
Step 5: Get your visa, plan your flight, and carry printed copies of your principal documents for use at the border.
Applying for eTA (Visa-Exempt Travelers)
For visitors from visa exempt nations:
Step 1: Go to the official eTA website.
Step 2: Input your passport and your details, respond to a few security questions.
Step 3: Pay the CAD 7 fee.
Step 4: Have your eTA authorized via e-mail, usually within minutes.
Extending Your Stay or Switching to Work Permit
If you wish to remain longer than 6 months:
Step 1: Apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Step 2: If you find a Canadian job offer, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
Cost of Applying for Digital Nomad Visa
|
Item |
Approximate Cost |
|
Visitor Visa (TRV) |
CAD 100–110 |
|
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) |
CAD 7 |
|
Biometrics Fee |
CAD 85 |
|
Visitor Record (Extension) |
CAD 100 |
|
Work Permit |
CAD 155 |
|
Medical Exam |
CAD 100–200 |
|
Language Test (if needed) |
CAD 200–350 |
Conclusion:
Canada is great for remote workers, freelancers, and startup founders. Although the nation doesn't offer a special Digital Nomad Visa Canada, visitor visas and eTAs give you the liberty of staying for six months and working remotely without violating immigration law.
Through the proper arrangements of documents, showing evidence of finances, and compliance with the laws of Canada, you can sit back and enjoy your stay within one of the most beautiful and warmest countries on the planet. Should you think that Canada is your home, you can explore work permits or even permanent residence schemes to make your stay more permanent.
FAQ’s:
Q1: What visa do I need to work remotely in Canada?
Otherwise, digital nomads apply for a visitor visa (TRV) or eTA for living lawfully while working remotely for a foreign boss. As it turns out, there isn't a special digital nomad visa just yet.
Q2: : How long can I stay as a digital nomad in Canada?
Typically, within 6 months for each entry. You can apply for an extension or transfer for a work permit for your extension of stay.
Q3: Do I have to pay taxes in Canada?
If you only spend a small amount of time and for an overseas company, you are normally not tax resident. If you spend most of the year there or you form good connections with Canada, you could be taxed.
Q4: Can I work for a Canadian company while on a visitor visa?
No. You will need a valid employment permit for working for an organization headquartered in Canada or one that earns source Canada income.
Q5: Can digital nomads apply for permanent residency?
Yes. Most of the nomads subsequently transition into work visas or immigrate through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee programs, or Startup Visa upon qualifying.
