What is Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy?

Canada’s Digital Nomad Strategy is a new initiative aimed at attracting tech talent to the country. The strategy allows foreign nationals employed by non-Canadian companies to work in Canada for up to six months, facilitating easier visitor visas and providing exposure to Canadian communities. This strategy hopes to stimulate economic activity and enhance community integration.

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July 16, 2023 – Even though Canada announced their Digital Nomad Strategy, for the time being, there is no need for Digital Nomads to apply for a work permit, as we read on Canada’s Official Government page: Under current Canadian immigration rules, a digital nomad only needs visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to six months at a time while they perform their job remotely for a foreign employer. Source: Government Of Canada.

We have summarised all the current requirements for Canada’s Digital Nomad Visitor Visa and we listed it as an Existing Alternative on our list of Digital Nomad Visa and Remote Work Permits.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the digital nomad strategy, which will allow workers with a foreign employer to stay and work in Canada for up to six months. If they get a job offer while in the country, they can remain in Canada even longer.

The government expects that some digital nomads who initially enter Canada to work remotely will decide to seek opportunities with Canadian employers. When they receive a job offer from a Canadian company, they would be able to bring their skills to a Canadian employer by applying for a temporary work permit or even permanent residence.

“(That digital nomad strategy) will allow people who have a foreign employer to come live in Canada for up to six months, live and spend money in communities in this country and, should they receive a job offer while they’re here, we’re going to allow them to continue to stay and work in Canada”
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser at the Collision Conference in Toronto in June

The digital nomad strategy is part of Canada’s broader Tech Talent Strategy, which includes four key pillars involving additions and improvements to programs offered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include developing a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals, promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads, and improving labor mobility in North America by creating a streamlined work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US to apply to come to Canada, and more.

Overall, Canada’s Digital Nomad Strategy is an exciting new initiative that aims to attract top tech talent from around the world and stimulate economic activity in the country. It provides an excellent opportunity for digital nomads and remote workers looking for a new place to call home while continuing their work from abroad. Global Nomad Guide will stay on top of the news and as soon as we see more info we will let you know and will add Canada’s Digital Nomad Visa to the growing number of Digital Nomad Visas that we have analyzed so far.