Working remotely in Canada. Where to begin.

Where the visa stands

Canada permits qualifying remote employees to visit while working for an employer outside Canada. This uses visitor status rather than a separate digital nomad visa.

Start with your work plans

IRCC permits remote work for an employer outside Canada for up to six months under visitor status. This does not authorize taking a Canadian job. Confirm a different arrangement, such as freelancing, directly with IRCC.

Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Take the first application step

Check the visitor entry requirements for your passport, then confirm the permitted stay and overseas employment arrangement.

Visitor admission is temporary and does not provide permanent residence or automatic access to public healthcare. The border decision determines your authorized stay.

Keep two money questions separate

The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.

This briefing reorganizes the existing visa summary. It does not represent a new source review. The visa section of the guide keeps the original review dates and qualifications.

All sources for this story

IRCC: digital nomads and visitor status

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