Work and Live in Canada for Up To 6 Months as Digital NOMADS Starting May 2025

Engr Asifa KarimApril 27, 2025

Canada has formally clarified its stance on attracting global talent, confirming that foreign remote workers, often termed digital nomads, can live and work in Canada for their foreign employers for up to six (06) months under visitor status.

This initiative, highlighted as part of Canada’s broader Tech Talent Strategy announced in mid-2023, aims to draw skilled individuals to the country, potentially enriching the local economy and talent pool without requiring them to secure a traditional Canadian work permit for their foreign employment.

The Policy Explained: Visitor Status, Not a New Visa

It is crucial to understand that Canada has not created a specific “digital nomad visa.” Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified that existing immigration rules permit foreign nationals employed by companies outside Canada to perform their work remotely while legally visiting the country.

Mechanism: Individuals enter Canada under a standard Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their nationality.
Permitted Activity: They can continue working for their foreign employer remotely.
Duration: The typical stay granted upon entry is up to six months. Visitors may apply to extend their stay before the initial period expires.
The Restriction: This status does not authorize individuals to enter the Canadian labour market or work for a Canadian employer and a separate Canadian work permit would be required for that.

Why This Matters: The Rise of Remote Work and Talent Attraction

The clarification comes amidst a significant global increase in remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle. Data, such as the MBO Partners report on US digital nomads, illustrates this trend:

(Note: The following data specifically tracks US citizens identifying as digital nomads)

Year	Estimated US Digital Nomads	Year-over-Year Growth
2019	7.3 Million	–
2020	10.9 Million	49%
2021	15.5 Million	42%
2022	16.9 Million	9%

(Source: MBO Partners 2022 Digital Nomads Report)

While this data is US-specific, it reflects a broader international trend. By welcoming remote workers as visitors, Canada seeks to:

Boost Local Economies: These individuals spend money on accommodation, food, and services, injecting foreign-earned income into Canadian communities.
Attract Future Talent: Visitors may discover opportunities and decide to pursue permanent residency through existing immigration streams if they later secure employment with a Canadian company or qualify through other programs.
Enhance Canada’s Innovation Ecosystem: Bringing global perspectives and skills, even temporarily, can contribute to the country’s tech and innovation sectors.

Part of a Broader Strategy

This policy clarification was a component of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, announced by the then-Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, in June 2023. The strategy included several measures designed to make Canada a more attractive destination for tech professionals globally, including streamlining processes for those already holding certain US work visas (like the H-1B) and improving other immigration pathways like the Start-up Visa Program.

Eligibility and How to Come to Canada as a Remote Worker

To qualify for working remotely as a visitor in Canada, individuals must:

Meet standard visitor requirements (possess a valid passport, be in good health, have sufficient funds for their stay, prove ties to their home country, and intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay).
Have employment with an entity outside of Canada.
Demonstrate their work can be performed remotely from Canada.
Apply for the correct entry document based on their nationality (Visitor Visa or eTA).
Be prepared to explain their situation and intentions to border services officers upon arrival.

Important Considerations: Taxation and Labour Market Rules

Taxation: Foreign remote workers should be aware of potential Canadian tax obligations. Generally, under the “183-day rule” and provisions within tax treaties (like the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty), individuals may not be considered tax residents of Canada if they are present for less than 183 days in a calendar year. However, tax situations can be complex. It is highly recommended that individuals consult with tax professionals in both their home country and Canada to understand their specific obligations.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): This policy is distinct from traditional work permits that often require an LMIA (a document proving a Canadian employer needs a foreign worker because no Canadian is available). Since these remote workers are employed by foreign companies and not entering the Canadian labour market, an LMIA is not required for this visitor status arrangement.

Conclusion

Canada’s clear stance offers an attractive option for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a temporary base abroad. By leveraging existing visitor pathways, the country provides a straightforward mechanism for eligible individuals to experience Canada for up to six months while continuing their foreign employment remotely. This approach benefits both the visiting workers and the Canadian economy, positioning Canada as a welcoming destination in the evolving landscape of global work.