Canada’s recently announced digital nomad visa aims to attract talent to the national labor pool. Any freelancer who can support themselves is welcome, but workers with expertise in tech jobs are especially welcome. The Canadian digital nomad visa even promises a path to permanent residency.
Canada, America’s neighbor to the north, is the latest country to announce the creation of a digital nomad visa. Made popular during the pandemic, these visas allow remote workers traveling to foreign countries to live and work there for a longer time legally than they usually can on tourist visas.
While all the details of the new Canadian visa have yet to be worked out, the visa promises to be a unique way for nomads to not only work in Canada for a time but even apply for residency.
The Canadian Digital Nomad Strategy
The strategy behind Canada’s new program differs from the 58+ other countries with digital nomad visas. While many other countries embraced the digital nomad visa as a way to offset the decline in tourism caused by COVID-19, the Canadian version aims to supplement the local workforce. Most countries require nomads to have stable remote jobs before entering the country and forbid working in the local economy. The higher the income requirement, the more likely it will be that digital nomads who enter the country are stable workers, not just backpacking visitors with marginal jobs.
Canada, on the other hand, has no income requirements. They specify that they welcome freelancers, vloggers, bloggers, or other remote jobs. Incoming residents must show proof that they can support themselves in Canada, have a couple of years of experience in their jobs, and have a passport. They must also provide evidence of a clear criminal record, a medical examination certificate, and educational and work experience certificates if required.
The goal is to entice people with potential into Canada to boost the labor force. The visa is good for six months but can be extended for three years. Once the time is up, workers can stay in the country if they find a job with a Canadian employer. This approach is in direct contrast to the many countries where foreign nationals cannot even legally work in a coffee shop!
Technical Talent Particularly Welcome
The country is particularly anxious to snag technical talent in fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – including data scientists, software developers and programmers, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers. Current jobs in these areas pay less than in the U.S. but are in high demand. Offering the potential for permanent residency is a lure not often offered to remote workers.
As Julie Lafortune, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, said in an email quoted in Forbes, “Ultimately, the strategy is set to and best adapts to the needs of high skilled tech workers who, just by the nature of their jobs, have the opportunity to work remotely. This in conjunction with the other measures set in place to attract tech talent and ensure Canada remains competitive in the global talent race.”
Other provisions of the plan aim to help enhance the labor market too.
- Canada will increase the annual quote of visa slots from 1,000 to 3,500.
- Foreign nationals offered employment can take advantage of a program that smooths the way from a work visa to a work permit.
- Entrepreneurs will have a route to permanent residency if they start businesses that hire Canadians.
- Processing time for work permits will be cut to two weeks to get workers to employers more quickly.
- People currently waiting for work permits with immediately be granted ones valid for up to three years.
- As of July 16, 10,000 American citizens of 400,000 people in the U.S. with H-1B visas can work in Canada.
The Canadian government maxed out their 10,000 openings in 48 hours!
Other Programs For Digital Nomads
Canada previously has three programs currently in place in Canada to accommodate digital nomads:
1. Self-Employed Method
Applicants should have a couple of years of experience in their jobs, have a passport, and have a minimum of 67 points under the Canadian government’s selection scoring system. Applicants between 18-35 tend to rank higher.
2. Start-Up Visa Program
Entrepreneurs who want to start businesses that would employ others, especially in fields suited to remote work, can apply for the Start-up Visa Program. Other requirements include having proficient knowledge of English or French, being able to support oneself when moving to Canada, and obtaining the support of an angel investor, business incubator, or investment fund willing to invest in the business.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (Available across Canada)
Not really designed to appeal to digital nomads, these programs are set up to meet the needs of the local economy and labor market. Various programs have specific investing, hiring, and other requirements.
How Long Will It Take TO Get A Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa was just launched, so the procedures for applying for the visa and getting it approved may take a while. Estimates after doing the paperwork and having an interview with a representative from the Canadian immigration office are that the visa will take at least eight weeks to process.
The Canadian Digital Nomad Visa Advantage
Many digital nomads plan on living a globetrotting lifestyle for two or three years, while others aim for longer stays. Some may stay in one place for that time, but due to visa time limitations, many either have to do visa runs to leave and then return to the country or move to different places.
For digital nomads, Canada offers beautiful, peaceful surroundings with plenty to do, plus excellent internet and a well-developed transportation system.
The Canadian visa welcomes those who want to live in Canada for six months blocks of time, but it also opens the possibility of permanent residency. If you find a local onsite or remote job and like the country, Canada will be glad to have you.
