New information about the Digital Nomad Visa Program has been made public by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In a bid to attract business and skilled talent to the country, the IRCC last year unveiled a Tech Talent Strategy that has four key components. In a recent statement, the organization clarified the circumstances that could prevent digital nomads from entering the country.
Without further ado, these are the new updates:
Can a digital nomad be employed by a Canadian company?
Only if they get a work permit, which is a different kind of visa.
A visa requires certain requirements to be met. Applicants must:
- Work outside Canada.
- Get a job where they can work from home.
- Show that they have enough money to cover your entire six-month stay in Canada.
- show their connections to Canada by booking accommodation with friends or family.
They still have to convince the immigration officer that they plan to leave Canada when their authorized stay expires.
When should a digital nomad submit a work permit application?
If digital nomads encounter a Canadian employer willing to hire them, they will need to apply for a work permit in Canada.
How much time can a digital nomad stay in Canada?
To move to Canada for up to six months at a time, a digital nomad needs visitor status to work remotely for an international employer, work for themselves as an independent contractor, or provide services to clients outside the country.
Can digital nomad families work or study in Canada?
Applying for a work permit or study permit is necessary for family members of digital nomads who are willing to work or study in the country.
Open work permit for H-1B visa holders for specialty occupations
By introducing an effective work permit for US special H-1B occupational visa holders seeking employment in Canada, the country is also promoting labor mobility within North America.
Numerous experts in the high-tech industry are employed by companies that have significant operations in both the United States and Canada. Individuals who currently hold a special H-1B occupational visa in the United States will be able to apply for entry into Canada, as well as the entry of their immediate family.
The selected candidates will receive an open work permit allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years. In addition, family members and spouses are eligible to apply for a work or study permit in addition to a temporary residence visa. The purpose of this program is to make it easier for qualified workers in the IT sector to find work in Canada.
