Canada Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Step-by-Step Application
Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for those wishing to work remotely. We tell you how to get a digital nomad visa for Canada and much more.
Recently, Working Holiday Canada has become fashionable. However, your country may not have such agreements or you may not meet one of the requirements. Luckily, working and living in this beautiful country is possible, and in this article we tell you how to do so by obtaining a digital nomad visa for Canada.
In a world where work is becoming increasingly globalised, one of the latest countries to welcome remote workers from around the globe with its new visa for digital nomads is Canada. This lifestyle, which combines the possibility of working and growing professionally with the opportunity to discover new places, is being adopted by an increasing number of people.
Canada is a country to which many digital nomads are hoping to gain access, and its cities seem particularly well prepared to welcome them. Stay with us and find out how to apply for a digital nomad visa for Canada. We tell you how to apply, what the requirements are, what documents you need to present and much more.
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What is the remote work visa in Canada and how does it work?
Canada’s digital nomad visa programme began in June 2023. Technically, this is a visitor’s visa that allows the remote worker to explore the Canadian territory and immerse him/herself in the local culture. This type of visa allows you to live and work in the country for a period of up to six months, without the need for a special work permit.
Canada’s digital nomad visa is designed for all remote workers who wish to live in Canada while working for a foreign employer or running their own digital business. They can experience Canada’s excellent quality of life, enjoy its outstanding health care system and photograph its natural scenery.
Canada’s Digital Nomad Visa is part of the Technology Talent Strategy implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The initiative seeks to boost the country’s economy through the arrival of skilled technology workers, allowing them to obtain permanent residency if they so wish.
That is, this type of visa allows you to look for work in the country, while working remotely for a foreign company. After receiving a local job offer, you can apply for a work permit and extend your stay in Canada.
What are the features and main benefits of the remote work visa for Canada?
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Canada you simply need to be eligible for visitor status, have a valid passport and be a digital nomad. In other words, accessing all the benefits offered by this programme is much simpler than it seems.
These are the benefits of having a Canadian digital nomad visa:
- No age limit for application: There are no age restrictions for those wishing to apply for the digital nomad visa.
- No language tests required: There is no need to submit language tests or face complex point systems to obtain a visa.
- No need for a local work permit: You do not need a work permit, as you can work remotely for a foreign employer.
- Fast application process: Visa processing time is fast, usually between one and two months.
- Ability to seek employment in Canada: The visa allows you to look for work in Canada and attend personal interviews, which increases your chances of getting a well-paid job.
- Option to extend stay with a work permit: Once you get a formal job, you can extend your stay by applying for a work permit and eventually transition to permanent residence.
- Enrolment in courses of up to six months: The visa allows enrolment in courses of up to six months without the need for a student visa, offering the opportunity to improve professional or personal skills.
- Networking opportunities: The visa offers the possibility of contact with a growing community of professionals in Canada.
- Exceptional Internet connectivity and speed: Canada has some of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, especially in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, with download speeds in excess of 100 Mbps. To take advantage of Canada’s 5G network and technological advantages, you can use a Holafly data eSim and make your life as a digital nomad easier.
What are the requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa for Canada?
An important clarification is that digital nomads do not need a work visa to be able to work remotely from the country. That is, you only need to have a visitor’s visa that will allow you to stay up to six months in the country while you work as a digital nomad.
In any case, you can make use of the “Digital Nomads” tool available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. These will show you whether you qualify as such and whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or some other type of document.
Now, as in any process of obtaining a visa, there are a series of requirements that must be fulfilled, which are listed below:
- Valid passport: You need to have a passport valid for at least six months after your intended date of entry to Canada.
- Proof of employment: You need to provide documents showing that you can work remotely while you are in Canada. These can be, for example, an employment contract or letters to your employer.
- Proof of financial stability: Although there is no specific income threshold, it is important to demonstrate that you have a stable income that will allow you to cover the costs of living in Canada during your stay. It is recommended to have 10,000 Canadian dollars, which is equivalent to about 7,400 US dollars.
- International health insurance: You must have health insurance to cover your stay in Canada.
- Clean criminal record: You have to present a certificate issued by your home country proving that you do not have a criminal record.
Documentation required to apply for a remote work visa for Canada
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To apply for a remote work visa for Canada, you need to meet certain requirements that must be supported by appropriate documentation. This process ensures that you have the necessary means and stability to stay legally in the country for the duration of your visa. The preparation and submission of all the correct documents is crucial for a smooth approval of the application.
Below is the list of documents you will need to submit to complete the application process.
- Application form: This is the official application form to be completed and submitted with your application.
- Valid passport: Valid for at least six months after your entry into the country.
- Travel itinerary: Including dates of entry into and departure from the country.
- Proof of remote employment or freelance work: This can be employment contracts, letters from employers or clients, or pay stubs showing your employment outside Canada.
- Proof of income: Recent bank statements or tax returns confirming that you have sufficient monthly income to stay in the country.
- Health insurance: An international health insurance policy or certificate covering the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
- Criminal record certificate: Issued by the competent authorities in your home country.
- Proof of accommodation: Rental agreement, Airbnb booking or any other document confirming where you will be staying in Canada.
- Passport size photographs: Must meet the specifications requested by the Canadian government.
Where can I apply for a digital nomad visa for Canada?
To apply for your digital nomad visa for Canada, you can use different channels or go to the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
- Online: If you decide to do so online, you have to go to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Canada’s immigration portal allows applicants to start the visa application process digitally. Here you will find all the documentation you need and you can track your application.
- Face-to-face: To do it face-to-face, you can choose between two options. One of them is to approach the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. They will inform you about the specific requirements for your case and you will be able to submit the necessary documentation.
The other alternative is the Visa Application Centres (VACs) that Canada has in some countries. There you will be able to submit documents and follow up applications. In any case, you have to find out whether this possibility exists within your home country.
In summary, the application process for your digital nomad visa for Canada is relatively straightforward. Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation, you have to submit your application through one of the means mentioned above. With that done, all that remains is to wait for your application to be approved and you can embark on your adventure of working and living in Canada.
Where can I get tailored advice on the digital nomad visa in Canada?
While obtaining a remote work visa for Canada does not present major difficulties, you may have some questions if you are unfamiliar with the country’s immigration system. In that case, you may choose to hire a specialised migration counselling service. These companies will help make accessing the visa easier, as well as provide you with support and assistance throughout the process.
Some of the companies offering advice on visa procedures for digital nomads are:
- Immigration Canada Services: Offer comprehensive advisory services in several languages, including English and Spanish. Their team specialises in helping professionals and freelancers obtain the right visas for their needs.
- Canadim: Canadim has government-certified advisors who will guide you through the visa application process and help you prepare the correct documentation.
- VisaPlace: offers virtual consultations and personalised advice for those wishing to obtain a visa to live and work in Canada. They also provide multilingual support and have flexible opening hours.
Frequently asked questions when applying for a digital nomad visa for Canada
In many cases it is possible to renew or extend a remote work visa for Canada. What you need to do is to apply for a visitor’s registration that allows you to stay longer in the country as a visitor authorised to work for a foreign employer, without the need for a work permit. Once you have done this, you will be given a new expiry date on which you must leave Canada.
Please note that you will need to apply for registration before your initial visitor visa expires, ideally at least 30 days in advance.
Applying for a digital nomad visa for Canada costs 185 Canadian dollars, which is equivalent to 135 US dollars. This figure is broken down into two components:
– 100 dollars for the tourist visa application fee
– 85 dollars for the biometric data collection fee (fingerprints and photos).
It should be noted that the latter is not always requested (depending on nationality), so you may only have to pay the first fee.
The processing time for the digital nomad visa for Canada is generally one to two months, although the timeframe can be affected by a number of factors. These include the volume of applications being processed at the time and the accuracy of the documentation submitted.
Therefore, to avoid delays, be sure to include and properly organise all requested documents.
As you know, a digital nomad visa for Canada allows you to live and work in the country for a period of six months, but this does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, you can use your time in Canada to gain professional experience, attend job interviews and get a local job that will allow you to qualify for other immigration programmes that may lead to permanent residency.
Yes, your spouse and dependent children may be able to accompany you to Canada, although they will need to apply for separate visas.
One of the advantages of the digital nomad visa for Canada is that there is no requirement to speak either language or to present international exam certificates. However, having a good level of English or French can make your stay in Canada and access to certain services easier.
Be aware that in regions such as Quebec, the locals speak mainly French, not English. Therefore, if you plan to live and work there, speaking both languages or knowing the basics will help you a lot in adapting. In addition, if you choose to settle there, the government will require you to be fluent in both languages.
Canada is a very large country, so there are many cities to work in as digital nomads. Here’s a list of the best options:
Toronto: Canada’s financial and technology hub, so the infrastructure for digital nomads is truly outstanding, with world-class coworking spaces, a diverse international community, high-speed internet and wide availability of the 5G network. Although the cost of living is high, it offers many career opportunities and a wealth of networking events.
Vancouver: is ideal for nature lovers, as there are many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The climate is temperate compared to other Canadian cities and the quality of life is higher. It also has high-speed internet and 5G availability.
Montreal: perfect for digital nomads looking for a vibrant and affordable city. Internet speeds are high, with reliable 4G and 5G services in core areas. The cost of living is lower compared to Toronto and Vancouver.
Ottawa: Canada’s capital is a quiet city with a thriving technology and government scene. The quality of life is high, the technology infrastructure is excellent and the cost of living is moderate, making it a great choice for digital nomads.
Victoria: the provincial capital of British Columbia and another relaxed city that offers a deep connection with nature. Ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment, without sacrificing connectivity.