Remote working is synonymous with digital nomads. And since the number of digital nomads worldwide is skyrocketing, the number of countries offering digital nomad visas is growing too.
Digital nomads are always on the lookout for beautiful countries, and arguably Canada stands out as one of the best countries for digital nomads and remote workers alike. This second largest country in the world attracts hundreds of digital nomads, but does it have a special digital nomad visa? Let’s find out.
Is there a Canadian Digital nomad visa?
Unfortunately, Canada has no digital nomad visa as of now. Canada is still not on the list of nearly 50 countries offering digital nomad visas in 2022. Furthermore, it’s not even on the list of countries that are soon announcing the visa program.
However, there are visa alternatives and immigration programs under which remote workers and digital nomads can live and work remotely in Canada.
What are the available options for digital nomads in Canada?
If you’re a digital nomad interested in relocating to Canada, here is some good news for you; there are visa programs that are relatively equivalent to the digital nomad visa. You can work and live legally in Canada and also acquire permanent residence. Below are the three visa schemes you can opt for:
- Self-Employed Program
- Start-Up Visa Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
Self-Employed Program
The self-employed program is geared specifically toward a self-employed person that allows the applicant to immigrate to Canada permanently. The catch is that the eligible applicant must have experience in cultural activities or athletics.
He must have the intention and, of course, the ability to contribute to Canada’s cultural life or sports industry. He must meet the selection criteria and other conditions.
Additionally, the applicant must prove that he has sufficient funds to support himself and his family to sustain a comfortable life in Canada.
Start-Up Visa Program
Canada always welcomes entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for economic prosperity. If you’re an entrepreneur with a qualifying business, you can immigrate to Canada and start a business there through a start-up visa (SUV).
The start-up visa program is designed concretely for entrepreneurs who can run businesses in Canada and boost the country’s economy. Entrepreneurs who have qualifying businesses, can generate employment opportunities, and compete on a global scale can apply for this program.
The applicant must present proof of funds and meet language requirements. That’s pretty much all you need to apply for the Start-Up Visa Program.
Provincial Nominee Program
Canada’s provincial nominee program is intended for workers with related skills and work experience who can contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory.
All provinces in Canada, except for Quebec and Nunavut, operate the provincial nominee program (PNP) to welcome qualified workers.
The application process, selection process, and conditions can vary from province to province as each province and territory has its own PNP streams. The perk of this program is that applicants are also granted Canadian permanent residence, approved by the federal government.
