Canada Digital Nomad Visa - The Complete Guide

Work in the morning and hit the slopes by sunset? Or perhaps you can picture yourself brewing coffee while overlooking a pine forest? If that sounds like your pace, Canada could be your next move. From the creative buzz of Toronto to the alpine charm of Whistler, this country offers the chance to build meaningful experiences while maintaining a healthy digital lifestyle.

For those seeking a balance between natural beauty and modern living, Canada delivers. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver combine dynamic tech scenes with world-class infrastructure and community-driven coworking spaces. Toronto offers unmatched access to North American innovation hubs, while Vancouver blends urban convenience with a deep connection to the outdoors.

If you want to embrace how you live, Canada will gently hand you the keys. Step out of the city and into vast landscapes — for a hike, a paddle, or a walk through the woods — and rediscover your roots in a deeper kind of solitude. Step back into the city, and you'll find layers of culture and community: evenings filled with dinners, film, or poetry readings that offer the stimulation you crave. Wherever you go, Canada could be the place where you thrive — in all the ways that define a softer kind of success story.

Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons why Canada is one of the best destinations for digital nomads. 

• Reliable and Internet - Even in those woods: Canada has some of the strongest digital infrastructure in the world! So, if the move you are looking for is one of more peace, you can stay assured that you can stay connected for every download, Zoom meeting, and email. Even if you do choose that bustling city life, whenever you need that escape to the lakeside, you won't lose your flow. 
• An Inclusive and Welcoming Culture: Canadians are widely recognised as some of the friendliest people in the world. Canada was built on immigration and is home to a diverse multiculturalism. It is the perfect place for expats to land and build a community as the Canadians know well and truly what it means to arrive from somewhere else and where your difference makes you fit in - not stand out. 
• Pathways to make a lasting home: If Canada calls you to stay longer and build something more, there are many potential and tangible options, including visas and permanent residency, to turn your sweet escape into something long-lasting. 
• Nature isn't just your escape but a part of life: This must be one of the most extraordinary callings of Canada. It offers such a rich and diverse landscape to explore and immerse in wonder. Nature is always your backdrop, and it's correct at your back doorstep! Whether it's starting or ending your day with a hike, adventuring to its lush National Parks and being greeted by incredible wildlife, stargazing under the great open skies, or learning your way on the slopes. You will never be short of being in awe of this fantastic part of the world. 
• Secure and Conscious Living: Canada offers a very stable and great quality of life. There is a deep sense of security, thanks to its strong public service, low crime rates, and sustainably conscious and clean cities to reside in. The kind of place where you can arrive, knowing it has your back before you even get there!

Visa Pathways to Live and Work in Canada

Canada introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2023, offering a unique opportunity for remote workers. Functioning similarly to a visitor visa, it allows individuals who work remotely for a company, organisation, or their own business — provided it is based outside of Canada — to live and work in Canada for up to six months without the need for a dedicated work permit.

Should you wish to stay beyond the initial six-month period, you are permitted to explore local employment opportunities. If you secure a role with a Canadian employer, you can then apply for a work permit and extend your stay accordingly.

Digital Nomad Visa Canada: Do You Meet the Criteria?

Verify that you qualify to work remotely in Canada before applying.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You have to find work with an employer abroad or be self-employed/freelance, serving clients from other countries
• You need a valid passport and appropriate travel authorisation (eTA for visa-exempt countries or Temporary Resident Visa)
• You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (bank statements for 6 months)
• Have a valid health insurance policy covering your entire stay in Canada
• Have a clean criminal background with no serious convictions
• You must not engage in any employment with Canadian companies or employers unless you intend to extend the work permit, and plan to switch to a Canadian-based employer
• You must demonstrate ties to your home country and intent to leave Canada

Not eligible for:

• Job seekers looking for employment with Canadian companies
• Those planning to work for Canadian employers during their stay
• Individuals seeking immediate permanent settlement without proper pathways
• People with serious criminal convictions or immigration violations

This visa pathway is ideal for:

• Remote employees of international companies (especially tech workers)
• Freelancers and consultants serving global clients
• Online entrepreneurs running location-independent businesses
• Content creators and digital marketers with international audiences
• Software developers, designers, and other tech professionals
• H-1B visa holders seeking alternative work locations

Top Tip: Obtain a detailed letter from your foreign employer stating that your work will be performed remotely for entities outside Canada and that no Canadian clients or customers will be directly served. This documentation helps immigration officers understand that you're not seeking Canadian employment and significantly strengthens your application.

Key Documents to Secure Your Canada Digital Nomad Visa

Having and preparing essential documents is crucial for obtaining a Canadian visa as a digital nomad. Canada's immigration system requires thorough documentation to demonstrate your eligibility, financial stability, and genuine intent as a temporary visitor. 

Ensuring all your documents are correct and complete will make the application seamless and prove that you are a professional digital nomad.

Essential Documents Checklist:

• Valid Passport - Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Travel authorisation:
  • eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for visa-exempt countries - CAD 7
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for non-exempt countries - CAD 100
• Proof of Employment/Business - Employment letter or business registration documents
• Financial Statements - Bank statements for the past 6 months showing sufficient funds
• Health Insurance Policy - Coverage for your entire stay in Canada
• Police Clearance Certificate - From your country of residence (if requested)
• Letter from Foreign Employer - Detailing remote work arrangements
• Proof of Ties to Home Country - Property ownership, family connections, or return flight tickets

Additional Requirements for Self-Employed/Freelancers:

• Business registration documents
• Client contracts showing work outside Canada
• Tax returns from previous years
• Portfolio or evidence of established business

Top Tip: Gather police certificates well in advance of your visa submission date, as these can take several weeks to process. For financial documentation, ensure that your bank statements clearly show regular income deposits from foreign sources. Consider having them translated into English or French if they are initially in another language.

Digital Nomad Application Process

Ready to be a digital nomad in Canada? Filling out the application is simple, but you should organise and thoroughly check the documents you are required to submit. 

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has streamlined the online application system to make it accessible for digital nomads worldwide.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

• Determine Your Visa Type - Check if you need an eTA (for visa-exempt countries) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) based on your nationality
• Set up an Account on IRCC - Go to the IRCC website, register, and establish your secure area for submitting applications
• Get Ready for Your Application - You must provide a valid passport, an employment history, current financial documents, insurance contracts, and all supporting documents.
• Complete the Online Application - Fill out all forms accurately, including the IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) if required
• Pay the Application Fees - Fees range from CAD 7 (eTA) to CAD 100 (TRV), plus CAD 85 for biometrics if required
• Submit Biometrics - Schedule and attend your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Centre (ASC)
• Wait for Processing - Processing times vary by country and application type:
  • eTA: Usually processed within minutes to 72 hours
  • TRV: 2-8 weeks, depending on your country of residence
• Receive Your Authorisation - Once approved, you'll receive your travel authorisation electronically
• Plan Your Travel - Book your flight and prepare for entry to Canada with all required documentation

Processing Times by Region:

Check the IRCC website for current processing times

Important Application Tips:

• Be Completely Honest - Provide accurate information; false statements can result in refusal and future inadmissibility
• Show Strong Home Country Ties - Demonstrate property ownership, family connections, or employment contracts that show your intent to return
• Provide Comprehensive Financial Evidence - Include multiple sources of income and substantial savings to prove you can support yourself
• Submit High-Quality Documents - Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and correctly translated if not in English or French

Top Tip: Be sure to submit your application at least 2-3 months in advance to account for potential delays in obtaining the visa. Create a list of all official documents and their corresponding expiry dates to easily track them. 

Best Places to Live in Canada

Vancouver: The city that's nestled in the middle of nature – the perfect location for those who love the accessibility of a city but want to maximise and make the most of Canada's beautiful natural landscape. With a bustling and vibrant cultural scene, it's the perfect haven for digital nomads seeking a community of like-minded people. It's also one of the leading cities for sustainability and progressiveness. The cost of living is a bit higher, but the perks in terms of lifestyle and access are the ultimate trade-off.

Toronto: Canada's largest city – if you love the hustle and bustle, this is where you need to be! With a diverse and rich landscape that caters to both ambitious career seekers and those who love the arts and fine dining and crave diversity, this is the ideal place for you. A more expensive lifestyle, but one that is rich and rewarding for those who thrive off a faster way of living.

Montreal: Where France meets the mountains – one of the most eclectic and culturally rich cities, this affordably leaning AI and tech hub is quickly becoming one of the top picks for digital nomads and those who want a scene that is cut with a touch of cool. Montreal offers amazing access to nature just outside the city's perimeter, making it a great choice for those who want easy access to the great outdoors.

Victoria: A hidden gem with a slower pace of living that oozes wellness vibes on every corner block. This coastal location boasts brilliant, mild weather for most of the year and features a tight-knit community that truly embraces a more balanced style of living. If you're eager to indulge in a working holiday that actually feels like a bit of a holiday, then Victoria may just be the best option on the list.

Booking Experiences Through Global Work & Travel

If you're eager to visit Canada and don't want it to be all about work, we offer some of the best tours, ensuring you have plenty of time for fun and adventure in one of the world's most picturesque countries. 

• Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound: Discover the wild heart of Western Canada on a two-week adventure packed with glacier hikes, whale watching, and nights under the stars. From the Rockies to Vancouver Island, this trip blends nature, wildlife, and new friendships into one unforgettable journey.
• Canadian Rockies: National Parks Eastbound: Chase big mountain vibes from Vancouver to the Rockies on this wild two-week journey through Canada's coast, forests, and glacier-fed parks. Camp under the stars, spot whales and wildlife, and explore the best of Banff, Jasper, and beyond — all with a crew of new mates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Canada's Digital Nomad Visa, and how does it work?

Canada's Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2023, allows remote workers employed by foreign companies (or self-employed serving international clients) to live and work in Canada for up to six months without needing a work permit. If you secure employment with a Canadian company during your stay, you can then apply for a work permit to extend your time in the country.

2. What documents are required to apply for the Canada Digital Nomad Visa?

Key documents include a valid passport, proof of remote employment or self-employment, financial statements showing sufficient funds, travel authorisation (eTA or TRV), health insurance covering your stay, a clean criminal record, and proof of ties to your home country. Freelancers should also include client contracts, tax returns, and a business portfolio.

3. Is Canada a good destination for digital nomads?

Yes — Canada combines world-class infrastructure with stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities. It's ideal for digital nomads who value a balance between professional productivity and outdoor adventure. Plus, its inclusive culture, strong public services, and low crime rates make it a safe and welcoming place to stay.

4. Where are the best places in Canada for remote workers to live?

Top cities for digital nomads include:

• Vancouver – For urban nature lovers and sustainability enthusiasts
• Toronto – For career-driven nomads who thrive on energy and diversity
• Montreal – For creatives and tech professionals who value culture and affordability
• Victoria – For those seeking a relaxed, wellness-focused lifestyle by the coast

5. Can I extend my stay in Canada after the six-month nomad visa expires?

Yes, you can if you find employment with a Canadian company while in the country, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit and transition into a longer-term stay. Canada also offers various pathways to permanent residency if you decide to make it your new home.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a country for your digital nomad experience, Canada is hard to pass up. With its exceptional standard of living, breathtaking natural landscapes, access to a visa ideally suited for digital nomads, and not to mention the kind and welcoming nature of Canadians, it's easy to see why this destination could easily make the top three on your list for working holiday locations.

The visa application process may be slightly rigorous. Still, with the correct paperwork and documentation, it can be a relatively straightforward journey — one that leads to a wealth of experiences you'll cherish for a lifetime. Whether you're seeking a quaint seaside lifestyle in Victoria or eager to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a city like Toronto, Canada truly offers something for everyone — best get packing!

f you want to learn about the digital nomad visa's for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, and Japan.

We also publish extensive working holiday visa guides for United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Estonia, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Portugal, Peru, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Brazil and more coming.