Canada has updated its guidance for “digital nomads” — people who work remotely for employers or clients outside their country of stay — clarifying that eligible foreign nationals may remain in Canada as visitors for up to six months while continuing to work remotely for foreign employers or clients outside Canada.
According to updated guidance issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on May 26, 2026, digital nomads may enter Canada as visitors for up to six months at a time while continuing remote work for a foreign employer.
Remote work for foreign employers does not enter Canadian labour market
Under the updated guidance, IRCC clarified that remote work performed for a foreign employer does not constitute entering the Canadian labour market.
However, foreign nationals who intend to work for a Canadian employer must obtain a work permit before beginning employment unless exempt under section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Additional information on work permit exemptions can be found here:
Work without a permit list under R186
Visitors must still meet standard temporary resident requirements
IRCC said digital nomads remain subject to all standard visitor requirements.
Applicants may need to provide documentation either when applying for a visitor visa or visitor record through IRCC, or when seeking entry at a Canadian port of entry.
The department said digital nomads should be prepared to demonstrate that they will:
• not enter the Canadian labour market
• have sufficient financial resources to support themselves
• leave Canada at the end of their authorized period of stay
Applicants must also provide documentation confirming that their income is earned entirely outside Canada and that they are working remotely for a foreign employer or, if self-employed, providing services only to clients outside Canada.
Examples of supporting documents listed by IRCC include:
• a letter of employment or employment contract from a foreign employer
• pay stubs issued by a foreign employer
• service or sales contracts and invoices
• foreign business registration documents
• foreign income tax documents
• bank statements
Extending a stay in Canada
IRCC noted that digital nomads who wish to remain in Canada beyond their initially authorized stay must apply for a visitor record.
Information about extending visitor status in Canada is available here:
Visitor records and extending a stay in Canada
Family members must apply separately
The updated guidance also clarifies that family members accompanying digital nomads are not automatically authorized to work or study in Canada.
Family members must apply separately for their own temporary resident status as a worker, student or visitor.
They must also obtain the appropriate work or study permit if they intend to work or study while in Canada.
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