Updated program for digital nomads to be launched in Canada

Qualified specialists in the state are the key to its successful development in all sectors. And if there are not enough of our own staff, it makes sense to attract specialists from other countries. This is exactly the strategy used in Canada – now it will be even easier to get a work visa. At least for IT specialists and other highly qualified employees.

New conditions for obtaining a visa

Under the new program, new employees can obtain a work visa valid for up to 5 years. This can be either a digital nomad visa or a work permit for a certain Canadian company in one of the most sought-after industries. And if the candidate has an American H-1B visa, then all members of his family can apply for a work or study permit.

Requirements for candidates

A complete list of conditions has not yet been formed, but what is known now is already attractive.:

1. The candidate does not need to prove financial viability, at least for the first 6 months. There are no savings or minimum income requirements. If the specialist gets a job with a Canadian company within 6 months, he will be able to apply for a five-year visa.
2. It is even easier for digital nomads – it is enough for them to prove the existence of a contract with an employer in another country. But they will have to find a job in Canada within 6 months.
3. The number of visas for digital nomads is not limited.

Startup visas

This year, they plan to expand the scope of the program for startup entrepreneurs. Thus, the validity period of a work permit in the country is extended to three years. Visas will become "open", that is, both those who plan to work in their own project and those who want to transfer to someone else's startup will be able to get them.

The government will also increase the quota for such visas to 3,500 per year.

Thus, Canada creates more attractive conditions for specialists from different fields, but priority is given to IT representatives. There are no country restrictions, so citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus can also apply for a visa. This is good news for many, as in 2023, the demand for digital nomad visas increased by 373.6% – in the first quarter alone. And it's not falling yet. For comparison, the demand for startup visas has increased by 30%, but this is not surprising. The most popular countries for digital nomads are Spain and Portugal, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia. Canada should add to the list due to more democratic conditions for obtaining a visa.