O Canada faces a shortage of labor in the main occupations of technology. As a result, the immigration programs offered by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) are undergoing changes.

Among them, the technology Talent strategy (Technological Talent Strategy, in literal translation), aims to promote Canada as a destination for digital nomads – professionals who can work from anywhere.

Professionals will be able to live in the country for up to 6 months without needing a work visa, while working remotely for a foreign employer, in accordance with current Canadian immigration rules.

Canada hopes that some of these workers will decide to seek opportunities with local employers. With this, digital nomads can apply for a temporary work permit or even a permanent residency.

In the coming months, IRCC will work with public and private partners to assess whether additional policies aimed at attracting digital nomads to the country are desirable.

By the end of the year, Canada plans to launch another new innovation stream in the international mobility program. IRCC will create a waiver in the assessment process to help employers.

Canada: how does it work?

Those interested in the program must apply for a temporary visitor visa. The visa has fees that start from $100 CAD, with processing time varying by country.

To be able to enter Canada, there are also certain criteria that had to be proven by documents. Between them:

• have money to pay for the stay in the country;
• valid travel document;
• to be in a good health;
• has no criminal or immigration-related convictions.

To see all the requirements, click on the link.

The professional must also send his Fingerprints and biometric datawhich charge a fee of $85 CAD for the individual applicant.

Regarding the passport or travel document, it will only be considered valid if it is legal, has not expired and is accepted by the IRCC.

Registration

Once you have the documents that prove you meet the criteria for a visitor visa, the first step for registration is create an account on IRCC. Anyone wishing to travel to the country to travel, study, work or immigrate can apply.

Once done, the second step is to upload the documents and pay the fees. The third step is the provision of fingerprints and biometrics. After that, wait.

The file will be analyzed and, if it is incomplete, it will be returned without being processed. If approved, you will be asked to send your passport. After sending, it is necessary to separate the documents sent before and presented to the border services officer, upon arrival in Canada.