Canada
Living or working in Canada: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months without a visa, but working or staying longer requires a permit. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa; you can work remotely on a visitor visa if the work is for a foreign employer. For longer stays, apply for a work permit or permanent residence.
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Key facts
- Visa-free stay
- Up to 6 months for most nationalities
- Digital nomad visa
- None; remote work for a foreign employer is allowed on a visitor visa
- Working holiday (IEC)
- Available to citizens of ~35 countries, ages 18–35
- Work permit cost
- CAD 155 (2026 estimate)
- Processing time
- Varies by program; check IRCC for current estimates
- Best time to apply
- Start 6–12 months ahead for work permits; IEC pools open seasonally
Visa options by situation
The main paths are: visitor visa (up to 6 months, no work for Canadian employers), working holiday (IEC) for young people from partner countries, and work permits (employer-specific or open). For longer stays, permanent residence programs like Express Entry exist, but they are complex and outside the scope of this page.
| Situation | Visa type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist, up to 6 months | Visitor visa or eTA | Most nationalities visa‑free |
| Remote work for foreign employer | Visitor visa | Allowed; no Canadian work |
| Working holiday | IEC | Ages 18–35, ~35 countries |
| Job with Canadian employer | Work permit | Employer‑specific or open |
| Permanent residence | Express Entry | Points‑based; long process |
Check IRCC for your country's specific requirements.
Costs and timing
Work permit applications cost CAD 155 (2026 estimate). IEC participation fees vary by country. Processing times vary widely; start 6–12 months ahead. For IEC, pools open seasonally, so apply early.
| Item | Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit | 155 | 2026 estimate |
| IEC participation fee | Varies | Check IRCC |
| Visitor visa (if needed) | 100 | 2026 estimate |
| eTA | 7 | For visa‑exempt travellers |
Fees are estimates; confirm on IRCC.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long-stay and working visas in Canada?
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months without a visa. To work or stay longer, you need a permit. There is no digital nomad visa; remote work for a foreign employer is allowed on a visitor visa.
How much does it cost?
Work permits cost CAD 155 (2026 estimate). Visitor visas cost CAD 100, and eTAs cost CAD 7. IEC participation fees vary by country. Confirm all fees on IRCC.
When should I plan for it?
Start 6–12 months ahead for work permits. IEC pools open seasonally, so apply early. Processing times vary; check IRCC for current estimates.
Can I work remotely in Canada on a visitor visa?
Yes, if your employer is foreign and you do not work for a Canadian company. You must not compete with the local labour market. This is allowed under visitor visa conditions (check).
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) program?
IEC allows young people (18–35) from about 35 countries to work in Canada for up to 2 years. It has three streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Check your country's eligibility on IRCC.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Canada
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