Canada Digital Nomad Visa Guide for Filipinos: Requirements, how to apply, and what to expect

With the freedom to work remotely from anywhere in the world, digital nomads are looking at their visa options abroad. For Filipinos, Canada is fast becoming an attractive option due to its natural beauty, vibrant cities and modern infrastructure – and digital nomads can take their time to soak up the country while also generating an income.

This guide is for people in the Philippines looking for information on the digital nomad visa for Canada. We’ll look at the various options available and their requirements. Digital nomads will also appreciate the convenience of Wise, a multi-currency wallet and card at their fingertips that helps them hold, exchange, receive, send and spend money globally.

What is the Canada digital nomad visa?

There is currently no special Canada digital nomad visa¹, and remote workers who enter the North American country can stay for up to 6 months under the Canada visitor visa². There is, however, a program for digital nomads in Canada since mid-2023, which allows remote workers to also apply for a temporary work permit and stay in Canada for an additional 3 years should they land a job with a Canadian employer³ – something Filipino freelancers might be keen to do.

This is part of Canada’s broader tech talent strategy⁴, which seeks to attract and recruit individuals from this in-demand sector, in order to develop it. There is currently no additional documentation required from Canada digital nomads other than the usual visitor visa requirements. Accompanying family members have no special privileges and will need to make their own visa arrangements (i.e. visitor, work or study permit).

Who can get a Canada digital nomad visa?

The Canada digital nomad visa is open to all travellers to Canada, as only visitor status is required. This includes people from the Philippines, Malaysia, the UK, and Singapore. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada lists the entry requirements by country or territory⁵. Most visitors need to give their biometrics such as fingerprints, and apply for the necessary documents such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization for travellers from visa-exempt countries. US citizens only need to produce their passport.

Citizens of the Philippines need to apply for a visa before travelling to Canada, regardless of the method of transport they are using to get there, such as driving in from the US. This also applies even if they are just transiting through Canada.

Digital nomad visa Canada requirements for Filipinos

Filipinos looking to get the Canada digital nomad visa only need to apply for a visitor visa. You will need to meet the requirements to enter Canada as a visitor, and also submit a list of documents for your Canada digital nomad visa visitor application.

Requirements:

• Have a valid travel document, like a passport
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions, no human rights violations
• Have ties that will ensure your return to your home country, such as a job, home, financial assets or family
• Ensure that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Depending on the situation, you may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from a Canadian resident

Documents you will need to submit include, but are not limited to:

• Passport. Include a clear colour copy of your passport, especially the page that shows your birth date and country of origin, as well as any pages with stamps, visas or markings
• If you’ve travelled to Canada or other countries before, you can include copies of previous visas in your passport (past and present) to show proof that you were able to get a visa
• Include your itinerary, which includes your flight details, proof of accommodation and any events you have registered for
• If required to submit biometrics, you need to pay the biometrics fee when you apply. The fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo. This is 85 CAD (about 3,532.33 PHP) for an individual applicant, and up to a maximum total of 170 CAD (about 7,064.66 PHP) for families applying at the same time.
• Medical exam certificates are generally not needed unless you plan to work in a setting where public health may be at risk if you are sick
• Letter of invitation (if needed)

Canada digital nomad visa income requirements

There are no hard and fast rules for how much you earn as a remote worker for the Canada digital nomad visa, as it is essentially considered a visitor visa with the possibility to look for employment in Canada. That would then require you to apply for a Canada work permit.

When submitting your travel visa application to the IRCC, you will need to show proof that you have enough money for your stay. This depends on the duration and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. Submit your bank account statement, as it will help the Canadian authorities determine if you are financially able to support your stay there. Include your bank name and contact, name and address on the statement, and at least 6 months of account details including balances.

Check out the section of the cost of living in Canada below as a rough gauge to how much you realistically need.

How to apply for a Canada digital nomad visa

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website and sign up for an account to apply for your Canada visa, pay fees, check the status of your application and so on from the IRCC Portal.

From there, you can also find out how to submit your biometrics. This must be done in person, so wait for your biometric instruction letter (BIL) after paying the application fees. Then, book an appointment as instructed on the BIL and visit the official biometrics collection location within 30 days to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.

How long is the Canada digital nomad visa valid for?

The Canada digital nomad visa is just like a Canada travel visa, which allows eligible travellers to stay in the country for up to 6 months. Under the Canada digital nomad program, should the remote worker find a Canadian employer, they must then apply for a Canada work permit.

What to expect working as a digital nomad in Canada

Filipinos who work as digital nomads in Canada, can expect a well-rounded work-life balance, thanks to the country's reliable infrastructure, fast internet, and high standard of living. Many from the Philippines stay in the Greater Toronto Area, a metropolis with a slew of attractions, entertainment and amenities.

In Canada, enjoy breathtaking hikes in the northern section of the Rocky Mountains, visit the unforgettable Niagara Falls in Ontario and enjoy the local cuisine such as poutine, crispy fries with cheese curds and gravy. Montreal in the Quebec province is also a draw, with its sophisticated yet warm vibe, and unique French-speaking inhabitants.

Cost of living in Canada

One key area of your research while considering the Canada digital nomad visa is definitely the cost of living there. Expenses are higher in Canada so you really need to do your budgeting before you arrive. To put things into perspective, Canada’s major cities Toronto and Montreal ranked 92 and 118 respectively on Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey⁶, compared to Manila, which ranked 131.

• Price information correct at time of research 13 October 2024

Getting paid from abroad? Use Wise to receive payment and spend in Canada without any hidden fees

While you travel and work remotely from Canada, individuals on the Canada digital nomad visa can consider using the Wise account to receive their salary and work payments from abroad. With over 8+ account details including GBP, CAD, and more, you’ll be able to receive and convert your salary at the mid-market rate with absolutely no hidden fees.¹⁰

Whether it’s exchanging it for Philippine pesos to send back home, or Canadian dollars for your overseas expenses, the Wise account holds over 40+ currencies. You can also get a linked Wise prepaid card that allows you to pay for your daily expenses in Canada, along with 150+ other countries. If you find yourself needing some cash, the Wise card even offers some free ATM withdrawals of up to 12,000 PHP

Still pondering your digital nomad visa application? We hope that this guide to the Canada digital nomad visa requirements can help make your decision a little easier. Whether you plan to fly to Canada, or anywhere else in the world, take Wise along on your journey to make spending more convenient and a little bit cheaper.

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Sources checked on 11/10/2024