Step-by-Step Guide: Relocating to Canada as a Digital Nomad
Anyone who is a digital nomad has several opportunities open to them because the profession has become popular over time, especially in Canada. The beauty aspect of being a digital nomad is that you can work from anywhere while you earn competitive salaries per project.
If you’re thinking of relocating to any country, Canada should be your best choice because of its high-quality lifestyle and massive Internet infrastructure. Let’s not forget the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes too.
There are also major cities you could choose to settle in; from Toronto to Vancouver and others, they offer serene beauty which attracts tech professionals like digital nomads.
This article is crafted perfectly to put you through the process of relocating to Canada as a digital nomad. May find it difficult to successfully migrate to the Great White North because of the failure to make proper findings.
But don’t fret; we’ll expound everything you need to know for a smooth relocation. We assure you that after reading and setting your plans ahead, Canada will be your next destination in a few days!
Why Is Canada The Best Place For Digital Nomads?
Relocating to Canada as a digital nomad offers several benefits which are not disputable. Imagine having the freedom to choose where you want to work and also have the chance to visit various cities within your Province.
Since you are a stranger to Canadian soil, you will be able to balance your work-life balance with personal interests that suit you and some special adventures that come with it.
If you also wish to consider being a digital nomad as a full-time job, then you don’t have to bother about commuting to work, which can be exhausting. Amazingly, you get to effectively manage your income streams and also choose the kind of people you wish to relate with.
Everyone knows that Canada has a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, especially those who want to get a job or study because they will get the best out of their stay. As we stated above, relocating to Canada as a digital nomad makes you live a high quality of life especially if your income is very significant.
You also have access to an excellent healthcare system, unlike where you came from. The population is also friendly and diverse whereby you could meet different types of people. You could also explore some of the best cities to experience their cultural scenes.
Most importantly, you will also be immersed in the county’s natural beauty because there are various tourist destinations where you can visit majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, and forests.
How Can I Prepare for My Move In Relocating To Canada As A Digital Nomad?
It’s important to know that relocating to Canada as a digital nomad involves several steps that you need to take seriously to have a higher chance of success. We are going to look into these steps to keep you on track to ensure a smooth transition.
You can never run out of choices because the cities in Canada are very vibrant and perfect for newcomers. The only difference is the standard of living that needs to be understood. You need to do your research in this field and select the city that aligns with your interests and your job as a digital nomad.
You need to determine whether your business will flourish in such a place and whether you are going to get clients or employment from a company. Other important things to check out for are the climate conditions and cost of living because the latter impact your financial situation significantly.
In all you do, ensure to have a balanced and accurate budget to start relocating to Canada as a digital nomad. By doing this, closely examine the living cost in your city to determine how to plan your budget.
You can start by enquiring about the price of basic needs over there like food, transportation, and also the access to other amenities. While doing this, include setting up costs to meet the financial obligations of travel expenses, security deposits for accommodations, and other important plans.
You must ensure that all travel papers are in order before relocating to Canada as a digital nomad. Keep your passport and visa safe to avoid stories that touch the heart.
Additionally, make copies of some documents so that you can be assessed properly at the airport. You can come along with your driver’s license and insurance policy documentation to establish your identity.
What Are The Visa and Immigration Requirements For Relocating To Canada As A Digital Nomad?
You can escape the process of visa requirements while passing through the immigration authorities as it is very important in relocating to Canada as a digital nomad.
When selecting a visa, you need to understand what you need as well as the supporting documents needed to facilitate your entry approval into the country. If you don’t know about the visa options, let’s explain each of them briefly below;
Canada might offer you several visa options, starting from the Electronics Travel Authorization (eTA), which is usually meant for short-term stays. Getting this particular visa might not be a wise option because you might intend to reside in the country for a significant period.
Note that the eTA visa has eligibility criteria and if you don’t belong to it, they may offer you the Temporary Residents Visa (TRV). There’s no difference between these visas, only that the names and applications are different; in the end, you get to stay for only six months.
If you need to stay longer, we suggest you explore other options like the Work Permit or the “Self Employment Persons Program. Note that these two have a complicated process because you need to meet the requirements to get approved.
Application Process For Relocating To Canada As A Digital Nomad
If you choose to go for the eTA or TRV, then some requirements need to be met which you are going to fulfill to secure a smooth entry. The process of obtaining this kind of visa is different because of the short stay period.
1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
● File your application using the Official Canadian government website
● Get your county’s passport ready. You also need your credit card details as well as your email address for notifications.
● Wait for approval which is usually a few days afterward your eTA will be linked electronically to your passport.
2. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
● Ensure the application form is filled accurately. Required documents should include a valid passport, proof of funds, and a letter of invitation.
● Review your application before submitting it online or at a Visa Application Center (VAC)
● Note that the processing time may not be the same which is why you need to apply well in advance of your planned travel.
How To Find Accommodation After Relocating To Canada As A Digital Nomad
You need to make your move by getting a place to stay. We suggest that you do so before going to Canada to make things easy and find a perfect place to stay.
But it’s fine if you have someone to stay with. While you need a place for yourself, your housing choice must align with your budget, and here are some types of rentals you could encounter in Canada;
Short-term rentals are available on various platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. It’s recommended to try any of them out because they offer various short-term rental options. You could get a private apartment or a shared space.
The housing you’re looking for must be based on your chosen location. The benefit of getting short-term rentals is that they are furnished with utilities like WiFi and others.
This type of lease is specially made for those intending to stay in the county for a long period. All you need to do is get your preferred housing option and sign the long-term term lease agreement. Famous websites like Craigslist and Kijiji could be of help.
You can also resort to a local estate to find rental properties. Many digital nomads choose long-term leases because they are cost-effective. While applying for the lease, get prepared to provide your proof of income and a security deposit.
If you need to make new friends or integrate with a unique person, this can be the right option for you; websites like Welive and Roam offer some of the best-shared accommodations in Canada which you can try out. The likes of freelancers and students usually use this kind of space.
How To Exploring Cities In Canada as a Digital Nomad
If you reached this far, you already understand that Canada is an opportunity for digital nomads like you. There is more to relocating to the Great White North and excelling as a professional digital nomad.
You should get yourself some time to explore some of the county’s vibrant cities. Regardless of whatever you’re visiting for, Canada will always have something to offer you in some of her best cities listed below;
Totient is Canada’s largest city and you can begin your life there where you’ll experience a multicultural landscape with a booming tech scene and various places to build career opportunities. Toronto also has some of the best places to visit like the Royal Ontario Museum and the CN Tower.
Get ready to immerse yourself with the natural beauty of Vancouver where there’s always a perfect blend of urban life and outdoor activities. You can’t afford to miss all the excitement and fun that this city has to offer. Begin your adventure by exploring Stanley Park, or Granville Island to have a breathtaking experience.
Montreal is very different from other cities in Canada because of its rich cultural background. If you love to know about the city’s history, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to some of the best museums in town and also know more about the plateau neighborhood.
You should choose this city if you’re a fan of outdoor activities. There are many spots where you can chill and relax like the Banff and Jasper National Parks. As an extrovert, you would also love to participate in the city’s Calgary Stampede to establish a good social connection with different people.
What is the cheapest country to live as a digital nomad?
There are many cheap countries to live as a digital nomad. The only difference is the visa application process; some might be complex while others are straightforward. Some of the countries include Portugal, Greece, Mexico, Brazil, Malta, and Costa Rica. These countries guarantee a low cost of living where you can shave stable financial conditions.
Can I move to Canada as a digital nomad?
Yes, you can; but there will be the need to follow a complex process in such a way that when done properly, your entry will be approved. This involves getting travel authorization and obtaining other essential requirements from the Canadian immigration services.
What is the salary requirement for a digital nomad visa in Canada?
It should be noted that Canada has no salary requirement for digital nomads at the moment. However, some countries like Iceland require that applicants must have a monthly income of at least $8,000 before applying. The purpose of this is to establish good financial stability.
What are the requirements for a digital nomad visa in Canada?
The Canadian government needs to ensure that you meet all the requirements before they can grant you access to their country. Some of the important travel documents needed include a valid passport, proof of income, and other supporting documents.
We’ve succeeded in providing you with everything you need when relocating to Canada as a certified digital nomad. The only way through an approved entry into the country and living a fulfilling life is by following all the steps we’ve mentioned in this content. Ensure you implement them to have a higher chance of establishing yourself as a freelancer in the Great White North.