Query - Rules on working remotely for non-canadian employer on tourist visa

[lsavageca]

Hello,

So I've been trying to find a definitive answer for this and keep coming across contradicting statements.

I'm wanting clarification on the rules for working remotely for a non-canadian employer whilst in Canada on a tourist visa.
I found a post from 2014 and one from 2016 (https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/working-remote-while-travelling-in-canada-with-eta.429193/) which suggests it is possible and legal to work remotely for a non-Canadian company with no Canadian customers while in Canada on a tourist Visa. But I've read in other places that any type of work requires a work permit.
Can anyone confirm this and provide links to the appropriate section of the Canadian immigration site stating this?

Also, does anyone know about or have experience declaring this when arriving in Canada? Basically, should I declare that I will continue working for a non-Canadian employer with no Canadian customers or just omit it?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[Bs65]

Answer is here

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/what-is-work.html

So not considered as work, quote from link above

long distance (by telephone or Internet) work done by a temporary resident whose employer is outside Canada and who is remunerated from outside Canada;

Not really advisable to even bring the word 'work' into any conversation with CBSA as that will likely lead you down a route you do not want to go down even if innocent and not working as such

If CBSA lead you into a conversation that needs to you say what you will do whilst in Canada say for months as opposed to a standard tourist 2/3 weeks then of course be honest otherwise only answer questions asked dont volunteer extra info, it will just confuse matters and CBSA are trained to drag info they want out of you anyway.

 

[lsavageca]

Hi Bs65,

That's exactly what I've been looking for. That fits my description perfectly at the moment.

Thank you very much.
Luke

 

[daydah]

Hi Bs65,
Thank you so much for your answer.
...and who is remunerated from outside Canada;...
Does this mean the person can get paid from within Canada? Maybe to a Canadian bank account?
Thank you in advance

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi Bs65,
Thank you so much for your answer.
...and who is remunerated from outside Canada;...
Does this mean the person can get paid from within Canada? Maybe to a Canadian bank account?
Thank you in advance

?

It means what it says: "remunerated outside of Canada". That is the exact opposite of being paid in Canada.

 

[nikki1992]

Answer is here

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/what-is-work.html

So not considered as work, quote from link above

long distance (by telephone or Internet) work done by a temporary resident whose employer is outside Canada and who is remunerated from outside Canada;

Not really advisable to even bring the word 'work' into any conversation with CBSA as that will likely lead you down a route you do not want to go down even if innocent and not working as such

If CBSA lead you into a conversation that needs to you say what you will do whilst in Canada say for months as opposed to a standard tourist 2/3 weeks then of course be honest otherwise only answer questions asked dont volunteer extra info, it will just confuse matters and CBSA are trained to drag info they want out of you anyway.

Hello @Bs65

I have a question regarding this. Since it is not considered as work in Canada while working remotely from Canada on tourist visa, Does that work count towards FSW as a foreign work experience (While you are working remotely from Canada for an Indian company which is completely offshore).

Thanks

 

[MysticWolf]

Hi everyone and thank for this precious information. Do you know if this is real for a freelancer too? I am a self employed as facilitator/therapist, working remotely (visio) with clients from everywhere. Could be seen as digital nomadism... Can I enter the country on a visitor visa and keep seeing my clients while I am waiting for a work permit for Canada (which will take months)?I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
Thank you

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi everyone and thank for this precious information. Do you know if this is real for a freelancer too? I am a self employed as facilitator/therapist, working remotely (visio) with clients from everywhere. Could be seen as digital nomadism... Can I enter the country on a visitor visa and keep seeing my clients while I am waiting for a work permit for Canada (which will take months)?I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
Thank you

What Canadian work permit have you applied for?

 

[MysticWolf]

What Canadian work permit have you applied for?

For now I will be applying for an Express Entry and I would like to go as a visitor to eventually find a job offer that I can add to my visa application.

 

[Naturgrl]

For now I will be applying for an Express Entry and I would like to go as a visitor to eventually find a job offer that I can add to my visa application.

So you have submitted a profile but not applied and been invited. What is your CRS score and NOC? A job offer doesn’t help you so no need to add to application. A job offer doesn’t let you work in Canada. You need your employer to file for and pay for a LMIA proving no Canadian/PR could not be hired, only you have the education/skills/language. Then with LMIA, you apply for a closed work permit. With LMIA, you can count 50 points. The process takes a long time and many employers may not be eligible or want to go through the process.

You can work remotely but make sure you have no Canadian clients/offices etc.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone and thank for this precious information. Do you know if this is real for a freelancer too? I am a self employed as facilitator/therapist, working remotely (visio) with clients from everywhere. Could be seen as digital nomadism... Can I enter the country on a visitor visa and keep seeing my clients while I am waiting for a work permit for Canada (which will take months)?I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
Thank you

You should be good as long as none of your customers / clients are in Canada.

 

[MysticWolf]

Ok thank you, I think I understand. Sorry, I didn't submit anything yet, I am in the process of exploring my options. I am ueny French and English and I am a web designer by trade. I find it hard to assess from a distance and I would like to go and spend 6 months there to see what is possible. What is LMIA?

 

[Naturgrl]

Ok thank you, I think I understand. Sorry, I didn't submit anything yet, I am in the process of exploring my options. I am ueny French and English and I am a web designer by trade. I find it hard to assess from a distance and I would like to go and spend 6 months there to see what is possible. What is LMIA?

Google - LMIA

In Canada, you apply for jobs online so no door to door.