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Remote work for a US company while living in Canada on a closed work permit

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,469
13,472
Hi All,
I’ve started thinking about finding a second job in the US while residing in Canada on a closed work permit. I’m a Software Engineer, and finding a contract isn’t difficult, but I still have questions regarding Canadian immigration laws:
  1. Am I allowed to work remotely on a contract for a US company (as a second job) while living in Canada with a closed work permit for my main job?
  2. Can a US employer deposit a regular salary directly into my Canadian bank account?
  3. Are there any official sources of information on this topic besides this link?
  4. Could this cause issues with BC PNP TECH? I’ve already received an ITA and am waiting for a nomination.
  5. Do I need to declare the US contract work in my Express Entry profile?
Thank you!
Not possible on your closed WP in Canada. You are only entitled to work for the employer stated on your WP and you are essentially asking to become self-employed in Canada at the same time.
 

iVictor

Star Member
Dec 20, 2021
78
13

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,469
13,472
Then how should we interpret this point in the official documentation:

What kind of activities are not considered to be “work”?
long distance (by telephone or Internet) work done by a temporary resident whose employer is outside Canada and who is remunerated from outside Canada;

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/what-is-work.html
If person was a visitor and was not paid in Canada that may be possible but that is not the situation described. Individual is on a closed work permit asking to take on self-employment in Canada. Whether the employer has any ties to Canada (offices or clients/customers also a factor).