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Working remotely in Canada for Australian employer

adro93

Newbie
Mar 15, 2022
3
0
I will be travelling to Canada with my partner for 6 months to visit his family. I am an Australian citizen, and my partner is a Canadian citizen.

I anticipate entering Canada on an eTA. I would like to work remotely for my Australian employer during my stay in Canada. The organisation has no clients or ties in Canada.

I would appreciate any advice or thoughts on the following:
1. Will I have any trouble entering Canada at the border if I don’t have a return flight booked?
2. Do I need a work visa to work remotely in Canada? My research suggests that remote work by a non-resident for a foreign employer is not considered work under Canadian immigration guidelines.
3. What, if anything, do I need to say to the border officer if they ask me about my plans in Canada?

Note: I am aware remote working can introduce tax obligations for my Australian employer. They will be applying for a waiver under the tax treaty. My questions are about visa requirements and entrance at the border.
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
96,869
22,848
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
I will be travelling to Canada with my partner for 6 months to visit his family. I am an Australian citizen, and my partner is a Canadian citizen.

I anticipate entering Canada on an eTA. I would like to work remotely for my Australian employer during my stay in Canada. The organisation has no clients or ties in Canada.

I would appreciate any advice or thoughts on the following:
1. Will I have any trouble entering Canada at the border if I don’t have a return flight booked?
2. Do I need a work visa to work remotely in Canada? My research suggests that remote work by a non-resident for a foreign employer is not considered work under Canadian immigration guidelines.
3. What, if anything, do I need to say to the border officer if they ask me about my plans in Canada?

Note: I am aware remote working can introduce tax obligations for my Australian employer. They will be applying for a waiver under the tax treaty. My questions are about visa requirements and entrance at the border.
1. No one can answer this question definitively. Airlines generally prefer you to have two way tickets if you are a visitor. Sometimes they demand this to allow boarding. So it's possible you could have issues boarding your flight to Canada and may have to purchase a return ticket to be allowed on. However most likely you won't. In terms of arriving in Canada, CBSA determines how long you are allowed into Canada when you arrive. Since you are an eTA holder, most likely you'll be allowed in for the default six months. There is some chance they may give you less time and some chance they may not like the fact you only have a one way ticket. Most likely it won't be an issue.
2. No work visa needed.
3. You just say you're visiting.
 
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