Can I work under a work permit for Canadian company and maintain my foreign clients I contract to?

[ryannealmes]

I have found a full time job with a company in Canada and my work permit is underway. Once I get this I will move to Canada and start working full time for that company. I still have clients around the world that I contract to. I do not want to lose the ability to do this ad hoc work while working and living in Canada.

My question is, Is it legal to work for foreign clients whilst living in Canada on a work permit?

Note I am happy to declare any income earned from this for tax purposes.

 

[ryannealmes]

After chatting to an actual immigration lawyer and paying cash to find this out, it is legal. It seems immigration laws have not caught up to the idea of working remotely. His advice was ... your work permit relates to your ability to work in Canada only, it is fine to work for other people as long as it's not in Canada.

There are obviously tax implications that need to be considered, but this question was more from a visa perspective.

 

[jes_ON]

My question is, Is it legal to work for foreign clients whilst living in Canada on a work permit?

Yes. But you already know that. And YES, the tax implications are quite a headache.