'Digital Nomad' after IEC working holiday

[Sam-NL-2025]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 30-year-old from the Netherlands currently in Canada on an IEC Working Holiday visa, which expires at the end of September 2025. I’ve been working for a Canadian employer but unfortunately, it looks like I won’t be able to secure a Young Professional visa.

My girlfriend is still in Canada on a project until beginning of 2026, also on IEC, so wont be able to arrange a spousal visa. I’ll be returning to the Netherlands when my IEC expires, where I’ll start a new remote job with a Dutch employer on a Dutch contract.

My plan is to re-enter Canada around October on an eTA as a digital nomad, staying for up to 6 months (until March 2026). I won’t be working for a Canadian company, just remotely for my Dutch employer.

However, I’ve already spent 9 months in Canada this year, and I’m unsure if this could affect my re-entry. I can’t find clear info on whether this is allowed or advisable.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Copingwithlife]

As long as they don’t have a Canadian office , employees or clients

That six months isn’t guaranteed

More than likely you’ll be fine . You’re not guaranteed entry into Canada. Just as I am not guaranteed entry into the Netherlands

 

[Sam-NL-2025]

Thanks, no they don't have any offices, employees or clients here fortunately.

So the time spent on the IEC visa should not influence the eTA decision?

I will have a flight booked back to NL in March, which will be after approx. 6 months. As the 6 months is not guaranteed, would it be possible that they only allow me 3 months for example? Or would it be smarter to book a two flights, so i limit my maximum stay to 3 months each time?

 

[scylla]

Thanks, no they don't have any offices, employees or clients here fortunately.

So the time spent on the IEC visa should not influence the eTA decision?

I will have a flight booked back to NL in March, which will be after approx. 6 months. As the 6 months is not guaranteed, would it be possible that they only allow me 3 months for example? Or would it be smarter to book a two flights, so i limit my maximum stay to 3 months each time?

It's entirely up to CBSA if and how long you are allowed into Canada. So yes, there's always some chance you may not be allowed in for a full six months.