News that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, planned to step back from their royal duties and spend at least part of their time in Canada has prompted a question: How can the pair gain financial independence in a country where it appears neither has the right to live and work?

“In order to become legal permanent residents of Canada, they would need to apply through our normal immigration processes,” said Béatrice Fénelon, a spokeswoman for Canada’s immigration agency. “However, members of the royal family are not required to seek authorization to come and stay in Canada as visitors.”