International Applicants (2026)

Thinking about spending your next adventure-filled season in Canada? At Muskoka Woods, we welcome international staff from all over the world every year – and we’re pumped you’re considering joining us! Working at camp is a life-changing experience, but since you’ll be earning money in Canada, there are a few important things you’ll need to know about work permits, payroll, taxes, and travel. Don’t worry – we’ve broken it all down for you below so you can focus on planning the summer (or gap year!) of a lifetime. Let’s make it official!

Work Permit Options (aka How You’re Allowed to Work in Canada)

1. IEC – Working Holiday Permit

For applicants 18+ from eligible countries.
Valid for 1–2 years. You can work for multiple employers across Canada.
Best if you’re planning to stay past summer (September to March).

How it works:

Fill out an online profile and get added to a “pool”.
If you’re picked, you’ll get instructions to move forward.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required.
You don’t need a job offer to apply.
Apply ASAP – wait times can be long (days to months).
Fees apply – check the IEC website for exact costs.
Not every country qualifies – be sure to check the eligibility list.

2. IMP – LMIA Exemption (for Muskoka Woods)

For international staff only working spring & summer at Muskoka Woods.
You can’t work for anyone else while on this permit.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required.
Muskoka Woods will:
– Provide all required documents.
– Help you apply at the Toronto airport (Port of Entry).
No application fee, but apply early so everything’s ready in time.

Pay, Taxes & Getting Paid

Once you’re hired, you’re an official employee in Canada – here’s what you need to do when you arrive:

Get a SIN (Social Insurance Number) – Muskoka Woods can help or you can do it at the airport.
Fill out the TD1 Tax Form (included in your onboarding).
Set up a WISE account for getting paid internationally – super low fees.
You’ll be paid in Canadian dollars, through direct deposit.
Taxes will be deducted from your pay, based on Canadian tax rules.

Medical Insurance

Injured while working? You might be covered by WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board).
Injured or sick off-the-clock? You’re not covered. That includes hospital visits, dental, prescriptions, surgeries, etc.
You must get your own medical/travel insurance while in Canada.
– Upload proof during onboarding.
– Manulife is one option, or choose your own provider.
Staying more than 6 months?
– After 6 months of living/working in Ontario, you might qualify for an Ontario Health Card.

Travelling While You’re Here

Yes, you can travel before or after your contract! But:

You must be on a valid work permit.
You can’t work or earn money while traveling.
You’ll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada.
Travel rules depend on your citizenship — double check what’s required for you.

Driving in Ontario

Your home country’s driver’s license is valid for 90 days after arriving.
After that, it’s considered expired in Ontario, meaning you can’t drive Muskoka Woods vehicles, rent or buy a car, or legally drive at all.
Staying longer than 90 days?
– Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before coming to Canada.
– You can’t get one in Ontario — it must be issued from your home region.
– The IDP is valid for up to one year in Canada.

Click here for complete information on obtaining an Ontario driver’s license

Know Your Rights

You’re protected under Canadian law – and it’s important you know your rights.

[English – Know Your Rights While Working in Canada]
[Français – Apprenez quels sont vos droits]

Ready to Apply?

You’ve got the info – now it’s time to join us at Muskoka Woods! Apply here.

Thinking about a gap year? Why not spend spring, summer, fall, or winter (or all four!) with us?

Still have questions? Email internationals@muskokawoods.com or check our FAQs for more answers.

Tax Info

What You Need to Know About Taxes at Muskoka Woods (for International Staff)

Even though you’re only working in Canada temporarily, you’re still subject to Canadian tax rules. But depending on how much of your total income is earned in Canada, you may be eligible for tax credits – and possibly a refund. Here’s the breakdown:

Canadian Income & Tax Withholding

If 90%+ of your total yearly income is earned in Canada:
– You may qualify for tax credits and may be exempt from federal tax on the first ~$14,398 CAD.
If less than 90% of your income is earned in Canada:
– No credits apply – up to 30–35% of your Canadian pay may be withheld as tax.
Some or all of it may be refundable by filing a Canadian tax return.

Filing Your Canadian Tax Return

You’ll receive a T4 slip from Muskoka Woods after the calendar year ends (around February).
– This summarizes your wages and any taxes/deductions.
– Keep this slip – it’s essential for filing your Canadian tax return.
Tax forms become available around mid-February on the CRA website.
File your tax return by April 30 for the previous year.
Refunds usually arrive 8-10 weeks after filing.
– You can request direct deposit to a Canadian bank account for faster refunds.

Quick Facts

Your tax return is called Form TD1.
You are not automatically eligible for basic tax exemptions unless you meet the 90% rule.
Canada also withholds:
– Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Box 16 on your T4 (This amount is not refundable even if you get a tax refund.)
– Employment Insurance (EI) – Box 18 on your T4 (This amount is not refundable even if you get a tax refund.)

Special Note for U.S. Residents

If you’re a U.S. resident for tax purposes:

You may be exempt from Canadian income tax under the Canada-U.S.
Tax Treaty if your Canadian income is below the basic exemption.
To get your tax refunded, you must file a Canadian tax return.
CPP and EI contributions cannot be refunded.
You may still owe U.S. federal, state, or local taxes – check with a tax advisor.

Pro Tips

Unsure if your tax is refundable or how much you’ll owe? Talk to a tax advisor in your home country for personal guidance.
Keep copies of all tax documents (T4, TD1, etc.)
Filing online or early can speed up your refund.

Questions?

Reach out to our HR team: internationals@muskokawoods.com.