International Applicants
Your options are:
- International Experience Canada Program (IEC) (working holiday work permit):
This work permit is appropriate for applicants who wish to stay in Canada for 1 – 2 years and work for multiple employers anywhere within Canada OR your work term at Muskoka Woods will include the winter months of January through til March. The IEC process requires filling out an online profile which then goes into a “pool”. According to their website the wait can be days, weeks or months. If successful, you will then receive an acceptance notice and further paperwork. Biometrics (fingerprints) are required. You do not need a “job offer” from Muskoka Woods or any other paperwork in order to apply for an IEC. You should consider applying for this work permit as early as possible since the wait can be lengthy. The cost for the IEC work permit is approximately $160.00 CDN, plus an IEC processing fee. Please note, not all countries qualify for an IEC. Please check the list on the link provided above.
This work permit is available for anyone applying for a position at Muskoka Woods for the spring, summer and/or fall months. You would not be allowed to work for any other employer while on this work permit. Biometrics (fingerprints) are required. Muskoka Woods will provide all paperwork needed for you to apply either online or at Port of Entry (Toronto airport). Preparation time is required, so do not delay in submitting your Muskoka Woods application. This work permit is free.
Payroll Policy:
Once hired, international staff will be considered employees and must obtain a Social Insurance Number (once you have arrived in Canada) in order to be paid.
Once you have signed your contract, you will also be required to complete a TD1 form for tax purposes.
As an employee of Muskoka Woods you will receive remuneration in Canadian dollars.
In order to receive your pay by direct deposit, you will be required to open a WISE account – this account will allow you to bank internationally with ease and very low fees.
Please note that:
- The TD1 form questions are included in the onboarding section of your online profile.
- The Social Insurance Number can be obtained at the airport or will be arranged by Muskoka Woods.
- International staff will be subject to tax deductions. The amount is dependent on your own personal employment situation. For more detailed information, continue to this link – non-resident Canada tax laws.
Medical Insurance:
If an employee is injured while “on the job”, the cost of the injuries could be covered under WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board), subject to approval. However, if he/she is injured while not working, or if an international staff member becomes ill and requires a visit to the hospital (including any surgeries, dental emergencies and prescriptions) any expenses incurred would not be covered. We require all International staff to obtain personal medical/travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada and upload proof of coverage in their onboarding. Please ensure that your insurance provider covers all Covid-19 related illnesses.
Manulife is a company many staff have used, however, employees may source their own.
*Please note: Individuals staying longer than 6 months with a valid work permit may apply for an Ontario Health Card after working and living in Ontario for 6 months.
Traveling while in Canada:
As long as you are on a valid work permit, you may travel before and after your contract as long as you are not earning money while in Canada and you have the Electronic Travel Authorization (which you would apply for before you travel). Regulations may vary due to your citizenship — be sure to check the rules specific to you.
Driving while in Canada:
Out of province or out of country driver’s licenses are only valid for 90 days after entering Ontario. After 90 days, your license is considered expired. Anyone with an expired license will not be allowed to drive a Muskoka Woods vehicle, purchase a vehicle while in Canada or legally be permitted to drive a friend’s car.
If you are planning to stay in Ontario longer than 90 days and want to drive, we recommend that you obtain an International Driving Permit that allows you to drive up to 1 year while in Ontario. It’s important to note, you cannot obtain the IDP in Ontario, you must get it in the county/province that your license was issued in.
For more detailed information, continue to this link – Ontario Drivers License.
Get to know your rights while working in Canada:
It is important to us that you know your rights as an international staff member on a work permit. Please take a moment to read this government issued pamphlet.
Get to know your rights while working in Canada
Apprenez quels sont vos droits en tant que travailleur au Canada:
Il est important pour nous que vous connaissiez vos droits en tant que membre du personnel international titulaire d’un permis de travail. Veuillez prendre quelques instants pour lire cette brochure publiée par le gouvernement.
Apprenez quels sont vos droits en tant que travailleur au Canada
Are you ready to apply?
Now that you know a little bit about work permits, pay, traveling and medical insurance, we’re hoping you will consider working at Muskoka Woods. Click here to apply!
Why not consider multi-season employment? Muskoka Woods is a great place to spend your gap year! Apply now to spend one, two, three or four seasons at Muskoka Woods!
For more information, please refer to our FAQ’s or feel free to contact Diane Huff at internationals@muskokawoods.com.
International Staff Tax Information
Information you need to know
If 90% or more of your total income (from all sources) in the calendar year is earned in Canada, you may be able to claim certain tax credits based on your personal situation that may result in being exempt from federal income tax. However, if your income earned in Canada is less than 90% of your total world income for the calendar year, then no deductions apply. International staff in this category may be subject to up to 30-35% income tax withheld at source. Some or all of this tax may be refundable by filing a Canadian tax return in March of the following year.
If you have questions or concerns about the tax that may be withheld from your pay and whether it is refundable, Muskoka Woods recommends that you contact a tax expert in your country for advice about your personal situation.
While you may only be temporarily employed in Canada with Muskoka Woods, you will be subject to the same payroll reporting and withholding tax obligations as a full-time resident of Canada.
Following the end of the calendar year, Muskoka Woods will mail you a Canadian payroll withholding slip, Form T4, which will summarize your taxable wages for Canadian tax purposes as well as the Canadian income tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance withheld on your behalf.
A sample T4 slip can be found here.
Please retain the T4 slip issued by Muskoka Woods as it will be required in order for you to file your Canadian income tax return.
Information about filing a non-resident Canadian Tax Return
Your annual Canadian income tax return, Form TD1, is filed to report the income earned for the calendar year period. The income tax return is due April 30 following the end of the calendar year of employment.
As a non-resident of Canada, you are not entitled to claim a personal exemption amount (known as the “basic personal amount”) for federal or provincial income tax purposes unless your Canadian employment income represents 90% of your worldwide income. If you meet this condition, you will be exempt from Canadian tax on approximately the first CDN $14,398 of earnings.
The various annual tax forms necessary to file a Canadian income tax return are typically posted by the Canada Revenue Agency in mid-February, around the same time that you will receive the T4 wage reporting slip from Muskoka Woods.
Sample Canadian tax forms from prior years can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency site.
Once you mail your completed income tax return, the Canada Revenue Agency will typically take approximately 8 to 10 weeks to review your return and issue you a formal Notice of Assessment. Any refund due to you will typically follow shortly thereafter by mail. To speed up the refund delivery, you can have your refund directly deposited to an account at a Canadian financial institution.
Special Tax Provision for USA Residents
If you are a resident of the United States for income tax purposes, you may benefit from filing a Canadian income tax return to recover your Canadian income taxes withheld.
The Canada-US Income Tax Treaty provides that a resident of the US working in Canada as a non-resident will be exempt from Canadian income tax if you earn less than the basic income credit for the calendar year In Canada. In order to recover your Canadian income tax withheld, you will be required to file a Canadian income tax return.
Please note that you will not be able to recover the Canada Pension Plan (see Form T4 box 16) and Employment Insurance (see Form T4 box 18) premiums paid.
While you may be exempt from Canadian income tax, you may be subject to federal, state and/or local income tax in your home jurisdiction. Please speak to your tax advisor to confirm your US income tax filing obligations
Questions?
Please email our HR team at: internationals@muskokawoods.com