Arrival into Canada

You cannot work at summer camp without a valid work permit. An eTA does not allow you to work, it only allows you to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

You will need a work permit to work at camp unless you:

• are a Canadian citizen/permanent resident
• currently have a IEC Working Holiday Visa
• a Canadian study permit (not all study permits allow you to work so please review your permit)

You will apply for your work permit at your first port of entry into Canada, where you will provide the immigration officer with the documents we provide you. 

We provide these documents to you approximately 2 weeks before you are due to travel. If you have not recieved these documents, please contact us immediately. 

Check all the following information is correct on your work permit before you leave immigration:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Employer
• Start date & End date

Amending these details after you leave the airport is extremely difficult and can affect your time in Canada (e.g., if your dates are incorrect then you legally may not be able to work the time stipulated in your camp contract)

No. You have to apply at the first port of entry into Canada for you work permit. You must use the documents we provide you approximately 2 weeks before you travel. 

It's important you print these out to present to the immigration officer. 

You need to apply for your work permit at the first port of entry into Canada (e.g., if your final destination is Vancouver but you land in Toronto first, you will need to apply for your work permit in Toronto). 

Ensure you leave enough time between connecting flights to apply for this, sometimes it can take at least 4 hours. 

No. You will be applying for an employer-specific work permit which only authorizes you to work at the specified employer. 

However, if you have an open work permit, such as an IEC, you can use this to work for different employers. 

It's a scan of your fingerprints and a picture of your face. These are a requirement for you to enter Canada, and they will be taken as you pass through immigration to obtain your work permit.

After you provide your biometrics at the border, the details are valid for 10 years.

Yes. It costs $85 CAD per person so ensure you have the funds available.

You can find out if your biometrics are still valid using this status tool.

There are two ways to apply for your SIN:

• at the airport (after customs but before baggage claim)
• online after obtaining your work permit (you can find our guide in your Camp Canada portal at the 'Ready to Fly' stage, or on your Arrival Instructions/Arrival Checklist documents)

No, not all Canadian airports have a Service Canada. If the airport you arrive in does not have a Service Canada then you will need to apply for your SIN online.

No. They usually open Monday-Friday, check online to see their business hours (depending on the airport).

If you apply for a SIN online or by mail and your application meets the requirements, you will receive a letter with your SIN by mail within 20 business days from the date the application is received.

If more than 25 business days have passed and you would like to find out the status of your application, you can contact the SIN office using this help form. Let our team know if you don't hear back and we can support.

If for any reason your luggage does not make it to your final destination, you must file a lost luggage claim while at the airport. Camp Canada’s Toronto Office and your camp can assist with obtaining your lost luggage, but cannot do so unless you have filed a lost luggage claim.

You can provide your camp’s summer address. But, if you are unsure as to where your luggage should be sent once located, we recommend contacting someone from your camp to ask if there is another specific address that your luggage can be sent to.

You should have in your hand a copy of your onward travel instructions. You can visit the ‘Travel and Flights’ section of your Camp Canada profile to print these instructions out before you fly. Contact the Camp Canada’s helpline at any time during your travels if you need assistance.

Make sure to connect with your camp director to find out how you will be paid this summer. 

1. Direct Deposit
   • We recommend opening up a free multi-currency bank account with Wise. This online service will allow you to set up a multicurrency bank account with Canadian direct deposit details. Through Wise, you will be able to have funds transferred directly between your Canadian account and your local bank account.
2. Cheques
   • You can open up a bank account within Canada. Alternatively, you can bring your camp paycheque home and deposit it in your home bank account after the summer (exchange rates may apply).