How to Apply to Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ): Complete 2025–2026 Application Guide
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a federal youth wage subsidy that helps employers create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30. Administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Service Canada, the program offers up to 100% wage coverage for eligible not-for-profits and up to 50% for eligible public and private sector employers.
Deadline reminder: The 2025–2026 CSJ application period is open from November 4, 2025, to December 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted.
This guide explains exactly how to apply to Canada Summer Jobs, including eligibility checks, required documents, the application process through GCOS (Grants and Contributions Online Services) or the online fillable form, timelines, and practical tips to strengthen your submission.
Overview of Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to support employers across Canada in offering quality summer jobs. The program funds positions that provide meaningful, supervised work experiences and support youth skill development.
Key points:
Program type: Wage subsidy (federal government funding).
Administered by: ESDC and Service Canada.
Application window: November 4 to December 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PST.
Job period for 2026: Jobs generally take place between April 20 and August 29, 2026.
Employer eligibility: Not-for-profit organizations; public sector employers; private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Funding amount: Not-for-profits up to 100% of the applicable adult minimum wage (plus MERCs). Public and private sector employers up to 50% of the adult minimum wage (MERCs not reimbursed for public/private).
MERCs (Mandatory Employment Related Costs): Typically include employer portions of CPP/QPP, EI, and workers’ compensation premiums.
Note on mail services: During a Canada Post service disruption, mail-in applications and correspondence may be delayed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply via GCOS or the online fillable form to avoid postal delays.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you start your application, confirm that your organization, project, and intended youth positions meet the program’s core eligibility rules. This section summarizes key requirements to support a smooth application. For final confirmation, verify details against official program guidelines.
Employer eligibility:
Not-for-profit organizations (including charities and social enterprises).
Public sector employers (such as municipalities, public libraries, and publicly funded institutions).
Private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across the organization.
Registered and operating in Canada with a CRA business number.
Able to administer payroll, including deductions and remittances, through a CRA payroll (RP) account.
Project and job eligibility:
Duration typically 6 to 16 weeks within the 2026 delivery period.
Hours per week generally 30 to 40 (full-time). Fewer than 30 hours per week requires prior approval.
Work must take place in Canada. Remote work is acceptable if performed within Canada; work performed outside Canada is ineligible.
Positions must be additional (not displacing or replacing existing employees, volunteers, or contractors).
Jobs should provide a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory work environment with appropriate supervision and mentoring.
Job activities must align with health and safety standards and applicable labour laws.
Quality work experience: Provide meaningful tasks, mentoring plans, learning objectives, and opportunities for skills development.
Youth participant eligibility (for hiring later):
Youth aged 15 to 30 at the start of employment.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons granted refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Eligible to work in Canada and possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) prior to the start date.
International students are not eligible for CSJ-funded positions.
Required Documents
Prepare your documents and information early. Having a complete package reduces delays and avoids last-minute issues.
Organization and eligibility:
Legal name, operating name, and CRA business number (BN).
CRA payroll (RP) account number for processing wages and remittances.
Organization type (not-for-profit, public sector, private with 50 or fewer full-time employees).
For charities or not-for-profits, incorporation or registration details (as applicable).
Contact details for your primary and alternate contacts.
Payroll and insurance:
Workers’ compensation board (WCB/WSIB/CSST) account details, where applicable.
Proof of capacity to administer payroll, deductions, and remittances.
Project and job details:
Number of positions requested, job titles, duties, and NOC-related tasks where relevant.
Work location address and constituency where job activities will take place.
Start and end dates for each position (within the 2026 delivery window).
Weekly hours, schedule, and supervision arrangements.
Mentoring plan and learning objectives for each role.
Health, safety, and inclusion measures.
Budget and wage details:
Hourly wage rate per position. Indicate if you plan to pay above minimum wage.
Expected MERCs (for not-for-profits), including employer portions of CPP/QPP, EI, and workers’ compensation premiums.
Calculation worksheet for total requested funding.
Indication of other funding sources (stacking), if any.
Attestations and agreements:
Confirmation you have reviewed the CSJ Articles of Agreement for the 2025–2026 cycle.
Acknowledgement of program rules, including reporting and claim requirements.
Authorized signatory information.
Optional but helpful:
Outline of recruitment plans, including whether you will use Job Bank.
Past performance or prior CSJ experience (if applicable).
Accessibility and accommodation plans for youth with disabilities.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to prepare and submit a complete and timely application. You can apply via GCOS (recommended), the online fillable form, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. During a postal disruption, prioritize GCOS or the online form.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility and scope
Verify that your employer type is eligible and, if private sector, that you have 50 or fewer full-time employees.
Ensure proposed positions meet duration (6–16 weeks), hours (30–40 per week), and Canada-based location rules.
Plan meaningful job duties, supervision, and mentoring to meet the quality work experience criteria.
Review national and local priorities to position your application effectively.
Step 2: Choose your application channel
GCOS (Grants and Contributions Online Services): Best for tracking, uploading, and secure messaging.
Online fillable form: Practical if you cannot access GCOS; ensure you save and resume properly.
Mail or in person: Use only if necessary; allow extra time and track delivery. Consider postal disruptions.
Decision tip:
If you plan multiple positions or anticipate follow-up, use GCOS for centralized tracking.
If you need accessibility accommodations, contact Service Canada early to arrange support.
Step 3: Register or sign in and set up your profile
GCOS users: Create or update your GCOS account well before the deadline. Add or validate your organization profile, CRA BN, and RP account.
Online form users: Review instructions, time-out rules, and save/resume functions before entering data.
Mail/in-person users: Obtain the current application form (EMP5396A) and follow the completion guide carefully.
Step 4: Identify the constituency and local priorities
Determine the federal constituency where the job activities will occur. Use the street address of the main worksite.
Review local priorities for that constituency and province/territory to inform your job descriptions and justification.
If multiple worksites exist, prepare details and ensure each job is attributed to the correct constituency.
Step 5: Complete the employer and project sections
Enter employer legal information, size, and sector.
Provide detailed job descriptions, learning objectives, and supervision/mentoring plans.
Specify start and end dates, weekly hours, and breaks aligned with labour standards.
Confirm a safe and inclusive workplace, including health and safety protocols.
Step 6: Build your budget and funding request
Set hourly wages per role and indicate if you will pay above minimum wage.
Not-for-profits: Include MERCs in your request; calculate CPP/QPP, EI, and workers’ compensation premiums.
Public/private sector: Request up to 50% of the adult minimum wage; do not include MERCs for reimbursement.
Provide a clear calculation for each position and a total requested amount.
Disclose any other government assistance to respect stacking rules.
Step 7: Validate, attach, and review
Attach required documents or statements as requested.
Confirm that each position meets duration and hours rules.
Check for duplicate positions across applications; consolidate or merge if required.
Proofread all entries, ensuring constituency and contact details are accurate.
Have an authorized signatory review and approve the submission.
Step 8: Submit before the deadline
Submit via GCOS, online form, mail, or in person by December 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PST.
Keep your confirmation page or receipt. In GCOS, verify that the status shows “submitted.”
If mailing, use a trackable method and allow for postal delays. During service disruptions, avoid mail if possible.
Step 9: Monitor for acknowledgement and follow-up
Expect an acknowledgement of receipt after submission.
Monitor your GCOS inbox or provided email for any requests for clarification.
Respond promptly to Service Canada enquiries to avoid delays or ineligible status.
Application Timeline
Key dates for the 2025–2026 CSJ cycle:
Application window: November 4 to December 11, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PST).
Funding decisions and confirmations: Beginning April 2026.
Job delivery window: Generally between April 20 and August 29, 2026.
Claims: Submit reimbursement claims promptly after payroll periods. Final claim is typically due within 30 days after the last funded job ends.
Reporting: Complete all required activity and financial reports by the deadlines specified in your agreement.
Processing times can vary by region and volume. Submit early to avoid last-day bottlenecks and to allow time for technical or document issues.
Tips for a Successful Application
Align with priorities: Clearly describe how your project supports CSJ national and local priorities, community needs, and youth outcomes.
Emphasize quality: Write detailed job duties, learning objectives, and a mentoring plan. Explain supervision structure and training.
Demonstrate readiness: Confirm payroll capacity (BN and RP), health and safety measures, and a plan to recruit youth.
Pay competitively: Paying above minimum wage and offering longer placements (within the program window) can strengthen your quality case.
Be specific: Quantify hours, tasks, tools used, and expected skills gained. Avoid vague descriptions.
Plan for accessibility: Outline accommodations for youth with disabilities and an inclusive onboarding process.
Verify constituency: Ensure the job site address correctly maps to the intended constituency; misalignment can delay assessment.
Choose the right channel: Use GCOS for transparency and faster communications, especially for multi-position applications.
Submit early: Avoid last-minute technical issues, timeouts, or postal delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing CRA RP account: Not having a payroll (RP) account can halt funding.
Ineligible MERCs claims: Public/private employers cannot claim MERCs for reimbursement.
Hours or duration offside: Positions under 30 hours/week (without approval) or outside the 6–16 week range can be deemed ineligible.
Wrong location: Work occurring outside Canada is ineligible; remote work must be within Canada.
Duplicate applications: Submitting the same positions in multiple applications or constituencies without following merging rules.
Vague duties: Generic descriptions without clear learning objectives and supervision details.
Incomplete sign-off: Missing authorized signatures or incomplete attestations.
Ignoring postal disruptions: Relying on mail close to the deadline during service disruptions.
What Happens After You Apply
Acknowledgement and assessment:
You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt (GCOS message or email/letter).
Service Canada assesses applications against eligibility, quality of work experience, and alignment with priorities. Competition and budget availability apply.
Funding decision:
Funding confirmations begin in April 2026.
If approved, you will receive an agreement with Articles of Agreement outlining terms, reporting, and claims processes.
Review the agreement carefully and sign by the deadline provided.
Hiring and delivery:
Recruit eligible youth (ages 15–30; citizens, permanent residents, or persons with refugee protection) and verify their SIN before start.
Onboard, supervise, and provide mentoring as described in your application.
Maintain records: timesheets, payroll registers, and proof of MERCs (for not-for-profits).
Claims and reporting:
CSJ typically reimburses based on claims after wages are paid. Follow the claim submission instructions in your agreement.
Final claims are usually due within 30 days after the last funded job ends.
Complete all activity and financial reports on time. Retain records for audit.
If not approved:
Consider feedback provided, align more closely with priorities, and prepare early for the next intake.
Monitor future calls and attend information sessions to strengthen your application.
Conclusion
Applying to Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a structured process that rewards preparation, clarity, and timely submission. Confirm your eligibility, prepare your documents, choose the right submission channel, and submit a detailed application by December 11, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PST. A strong focus on quality work experience, supervision, and inclusion will help your project stand out. If you have accessibility needs or questions, contact Service Canada during business hours before the deadline to ensure adequate support.
