Getting started in Canada — your onboarding checklist

Last updated: July 30, 2026

Applies to: Canadian employees (T4). US employees see Getting started — your onboarding checklist; independent contractors see Getting started as an independent contractor.

Summary: Your Canadian onboarding covers five things: your personal details and work eligibility (including your SIN), your employment agreement, your TD1 tax forms (federal + provincial), your banking information — and in Ontario, completing the required health & safety awareness training before you start.

The steps

1. Accept your invite and confirm your details

2. Confirm you can work in Canada

You'll provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and, if applicable, your work permit details (a work permit number and expiry are required if your SIN begins with 9). Your SIN is required before you can be put on payroll.

3. Sign your employment agreement

Review and sign your employment agreement with Ascen Workforce Canada. A few things to know:

Your agreement follows the employment standards of your province of work (minimum wage, overtime, vacation, holidays).
Ontario: your agreement includes an excess hours of work acknowledgment, and you must complete the Ontario Health & Safety Awareness Training (worker training required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act) before you start work — you'll be asked for your certificate.

4. Complete your TD1 tax forms

The federal TD1 plus the TD1 for your province of work set how much income tax is withheld from your pay — see How do I fill out my Canadian tax forms (TD1)?

5. Add your banking information

Enter the account where you want your pay deposited.

After onboarding

At year-end you receive a T4 (and a Relevé 1 if you work in Quebec) — see When will I get my T4 (and Relevé 1 in Quebec)?

How do I fill out my Canadian tax forms (TD1)?
Vacation pay and statutory holidays in Canada
Am I a T4 employee or a self-employed contractor? (Canada)