Working In Canada

If You Are Posted Temporarily in Canada

Many Trinidad and Tobago citizens, as part of their work, are sent on temporary postings in another country. These postings may be to the same company, or to a related company (for example, an affiliate or subsidiary in another country).

The Agreement on Social Security between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada ensures that you can continue to contribute to the National Insurance System if your employer sends you to Canada to work temporarily. In this way, your National Insurance coverage will not be interrupted. The Agreement also ensures that you will not have to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan, in these special circumstances.

For the provisions of the Agreement to apply to you, you must be working in Trinidad and Tobago and contributing to the National Insurance System before your posting to Canada. The posting must be part of your work duties. It cannot be an entirely new job in Canada which has no relation to your job in Trinidad and Tobago.

To benefit from the provisions of the Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement regarding temporary posting for periods five years and less, you and your employer have to obtain a certificate of coverage from the National Insurance Board. Exemptions from paying contributions to the Canada Pension Plan for more than five years must be approved by the Trinidad and Tobago and Canada authorities. The address, telephone and fax numbers for the National Insurance Board are given below.

If You Are Self-employed and Work in Canada

If you are self-employed and work in Canada as part of your self-employment, you could elect to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan, provided you meet specific qualifying criteria.

If You Work for a Canadian Employer

If you are a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and you take up employment in Canada for a Canadian employer, either as a legal resident or as a Canadian citizen, you will be required to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan.

People in Government Employment

If you work for the government of Trinidad and Tobago and are posted in Canada, you are exempt from contributing to the Canada Pension Plan for the length of your assignment. Your coverage under the National Insurance System is maintained.

If You Go to Trinidad and Tobago to Work

If You Are Posted Temporarily in Trinidad and Tobago

Many Canadians, as part of their work, are sent on temporary postings in another country. These postings may be to the same company, or to a related company (for example, an affiliate or subsidiary in another country).

In such circumstances, the Agreement on Social Security between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada ensures that you can continue to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan if your employer sends you to Trinidad and Tobago to work temporarily. In this way, your Canada Pension Plan protection will not be interrupted. The Agreement also ensures that you will not have to contribute to the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago while you are working there.

For the provisions of the Agreement to apply to you, you must be working in Canada and contributing to the Canada Pension Plan before your posting to Trinidad and Tobago. The posting must be part of your work duties. It cannot be an entirely new job in Trinidad and Tobago which has no relation to your job in Canada. Also, the posting cannot be expected to last more than five years.

To benefit from the provisions of the Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement regarding temporary postings, you and your employer have to obtain a certificate of coverage from Revenue Canada. The addresses, telephone and fax numbers for Revenue Canada are given below.

If You Are Self-Employed and Work in Trinidad and Tobago

If you are self-employed and work in Trinidad and Tobago as part of your self-employment, you will not have to contribute to the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago.

Under the Agreement, however, if you ordinarily reside in Canada, you can continue your coverage under the Canada Pension Plan.

For more information, please call or write Revenue Canada.