How to Apply for the WIL Digital Wage Subsidy (ICTC)

How to Apply for the WIL Digital Wage Subsidy (ICTC)

Hiring digital talent can be expensive, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. The WIL Digital wage subsidy provides funding for a student’s wages when you hire them into a technology-focused role. The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) delivers this federal program. It supports employers across Canada who want to hire digital talent and train the next generation of workers.

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What Is the WIL Digital Wage Subsidy?

WIL Digital by ICTC is part of the federal Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). It gives wage subsidies to eligible Canadian employers that hire post-secondary students for digital or technology-focused work placements.

Key funding details:

• 50% wage subsidy up to $5,000 per student
• 70% wage subsidy up to $7,000 per student for students from underrepresented groups
• Placements can be full-time or part-time
• Roles can be remote, hybrid, or on-site
• Program is open to employers across Canada

The program aims to lower hiring risks for employers and provide students with paid, hands-on digital work experience.

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Employer and Student Eligibility

Employer Eligibility Requirements

Your organization must meet these ICTC eligibility criteria:

• Be a registered Canadian business or not-for-profit
• Provide a safe workplace and meaningful work-learning experience
• Carry general liability insurance
• Hire the student as an employee on payroll (not as a contractor)
• Have the financial capacity to pay the student upfront and on time
• Hire a student enrolled at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution

Ineligible employers include:

• Federal, provincial, or municipal government bodies
• Financial institutions and related services
• Organizations that do not place students on payroll

Student Eligibility Criteria

The student you hire must also meet program rules:

• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at a recognized institution
• Work in a digital or technology-focused role

International students are not eligible under WIL Digital, even if they have a valid study or work permit.

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Step-by-Step: Applying for the WIL Digital Wage Subsidy

Here’s how the WIL Digital application process works for employers:

1. Create an ICTC Application Account

Apply through ICTC’s online portal. You’ll need basic business information, including incorporation details and contact information.

2. Prepare Job Placement Details

Before applying, define:

• Job title and responsibilities
• Digital or technical skills the student will develop
• Work term length and weekly hours
• Wage rate and total payroll cost

3. Hire or Identify an Eligible Student

You can apply before or shortly after hiring, but the student must meet all eligibility requirements. ICTC must approve the placement before the subsidy is guaranteed.

4. Submit the Employer Application

Upload required documents and confirm you meet payroll and workplace requirements. ICTC reviews applications on a rolling basis while funding remains open.

5. Sign the Funding Agreement

If approved, you’ll receive a contribution agreement. This outlines the subsidy amount, reporting obligations, and reimbursement timelines.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher allows you to filter wage subsidy programs by province, student type, and role. This can make it easier to compare different student hiring options.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Hiring the student as a contractor
   WIL Digital only supports students on payroll. Contractor arrangements are automatically ineligible.

2. Stacking federal wage subsidies
   You cannot combine WIL Digital with other federal wage subsidies for the same student placement.

3. Applying after the work term ends
   Applications must be approved during the placement period. Retroactive funding is not allowed.

4. Using non-digital job roles
   Roles must clearly involve digital or technology-focused work, not general administration.

For a broader overview, see also: Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does the WIL Digital wage subsidy provide?
The program provides 50% of eligible wages up to $5,000 per student. For students from underrepresented groups, the subsidy increases to 70% up to $7,000.

Q: Can I hire a remote student under WIL Digital?
Yes. Remote, hybrid, and on-site placements are all eligible as long as the role is digital or technology-focused.

Q: Can WIL Digital be combined with provincial wage subsidies?
In some cases, yes. Provincial programs may be allowed, but federal wage subsidies for the same placement cannot be stacked.

Q: Is the WIL Digital wage subsidy taxable?
Wage subsidies are generally considered taxable income for employers. You should confirm tax treatment with your accountant.

Q: How long does approval take?
Approval timelines vary based on application volume. Funding is not guaranteed until you receive a signed agreement from ICTC.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active wage subsidy and student hiring programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile.

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Related Programs to Compare

You may also want to explore:

• How Student Work Placement Wage Subsidies Stack With Provincial Hiring Incentives
• Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences
• How to Use Wage Subsidy and Student Hiring Programs to Reduce Staffing Costs

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Next Steps

Hiring a student into a digital role can qualify your business for the WIL Digital wage subsidy. Start by checking that your business, student, and role meet the eligibility rules. Prepare your application early and gather all required documents. If you want to compare wage subsidy programs or need help finding the right fit, GrantHub provides tools and information for Canadian employers. Following these steps can make your application process smoother and increase your chances of success.