Canada Apprentice Loan

The Canada Apprentice Loan is a government-sponsored loan program that helps registered apprentices in designated trades complete their training. The apprentice loan program is designed to help apprentices access the financial support they need to complete their training and start their careers in the skilled trades. Find out more about apprentice loan Canada  below.


What is a Canada Apprentice Loan ?


The Canada Apprentice Loan is a federal government program that provides financial assistance to registered apprentices in designated Red Seal trades who are completing their training. The program is designed to help apprentices with the cost of tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses while they are enrolled in their apprenticeship programs.

The Canada Apprentice Loan provides interest-free loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training. Apprentices can receive up to $16,000 in total loans throughout their apprenticeship. Repayment of the loan begins 6 months after the apprentice completes their training or stops attending school, and interest will start to accrue at that time.

Designated Red Seal trades include a wide range of skilled trades, such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, hairstylist, and many others. Apprentices in these trades can apply for Canada Apprentice Loans to help cover the costs of tuition, tools, and other expenses related to their training.

To be eligible for the Canada Apprentice Loan, apprentices must be registered in a designated Red Seal trade apprenticeship program and have completed their first year of training. They must also be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person and meet other eligibility requirements.

Key Facts of Apprentice Loan Canada


  • Registered Red Seal apprentices can use the Canada Apprentice Loan to aid with the expense of their training.
  • The Canadian government provides up to $4,000 per period of technical training to apprentices enrolled in Red Seal Opens a new window Trade apprenticeship programs.
  • You are eligible to receive Canada Apprentice Loans for up to 5 technical training periods.
  • As long as you are verified as being registered in a Red Seal Opens a new window Trade apprenticeship program, your loan will be interest-free for up to 6 years.
  • You can use the funds to offset forgone wages, assist support your family, or utilize them to help with tuition, tools, equipment, and living costs.\
  • As long as your loan is in the payment-free status, you are not required to make any loan payments.

How Does Canada Apprentice Loan Work ?


The Canada Apprentice Loan program provides interest-free loans to eligible apprentices in designated Red Seal trades to help them cover the costs associated with their apprenticeship training. Here's how the Canada Apprentice Loan works :

1) Applying for the Loan: 
Apprentices can apply for the loan online through the Canada Apprentice Loan website. They will need to provide information about their apprenticeship program and their personal and financial information.

2) Approval and Loan Amount: 
Once the application is approved, apprentices will receive a loan agreement that outlines the loan amount, repayment terms, and other details. The loan amount can be up to $4,000 per period of technical training, and apprentices can receive up to $16,000 in total loans throughout their apprenticeship.

3) Disbursement of Funds: 
The loan funds will be disbursed directly to the apprentice's bank account at the start of each period of technical training.

Who is Eligible for Canada Apprentice Loan ?


To be eligible for the Canada Apprentice Loan program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person;
  • Be enrolled in a designated Red Seal trade apprenticeship program;
  • Have completed their first year of apprenticeship training;
  • Be in good standing with their employer and training provider;
  • Be engaged in full-time technical training that is equal to block release technical training at a provider who has been granted approval to offer such training,
  • Pass a credit check (which is necessary if this is your first time applying),
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN);
  • Have a valid Canadian bank account;
  • Be able to demonstrate financial need;
  • Not have any defaulted Canada Apprentice Loans; and
  • Not have previously received the maximum amount of Canada Apprentice Loans.

It's important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval for a Canada Apprentice Loan. Applicants will need to submit an application and meet all other program requirements to be considered for a loan.

How Much is Canada Apprentice Loan ?


Eligible apprentices can borrow up to a maximum of $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The loan is interest-free while the apprentice is in school, and interest starts to accrue six months after the apprentice finishes their program. However, it's worth noting that loan amounts and terms may change over time, so I would recommend checking the official Government of Canada website or contacting the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre for the most up-to-date information.

Canada Apprentice Loan Repayment


Repayment of the loan begins 6 months after the apprentice completes their training or stops attending school, and interest will start to accrue at that time. The loan can be repaid over a maximum of 10 years, and there are no penalties for early repayment. During the repayment period, apprentices must make monthly payments that cover both the principal and the interest on the loan.

The Canada Apprentice Loan also offers interest relief to eligible apprentices. Apprentices who are having difficulty making their payments due to low income can apply for interest relief, which can reduce or eliminate the interest charges on their loan for up to six months at a time.

Tax Credits for Apprentice Loans


Prior to April 1st 2023, you will receive a 15% tax credit on the interest you pay on your Canada Apprentice Loan. The government of Canada has permanently ended the accrual of interest on all Canada Apprentice Loans, including those that are already being repaid, as of April 1st, 2023. Any interest that may have accumulated on your loan before April 1, 2023, is still your responsibility to pay. You will receive the required paperwork before filing your taxes.

How to Apply for Canada Apprentice Loan ?


The application process for the Canada Apprentice Loan is straightforward, and most applicants will receive a decision within a few weeks of submitting their application. Apprentices can apply for the Canada Apprentice Loan online through the Government of Canada's website. The application requires the apprentice to provide information about their program, their financial situation, and their contact information. Here are the steps to apply :

1) Confirm Eligibility: 
Before applying for the Canada Apprentice Loan, ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; enrolled in a designated Red Seal trade apprenticeship program; have completed your first year of apprenticeship training; and be able to demonstrate financial need, among other requirements.

2) Gather Required Information: 
You will need to provide personal and financial information to complete the application, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your contact information, your banking information, and your employer and training provider details.

3) Complete the Online Application: 
Go to the Canada Apprentice Loan website and follow the instructions to complete the online application. You should register for a Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre (CALSC). You will need to create an account and provide all of the required information. The application will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

4) Submit Supporting Documents: 
After submitting your application, you will need to provide supporting documents to verify your eligibility and financial need. These may include income tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.

5) Review and Sign Loan Agreement: 
If your application is approved, you will receive a loan agreement outlining the terms of the loan. Review the agreement carefully and sign it to accept the loan.

6) Receive Loan Funds: 
Once the loan agreement is signed, the loan funds will be disbursed directly to your bank account. You will receive up to $4,000 per period of technical training, and up to a total of $16,000 throughout your apprenticeship.

Application Deadlines


  • Three months before the starts of your technical training is the earliest you can submit an application for a Canada Apprentice Loan.
  • The final day of your technical training is the latest you can apply for a Canada Apprentice Loan.

Canada Apprentice Loan Login


To access your Canada Apprentice Loan account online, you will need to log in to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) website. Here's how to do it:

  • Go to the NSLSC website at https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/en/home.
  • Click on "Sign In" in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Enter your NSLSC account number or your Social Insurance Number (SIN), along with your password. If you don't have an account, you will need to register for one.
  • Once you are logged in, you can view your Canada Apprentice Loan balance, repayment schedule, and make payments online.

Canada Apprentice Loan Payment


Repayment of the Canada Apprentice Loan begins six months after an apprentice completes or leaves their apprenticeship program. To make payments on your Canada Apprentice Loan, you have several options:

1) Pre-Authorized Debit: 
You can set up automatic payments from your bank account through the Canada Apprentice Loan online portal or by filling out a pre-authorized debit form.

2) Online Banking: 
You can pay your loan online through your financial institution's online banking platform. To do this, you will need to add the Canada Apprentice Loan as a payee and provide your loan account number.

3) Telephone Banking: 
You can also make payments over the phone by calling your financial institution's telephone banking service.

4) Mail: 
You can send a cheque or money order to the address listed on your loan statement. Be sure to include your loan account number on the cheque or money order.

5) In-Person: 
Some financial institutions allow you to make payments in person at their branch locations.

Canada Apprentice Loan Contact


If you need to contact the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre, you can do so by phone, email, or mail. Here is the contact information:

1) Phone:
Toll-free in North America: 1-855-844-5670
Outside North America: 1-905-283-1766

2) TTY:
1-855-844-5671 (toll free in North America)

3) Fax:
1-855-826-5386 (toll free in North America)

4) Email:
CALSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

5) Mail:
Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre
P.O.Box 2061
Mississauga, ON
L5A 4M4

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the interest rate on the Canada Apprentice Loan?
The Canada Apprentice Loan is interest-free while you are enrolled in your apprenticeship program. Interest will start to accrue 6 months after you complete your training or stop attending school.

Can I receive a Canada Apprentice Loan if I'm already receiving other financial aid for my apprenticeship?
Yes, you can still apply for a Canada Apprentice Loan even if you're receiving other financial aid, such as grants or scholarships. However, the loan amount may be reduced depending on the amount of other financial aid you're receiving.

Do I need to make payments on my Canada Apprentice Loan while I'm still in school?
No, you do not need to make any payments on your loan while you're still enrolled in your apprenticeship program. Repayment begins 6 months after you complete your training or stop attending school.

Can I apply for the Canada Apprentice Loan if I'm not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
No, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons are eligible for the Canada Apprentice Loan program.

What trades are eligible for the Canada Apprentice Loan?
Designated Red Seal trades are eligible for the Canada Apprentice Loan program. This includes a wide range of skilled trades, such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, hairstylist, and many others.

Can I repay my Canada Apprentice Loan early?
Yes, you can repay your loan in full at any time without penalty. This can help you save on interest costs and reduce your overall debt.