As a newcomer to Canada, you may be eligible for federal and provincial benefits sooner than you think. Here's a complete guide to what you can access and when.
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | When Available |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | PR, refugee, Convention refugee | Immediately upon becoming resident with children |
| GST/HST Credit | PR, refugee, most visa holders | After filing first tax return |
| Canada Carbon Rebate | PR, refugee (in applicable provinces) | After filing first tax return |
| Employment Insurance (EI) | Anyone with insurable employment in Canada | After 420–700 insurable hours worked |
| Canada Workers Benefit | PR, refugee, work permit holders | After filing first tax return with qualifying income |
| Old Age Security (OAS) | Legal residents 40+ years (partial) or 10 years (minimum) | At age 65, after 10+ years residency |
| GIS | OAS recipients with low income | With OAS, at 65+ |
The CCB is one of the most valuable benefits newcomer families can access. Eligible newcomers include:
Apply for the CCB using Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application). You cannot use the automatic Newborn Registration Service if you're a newcomer — you must apply manually. Include proof of your immigration status with your application.
CCB payments are not retroactive beyond 11 months. Apply as soon as you arrive in Canada with children — every month you delay is a month of benefits you won't recover.
Newcomers can apply for the GST/HST credit before filing their first full tax return by using Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada).
Once you file your first tax return as a Canadian resident, the CRA will automatically calculate your GST/HST credit eligibility each year based on your income.
2025 maximum amounts: up to $519/year for single individuals, $680/year for couples, plus $179/year per child under 19.
EI is available to any worker in Canada whose employer deducts EI premiums — including newcomers on work permits, permanent residents, and temporary foreign workers. Your immigration status does not determine EI eligibility. Your insurable hours do.
To qualify for regular EI, you need 420–700 insurable hours (depending on your region's unemployment rate). For special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness), you need 600 insurable hours.
If you're a newcomer who loses your job within the first few months, you may not have enough hours yet for regular EI. Consider this when building your emergency fund. Most financial advisors recommend 3–6 months of living expenses saved before EI would kick in.
As a newcomer to Canada, starting with a fee-free bank account makes sense. KOHO has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, earns cash back, and is easy to open online without a credit history. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAApply for a SIN at a Service Canada office as soon as you arrive. You need a SIN to work, open bank accounts, and receive government benefits. Bring your immigration documents (PR card, work permit, etc.).
File a tax return for the year you arrived in Canada, even if you only lived here for part of the year. Your first return unlocks most ongoing benefits. Report your worldwide income from your arrival date.
CCB (Form RC66), GST/HST credit (Form RC151 if before first return), and some provincial benefits require separate applications. Don't wait for these — apply immediately.
Most provincial benefits have the same eligibility rules as federal programs — you must be a resident and have filed a tax return. Key provincial benefits for newcomers:
| Province | Key Newcomer-Accessible Benefits |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Trillium Benefit (after first tax return) |
| BC | BC Climate Action Tax Credit, BC Family Benefit |
| Alberta | Alberta Child and Family Benefit, Carbon Rebate |
| Quebec | Solidarity Tax Credit, Family Allowance (separate application) |
| All provinces | Canada Carbon Rebate (applicable provinces) |