Canada Revenue Agency makes it easier for newcomers to access benefits

Newcomers can now apply for some benefits more easily.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced an online application process for newcomers to claim benefit and credit payments.

Prior to this change, eligible temporary and permanent residents wanting to claim benefits were required to submit paper applications.

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There is now also a new form newcomers can submit for those without children wanting to apply for the GST/HST credit and/or the Canada Carbon Rebate.

Newcomers can submit the online form to claim benefits on the CRA’s website. For several forms, this should take no longer than 20 minutes.

As a newcomer to Canada, you may be eligible for various benefit and credit payments—including various provincial and territorial program payments—even before filing your first tax return.

The CRA has several programs for which many newcomers can qualify, including the GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Canada Carbon Rebate.

HST/HST Credit: A quarterly tax-free payment designed to help low-income individuals and families offset the cost of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay.

Canada Carbon Rebate: A quarterly tax-free payment for individuals and families to help offset the cost of carbon pricing—the final payment was issued on April 22, 2025, but newcomers may apply for retroactive payments if eligible.

Canada Child Benefit: A monthly tax-free payment made to eligible families raising children under the age of 18—with temporary residents being required to have lived in Canada for 18 months in order to qualify.

To claim benefits, you’ll require a social insurance number (SIN), which you obtain from Service Canada.

Service Canada recently simplified the process for newcomers to obtain a SIN.

How does the CRA classify newcomers?

For income tax purposes, the CRA considers you to be a “newcomer” for the first year you are a resident of Canada.

You are considered a resident of Canada (for income tax purposes) when you have sufficient residential ties to the country.

For the majority of newcomers, become a resident of Canada for tax purposes takes effect from their first day living in Canada—whether they’re a temporary resident (such as a worker or student) or permanent resident.

Primary residential ties can include

Having a home in Canada;
Having a spouse or common-law partner in Canada; and/or
Having dependents in Canada.

Secondary residential ties that may be considered relevant can include things like having a Canadian driver’s license or passport, provincial or territorial health insurance, a Canadian bank account or credit card, and even personal property like a car.

If you're uncertain about your tax residency status, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.