This checklist is for people who have just moved to Canada, including permanent residents, refugees and some temporary residents. You can apply for many federal payments as soon as you arrive, and you don’t have to wait until you file your first tax return.
In your first weeks
- Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN). A SIN is the 9-digit number you need to work in Canada and to get government benefits. Apply online (the fastest way), by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. There is no fee. You need a primary document that shows your status, such as a permanent resident card or a work or study permit, and a second ID with your name and date of birth. See how to apply for a SIN.
- Apply for provincial health coverage. Each province and territory runs its own health plan and issues its own health card. Some make newcomers wait up to 3 months before coverage starts, so buy private health insurance for that time if you have a wait. The table below shows the rules in three provinces.
| Province | Waiting period | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | None. You can apply as soon as you arrive. | OHIP, in person at ServiceOntario |
| British Columbia | The rest of the month you arrive, plus 2 months | Medical Services Plan |
| Quebec | Up to 3 months for people arriving from another country | RAMQ |
| Other provinces and territories | Check with your province | List of health ministries |
In your first 3 months
- Apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. This quarterly payment (formerly the GST/HST credit) helps people with low and modest incomes. Newcomers apply with Form RC151, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada, for the year you became a resident. If you have no children, you can send it online with the web form. If you have children under 19, print the form and mail it with Form RC66 and proof of birth for each child. You and your spouse or partner need a SIN.
- Apply for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) if you have children under 18. Mail Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and Schedule RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Statement of Income, to your tax centre. The schedule asks for your world income for the two years before you arrived. If you only have a Refugee Protection Claimant Document, you can’t get the CCB yet, but you can apply once you are accepted as a protected person. Otherwise, you or your spouse or partner must be one of these:
- a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
- registered under the Indian Act
- a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months and has a valid permit in the 19th month
- If you have little or no money, apply for help from your province. Each province has a last-resort income assistance program. In Ontario it is Ontario Works: apply online, through your local office or by calling 1-888-999-1142. It can help with food, rent and health benefits.
- If you came as a government-assisted refugee, use the Resettlement Assistance Program. The Resettlement Assistance Program helps with housing, clothing, food and finding work. Support can last up to one year from the date you arrive, or until you can support yourself, whichever comes first. In Quebec, this help is delivered by the Government of Quebec.
Every year after that
- File a tax return every year, even with no income. Your return is usually due by April 30 of the next year. The CRA uses it to work out your Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, CCB and provincial benefits. If you don’t file, those payments can stop. If you can’t get a SIN, the CRA can give you a Temporary Tax Number. See the CRA’s guide for newcomers.
- Check your dental coverage. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is open to residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance. You and your spouse or partner must have filed your taxes to qualify. Call 1-833-537-4342 for help.
- Plan for Old Age Security (OAS) if you are older. OAS is the federal pension paid from age 65. To get it while living in Canada, you must have lived here for at least 10 years after age 18. A full pension needs 40 years; with fewer, you get a partial pension of 1/40 of the full amount for each year. If you lived or worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada, that time may help you meet the 10-year minimum. Your payment is still based on your years in Canada. See OAS eligibility.
- Learn to spot scams. Scammers often target newcomers. The CRA never threatens to arrest or deport you, and never asks you to pay with gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency or e-transfer. IRCC never contacts you to collect fees or fines to avoid deportation. If you get a call like this, hang up, then check CRA scam signs or IRCC’s scam page.
Money you may now qualify for
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: most newcomers with low or modest incomes qualify, and you can apply before your first tax return.
- Canada Child Benefit: a tax-free monthly payment if you have children under 18 and meet the status rules.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a tax credit if you start working on a low income.
- Ontario Works, BC Income Assistance, Alberta Income Support and Manitoba EIA: help while you find work.
- Old Age Security: once you are 65 and have 10 years in Canada after age 18.
- Having a baby checklist: if your family is growing.
Common questions
Do I need to file taxes if I had no income in Canada?
Yes. The CRA uses your return to work out your benefits, even if you had no income or tax to pay. If you skip it, payments like the CCB can stop.
Can temporary residents get the Canada Child Benefit?
Yes, if you have lived in Canada for the past 18 months and have a valid permit in the 19th month. The permit must not say “does not confer status”.
Can refugee claimants get the CCB?
Not with a Refugee Protection Claimant Document alone. Once you get a positive decision and become a protected person, you can apply.
How long do I have to live in Canada to get Old Age Security?
At least 10 years after age 18, and you must be 65 or older. You need 40 years for the full pension.
Can I get a SIN the same day?
Yes. The CRA says that if you apply in person at a Service Canada office, you will get your SIN during that visit.
Not sure what else you can get? Try our benefits checkup. Service Canada and the CRA never ask for fees, gift cards or passwords by text or email.