Newcomers in Canada Can Now Apply for Federal Benefits Online — Takes Under 20 Minutes

Good news for new Canadians- the federal benefits access process is now easier, as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a new online application system that allows temporary and permanent residents to apply for essential benefits in less than 20 minutes.

What’s New: Paper to Digital

Previously, newcomers submitted paper forms to claim federal benefits. Now, with this update, the CRA now has a faster, fully online option on its website with no paper form, along with the expectation that it improves access to the financial support that is urgently needed.

Who Can Apply

To use the new system, applicants must:

• Be a newcomer (temporary or permanent resident in their first year in Canada)
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • SINs can be obtained from Service Canada, which has also recently streamlined its application process

What Benefits Are Available

Even without filing a tax return, newcomers may be eligible for these key programs:

• GST/HST Credit

A quarterly, tax-free payment to help low-income individuals and families offset sales tax costs.

• Canada Carbon Rebate

A quarterly payment to offset carbon pricing. The most recent payment was made on April 22, 2025. Eligible newcomers can still apply for retroactive payments.

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18.

Note: Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for at least 18 months to qualify.

For newcomers without children, the CRA has also introduced a simplified form to apply specifically for the GST/HST Credit and the Canada Carbon Rebate.

Quick Reminder

In their first year in Canada, a person is a newcomer for tax purposes from the date their residential ties are established (home, family, or legal presence).