Frequently Asked Questions

Newcomer settlement program

Get settled in your community; find housing, a job or childcare service; register your children in school; and access other programs.

Ontario Bridge Training

Ontario Bridge Training programs help skilled newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario.

Learn English or French

You can choose from a variety of adult language training classes to help you develop the English or French language skills you will need to work and live in Ontario.

Global Experience Ontario

Global Experience Ontario can help internationally trained and educated individuals find out how to qualify for professional practice in Ontario.

Language interpreter services

Supports the delivery of interpreter services to enable service providers across Ontario to communicate with their clients who have limited English or French language skills, or are Deaf, oral deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, and who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence or human trafficking.

Opportunities Ontario

Gives international students the opportunity to stay permanently in Ontario; employers and investors the opportunity to recruit and retain highly skilled foreign workers; and foreign workers the opportunity to permanently live and work in Ontario.

Ontario immigration

Welcome to Ontario, the most multicultural province in Canada, where half of all new immigrants make their home. Ontario is a land of opportunity. It is a prosperous, democratic society built by the hard work of generations of immigrants.

What money can I get from CRA?

Canada has benefits and credits to help financially support you. You or your spouse or common-law partner must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes.

To start getting payments, you must:

1. Get a social insurance number (SIN) from Service Canada

2. Apply for the benefit and credit you are eligible for

You do not need to do your first tax return before you can get these benefits and credits the first year you arrive in Canada:

GST/HST credit and Canada Carbon Rebate

The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit helps you offset the tax you pay on things you buy. If you are at least 19 years old, have a low or modest income, and are eligible, apply for a tax-free quarterly payment.

Find out if you are eligible to apply for the GST/HST credit.

Canada child benefit (CCB)

If you have at least one child under 18 years old and are eligible, apply for a tax-free monthly payment to help with the cost of raising your family.

If you are a temporary resident

Find out if you are eligible to apply for the Canada child benefit.

If you are eligible for the GST/HST or CCB credit, you only need to complete these forms:

• If you do not have children: fill out and sign Form RC151, GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada

• If you have children: fill out and sign Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application and include Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information

If you are applying for the GST/HST credit and the CCB, you do not need to apply for both separately. Use only the form RC66/RC66SCH to apply for both.

Provincial and territorial benefits and credits

Many of the provinces and territories have several benefits and credits that you may be eligible for.

For the related programs that the CRA administers on behalf of the provinces and territories, you do not need to apply separately. We automatically consider you for provincial and territorial benefits and credits when you apply for the CCB or file a tax return.

Read about the various provincial and territorial programs.

Other benefits and credits

Once you have filed your first tax return, you may be eligible to receive more tax credits and benefits.

Getting your money

Sign up for direct deposit to get your money directly into your account at a financial institution in Canada. It is fast, secure, and makes sure you never miss a payment in the mail.

If you choose not to sign up for direct deposit, you will receive your payment by cheque through the mail.

Keep getting your benefits and credits

Only send in your application for benefits and credits one time.

To continue receiving the benefit and credit payments you are entitled to, every year you must:

• file your income tax and benefit return on time, even if you have no income in the year

• have your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one, file a return even if they have no income

• keep your personal information updated with the CRA

• keep documents that show proof of your situation, in case we need to confirm your benefits

What benefits and credits are

Benefits and credits are payments from the CRA, given directly to eligible families and individuals to help offset some of the costs of living.