Canada child benefit available for new immigrants

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under the age of 18. While the CCB is available to many families, there are some specific rules and requirements that apply to new immigrants.

To be eligible for the CCB, you must:

  1. Be a resident of Canada: You must have lived in Canada for at least 183 days in the tax year to be considered a resident.
  2. Have a child under the age of 18: The child must be under the age of 18, or under the age of 25 if they are a full-time student.
  3. Meet the income test: The CCB is income-tested, which means that the amount you receive is based on your family's net income. The income test is based on the previous year's tax return.
  4. Meet the residency test: You must have been a resident of Canada for at least 12 months prior to the date of the child's birth.

For new immigrants, the process of applying for the CCB can be a bit more complex. Here are some additional requirements and considerations:

  1. Proof of immigration status: You will need to provide proof of your immigration status, such as a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
  2. Proof of residency: You will need to provide proof of your residency in Canada, such as a lease agreement, utility bills, or a letter from your employer.
  3. Language requirements: You may need to provide proof of language proficiency in English or French, depending on the province or territory where you live.
  4. Wait period: If you are a new immigrant, you may need to wait a certain period of time before you are eligible for the CCB. This wait period is typically 12 months, but it may be shorter or longer depending on your specific situation.

To apply for the CCB, you will need to complete the CCB application form and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can find the application form on the CRA website or by contacting the CRA directly.

It's also important to note that the CCB is not available to all new immigrants. For example, if you are a refugee claimant or a temporary resident, you may not be eligible for the CCB.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.