New to Canada? Here’s What You’re Entitled To
TFSA room, CCB, tax credits — understand everything before your first filing.
About You
Your first return covers part of the year
Your first return covers only the part of 2026 after you arrived. Some credits, like the basic personal amount, are prorated by days. Income you earned abroad before you arrived is reported only to set some credits. It is not taxed in Canada.
Newcomers apply for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit with form RC151. They apply for the Canada child benefit with form RC66.
$7,000
Accumulated since 2026 (1 year)
Room counts from the year you turn 18 and live in Canada. This assumes you are 18 or older.
Form T1135 (foreign property): you do not file it for the year you first became a resident. From the next year, file it if your foreign property cost more than $100,000 at any time in the year. For property you owned on arrival, the cost is its market value on the day you arrived. File it with your tax return. CRA: questions and answers on Form T1135
Benefits Eligibility
- FHSAMay qualify
If you are 18 or older (19 in some provinces), live in Canada, and have not owned a home you lived in this year or in the past 4 calendar years.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit)May qualify
If you are a tax resident of Canada and 19 or older (or under 19 with a spouse, or living with your child). Newcomers apply with form RC151.
- CCBNot likely
Not likely. The CCB is for families with a child under 18. Tick the box above if you have a child.
- RESP + CESGNot likely
Not likely. RESP grants are for a child who lives in Canada. Tick the box above if you have a child.
- Ontario Trillium BenefitMay qualify
If you file a tax return and live in Ontario on December 31. You must pay rent or property tax on your main home for the energy and property tax credit.
You may qualify for 3 of 5 benefits3/5
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Eligibility is based on general rules. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult an immigration tax specialist.