Family Guide

Canada Child Benefit for Newcomers: Eligibility and How to Apply

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18. Newcomer families can often apply soon after arriving.

Newcomer family receiving the Canada Child Benefit

Why It Matters

A monthly payment many newcomer families miss

The CCB is based on your family income and number of children. Many newcomers do not realize they can apply before filing their first Canadian tax return, and applying late can mean waiting longer for payments.

Tax-free monthly payments for children under 18
Amount depends on family net income and number of children
Newcomers apply with Form RC66 and Schedule RC66SCH
In Ontario, it also determines the Ontario Child Benefit

Eligibility

Who can get the Canada Child Benefit

You must meet all of these conditions.

You live with the child, and the child is under 18.
You are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing.
You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
You or your spouse or partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the previous 18 months and has a valid permit in the 19th month.

How to Apply

How newcomers apply for the CCB

Form RC66

The Canada Child Benefits Application. It covers the Canada Child Benefit and related provincial programs such as the Ontario Child Benefit.

Schedule RC66SCH

Newcomers complete this schedule about their status and residency in Canada, and declare world income for the period before they arrived.

Supporting Documents

Include proof of immigration status and, where required, proof of birth for each child. Send everything to your tax centre as instructed by the Canada Revenue Agency.

File Taxes Every Year

To keep receiving the CCB, you and your spouse or partner must file a tax return every year, even if you had little or no income.

Child Care

Child care options for newcomer families

Licensed Child Care

Fees have been reduced at participating licensed centres under the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, but spaces are limited. Join waitlists early.

Full-Day Kindergarten

In Ontario, children can start full-day kindergarten in the year they turn 4, which helps with child care costs.

Fee Subsidies

Your municipality may offer child care fee subsidies based on income. Ask your local child care office.

EarlyON Centres

Ontario's free EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer drop-in programs for parents and young children, and are a good way to meet other families.

Avoid Delays

Common mistakes that delay family benefits

Waiting to file a tax return. You can apply with Form RC66 before your first Canadian return, so do not wait until tax season.
Leaving out world income. Newcomers must report income earned outside Canada for the part of the year before they arrived.
Missing documents. Include proof of status and, where required, proof of birth for each child.
Not updating the CRA. Tell the Canada Revenue Agency when your address, marital status, or custody arrangements change.
Only one parent filing. Both spouses or partners must file a tax return every year to keep payments going.

Related Resources

Related guides for your move

School Enrollment

Open School Guide →

Get Your SIN

Needed for benefits and taxes.

Open SIN Guide →

Cost of Living in the GTA

Budget for your family.

Open Budget Guide →

First 30 Days in Canada

Your month-one checklist.

Open Checklist →

Questions People Ask

Canada Child Benefit: common questions

Yes, if they meet the eligibility rules. You must live with a child under 18, be primarily responsible for them, be a resident of Canada for tax purposes, and you or your spouse must be a citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for 18 months.

Newcomers usually complete Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and Schedule RC66SCH about their status and residency, then send them with supporting documents to the Canada Revenue Agency as instructed.

Yes. You and your spouse or common-law partner must file a tax return every year to keep receiving the benefit, even with little or no income.

No. CCB payments are tax-free.

A provincial benefit for families in Ontario with lower incomes. It is calculated from the same application and tax information, so applying for the CCB also covers it.

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