What Benefits Do Immigrants Get in Canada?

Immigrants in Canada may qualify for financial benefits, public health care and free settlement services. What you can receive depends on your immigration status.

Your income and family situation also matter. Permanent residents can access most of the same social benefits available to Canadian citizens.

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What Benefits Can Newcomers Get in Canada?

There is no single benefit package given to every immigrant.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:

• Canada Child Benefit

• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

• Provincial or territorial benefits

• Public health insurance

• Free newcomer settlement services

• Language training

• Employment and credential support

Some financial benefits are available to eligible newcomers shortly after arriving in Canada. You may even be able to apply before filing your first Canadian tax return.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families with children under 18.

Permanent residents and protected persons may qualify if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

Certain temporary residents may also become eligible. They generally need to have lived in Canada continuously for the previous 18 months. They must also have a valid permit during the 19th month.

The amount you receive depends on factors such as your family income and number of children.

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) provides tax-free quarterly payments to eligible people with low or modest incomes.

It replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.

New residents can apply for the CGEB during their first year as Canadian residents for tax purposes. You do not have to wait until you file your first Canadian tax return.

For the July 2026 to June 2027 payment period, eligible recipients can receive up to:

• $679 for a single person

• $890 for a married or common-law couple

• $234 for each eligible child under 19

The actual amount depends on family income and circumstances.

Provincial and Territorial Benefits

You may also qualify for benefits offered by your province or territory.

These can include support related to:

• Children and families

• Housing

• Low income

• Disability

• Energy costs

• Education

Eligibility varies by province. Some provincial payments are calculated automatically when you file your income tax return.

Public Health Care

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for public health insurance through their province or territory.

Once enrolled, many medically necessary hospital and physician services are covered by the public system.

Coverage is different in each province. Dental care, prescription drugs and other services may not automatically be included.

Temporary residents may have different eligibility rules.

Free Newcomer Settlement Services

Eligible newcomers can access government-funded settlement services at no cost.

These services can help with:

• Finding a job

• Finding housing

• Improving English or French

• Understanding life in Canada

• Getting foreign credentials recognized

• Connecting with community services

Permanent residents and protected persons are among the groups that may qualify.

As of April 1, 2026, economic-class permanent residents can generally access federally funded newcomer services for up to six years from the date they became permanent residents. That period will change to five years starting April 1, 2027.

Do Temporary Residents Get the Same Benefits?

Not necessarily.

International students, temporary foreign workers and visitors do not automatically receive the same benefits as permanent residents.

Eligibility depends on the program.

For example, a temporary resident may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit after meeting the required period of Canadian residency and permit requirements. Other programs may have different rules.

Do You Need to File Taxes to Get Benefits?

Filing your taxes is important even if you earned little or no income.

Many benefits are calculated using information from your tax return. Filing every year can help ensure that payments continue without interruption.

Newcomers may be able to apply for certain benefits before filing their first return. After that, annual tax filing is usually needed to keep receiving benefits.

Do All Immigrants Receive Government Money?

No.

Moving to Canada does not automatically mean you receive government payments.

Benefits have eligibility requirements. Your immigration status can matter. Your income and family situation can also affect what you receive.

Permanent residents generally have access to most Canadian social benefits. Temporary residents have more limited eligibility. The best approach is to check each program based on your individual status and province.