Status and citizenshipFree calculator
Benefits by Immigration Status: Work Permit, Study Permit and PR
Canada’s benefits are not decided by one rule: the Canada Child Benefit looks at your status, the Canada Workers Benefit at residence, the Dental Care Plan at last year’s return. Check which ones you can get, and from when.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Data as of September 2026
Applies CRA and Service Canada rules as of September 2026. Runs in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. Income limits and tax residency still apply; this is general information, not advice.
Key facts
- Most CRA benefits test tax residency and income, not immigration status.
- The main exception is the Canada Child Benefit: temporary residents usually qualify after 18 months in Canada.
- New permanent residents can get the CCB right away.
- Your first tax return unlocks most benefits, even with little or no income.
- Receiving benefits you are entitled to does not harm immigration applications.
Which benefits can work and study permit holders get?
Most of them, once they are tax residents and have filed a return. The Canada Child Benefit needs 18 months in Canada for temporary residents, and Old Age Security needs 10 years of residence after age 18.
| Benefit | Key test | Work or study permit holders | New PRs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit | Status of you or your spouse; living with the child | After 18 months in Canada with a valid permit in month 19 — or right away if your spouse is a citizen, PR or protected person | Right away |
| Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly GST/HST credit) | Tax residency, age 19+, income | Yes if tax resident; apply with RC151 in year one | Yes |
| Canada Workers Benefit | Resident of Canada throughout the year; working income | From your first full calendar year | From your first full calendar year |
| Canadian Dental Care Plan | Previous-year return filed; no private dental; income under $90,000 | After your first return is assessed | After your first return is assessed |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | Ontario resident on December 31; rent or property tax; ON-BEN | Yes if tax resident; from the July after your first return | Same |
| EI regular benefits | Insurable hours; job loss; available for work | Open permits usually fine; closed permits face the availability test | Yes, if hours and reason qualify |
| EI maternity, parental, sickness | 600 insurable hours | Yes, if hours qualify | Yes |
| Old Age Security | 10+ years of residence after age 18 | Not for many years | Not for many years |
When can a work permit holder get the Canada Child Benefit?
After living in Canada for 18 months, with a valid permit in the 19th month, or right away if a spouse or common-law partner is a citizen, permanent resident or protected person.
Estimate the amount with the CCB calculator.
Why does my first Canadian tax return matter so much?
Most benefits are calculated from a filed return. File your first Canadian return even if you earned little or nothing, make sure your spouse files too, and keep the CRA updated when your status changes.
Does receiving benefits affect my immigration applications?
Receiving benefits you are entitled to is not a problem. Claiming benefits you are not entitled to can be.
Sources
This checker applies CRA and Service Canada rules as published. Income limits and tax residency still apply. It is general information, not advice. Canadianow is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.
Questions
Benefits by status FAQ
Can work permit holders get government benefits in Canada?
Yes. Most CRA benefits test tax residency and income, not immigration status. The main exception is the Canada Child Benefit, which requires 18 months in Canada for temporary residents unless a spouse is a citizen, PR or protected person.
Do international students get benefits?
Students who are tax residents can receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and provincial credits. Full-time students for more than 13 weeks in a year cannot claim the Canada Workers Benefit unless they have an eligible dependant.
Does receiving benefits affect my immigration applications?
Receiving benefits you are entitled to is not a problem. Claiming benefits you are not entitled to can be.
