New immigrants to Canada have reason to celebrate as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has rolled out a $1,500 support initiative aimed at helping newcomers settle and adjust to life in the country. This one-time financial assistance is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable groups facing economic challenges, especially those who are new to the Canadian tax and benefit system.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,500 Support?
To qualify for this payment, individuals must be recent immigrants who arrived in Canada within the past 12 months. Eligibility is limited to those who have applied for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), filed at least one tax return, and have an annual household income under the CRA’s defined threshold (typically under $40,000 for single individuals or under $60,000 for families). Applicants must also be permanent residents, refugees, or protected persons to qualify.
When Will Payments Be Issued?
Payments are scheduled to begin in mid-July 2025, with most recipients receiving their support through direct deposit. For those without direct deposit set up, paper checks will be mailed within 5–10 business days after approval. The CRA has encouraged all eligible newcomers to file their 2024 tax return as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of their benefit.
| Payment Method | Estimated Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | July 15–20, 2025 | Must have banking info on CRA file |
| Paper Check | July 22–31, 2025 | Slight delay due to postal delivery |
| CRA Portal Status | Available Now | Check status using CRA My Account |
How to Apply or Confirm Your Eligibility
Applying is straightforward. Newcomers must first register for a CRA My Account online. After that, they should ensure their 2024 tax return has been submitted and that all personal information—including immigration status, SIN, and address—is up to date. CRA will assess eligibility automatically based on this information, but applicants can call CRA support for confirmation if unsure.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive It
If eligible individuals don’t receive their $1,500 payment by the end of July, they should log into their CRA account to check their benefit status. Issues such as an incorrect address, banking error, or unfiled taxes are common reasons for delay. In such cases, contacting CRA or using the online “submit documents” feature to correct your details can help resolve the issue quickly.
This new $1,500 CRA support is a critical step toward ensuring that newcomers have the financial cushion needed to start life in Canada. The program not only eases the burden of initial settlement costs but also encourages early participation in Canada’s tax and benefits system. New immigrants are urged to check their eligibility, file their tax returns, and enroll in direct deposit to receive the benefit without delay.
FAQ’s:
1. Is the $1,500 CRA support taxable?
No, this support is non-taxable and does not count as income when filing next year’s return.
2. Can international students apply for this support?
Only those with permanent resident, refugee, or protected person status are eligible—not students or visitors.
3. What if I don’t have a CRA account yet?
You must register for a CRA My Account to apply and track the status of your payment.
4. Will receiving this support affect my other benefits?
No, this one-time payment does not reduce other CRA or provincial benefits.
5. Can I receive this support if I arrived last year?
If your arrival was within 12 months and you meet other criteria, you may still be eligible.