How Temporary Foreign Workers Can Claim Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Canada offers financial support to families through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), providing monthly tax-free payments to help with the cost of raising children. But many temporary foreign workers are unsure whether they qualify, when they can apply, and how to calculate the waiting period for the benefit.

In this article, we explain how and when temporary foreign workers can apply, the timeline for receiving payments, and how Tax4Less can help simplify the process.

Who Is Eligible?

Temporary foreign workers may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit if they meet the following conditions:

• They reside in Canada for tax purposes.

• They have a spouse or common-law partner and children living in Canada.

• They have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

• The children are under 18 years of age.

Even if you are in Canada on a temporary work permit, you may still qualify for CCB as long as your children reside in Canada and you meet the residency requirements.

How to Apply for the Canada Child Benefit

Temporary foreign workers can apply for CCB by:

1. Filling out Form RC66 – Canada Child Benefits Application.

2. Submitting proof of identity for both parents and children.

3. Providing immigration documents for spouse and children showing they entered Canada legally.

4. Registering for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you do not have one.

Applications can be submitted online through CRA My Account or via paper forms mailed to CRA.

When Can You Start Receiving Benefits?

Unlike Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the waiting period for temporary foreign workers does not start from when the primary applicant (for example, the husband) arrives in Canada.

Instead, the CCB waiting period begins from the date the spouse and children enter Canada, because the benefit is based on the residency of the child in Canada.

This means:

• If your spouse and children enter Canada after the primary applicant, your CCB entitlement starts from their arrival date, not the date you arrived.

• You can apply as soon as you have proof of their entry, SIN, and all supporting documents.

How Long Will You Wait?

After submitting your application:

• CRA typically processes CCB applications within 8 weeks.

• Your first payment may include retroactive amounts back to the month your children became residents of Canada.

For example:

• If your children entered Canada in March 2026, and you submit your application in April 2026, CRA may pay retroactively starting from March 2026 once your application is approved.

This ensures that temporary foreign workers receive the full benefit they are entitled to without losing any months due to processing delays.

How Tax4Less Can Help

Navigating the CCB application process can be confusing, especially for temporary foreign workers dealing with:

• Immigration documents

• Multiple family members

• Retroactive calculation of benefits

Tax4Less specializes in helping foreign workers apply for the Canada Child Benefit correctly and efficiently. We can:

• Determine your eligibility for CCB.

• Prepare and submit applications to CRA.

• Ensure your children’s entry dates are correctly reflected for benefit calculations.

• Maximize retroactive benefits you may be entitled to.

By working with Tax4Less, you can avoid errors, reduce wait times, and get your full benefit faster.

Bottom Line

Temporary foreign workers can claim the Canada Child Benefit as long as their children reside in Canada. The key points to remember:

• Eligibility is based on children’s presence in Canada, not the spouse’s or parent’s arrival.

• Apply as soon as you have required documents, SINs, and proof of residency.

• The waiting period starts from the children’s entry date.

• Tax4Less can help ensure a smooth, accurate, and timely application.

This benefit can put significant money back in your pocket every month, helping cover the cost of childcare, education, and living expenses in Canada.