Frequently asked questions:
The refugee system

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

Are sponsored refugee families with children eligible for a child tax benefit upon arrival? What is the average waiting period for clients to receive their first child tax benefit payment?

Yes, sponsored refugee families with children are eligible for a child tax benefit upon arrival. Refugees should apply as soon as they arrive in Canada because it may take up to two months to process the application. The Canada Revenue Agency can only make retroactive payments for up to 11 months from the month it receives the application. If you apply for the benefit after the child is one year old, you have to attach proof of birth.

You can get more information on child and family benefits from the Canada Revenue Agency website, which you can find in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

Related Links

• Child and family benefits