Federal services, across Canada.
Start with the task you need. Federal applications use the same responsible department across Canada; individual eligibility and available channels can still vary.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
Start with Service Canada's application guide when you need your first Social Insurance Number. Its selector matches document requirements to your situation and preferred application route. The official page offers online, postal and in-person paths. Keep identity documents and your number private; this guide only helps you find the correct government service.
Read the guideUpdate or confirm a Social Insurance Number
Use Service Canada's SIN guidance to correct a record, report a legal name or status change, or update a temporary document's expiry information. The official contact guide separates these requests from checking an application already submitted. It also points to ways to locate an existing number, which may avoid an unnecessary application.
Read the guideRenew a Canadian adult passport
Check the official renewal guide before starting another passport application. Whether renewal is available depends on your existing passport and circumstances. The guide separates eligibility, required materials and submission choices, including an online option for eligible applicants. Choose the instructions for where you are applying and when you need the document.
Read the guideApply for a new Canadian adult passport
The adult passport application guide connects you to the current forms, evidence checklist, photo rules and submission options. It also helps existing passport holders check whether renewal is the better route. Application instructions differ by location and urgency, so use the official selector before making travel plans or arranging an office visit.
Read the guideApply for EI regular benefits
Use the Employment Insurance regular-benefits guide to find the qualification rules and official online application. Service Canada warns against delaying an application while gathering records: supporting documents can follow. The application asks about your work history and circumstances. Check the current instructions promptly rather than relying on a general estimate of eligibility or payment.
Read the guideSubmit an Employment Insurance report
People receiving EI may need to report work, earnings and other circumstances to continue their claim. The official reporting guide explains what to include and the available submission methods. After reporting, use the next due date given by the service. If you notice an error in a submitted report, follow Service Canada's correction instructions.
Read the guideApply for the CPP retirement pension
The Canada Pension Plan retirement guide connects the eligibility check, pension-start information and application process. You choose when to apply after reviewing the official implications of a start date. The service provides an online route through My Service Canada Account and paper instructions, including special directions for people applying from outside Canada.
Read the guideCheck Old Age Security enrolment or apply
Start by checking whether Service Canada has already enrolled you in Old Age Security. Its guide explains enrolment letters, when an application may be needed, and the routes for changing a pension start date. It also provides online and paper instructions. Do not assume that being eligible for another pension means OAS is already arranged.
Read the guideApply for the Canada child benefit
The CRA's child-benefit guide explains when to apply and how the route changes with your circumstances. Options include birth registration, a CRA account or a mailed form. Additional documents can be required, especially in situations such as arriving in Canada or applying for an earlier period. Use the official eligibility and document guidance before submitting.
Read the guideFind federal benefits and support
The federal Benefits Finder narrows programs by the kind of support you need and the audience they serve. It is a useful starting point when you do not know a program's name. Results cover federal benefits; choosing a province or territory provides a separate link for that government's programs rather than a combined eligibility decision.
Read the guideFind the official CRA sign-in page
Use the CRA's official entry page to reach personal, business and representative accounts. It lists supported sign-in methods, account-registration guidance and recovery help. Choose the route belonging to you, and use the representative process when acting for someone else. Never enter CRA credentials into this guide or a page reached through an unexpected message.
Read the guideFind CRA payment options
CRA's payments hub explains how to pay, check that a payment arrived and find the deadline for the type of amount you owe. It also has guidance when paying on time is difficult. Start with the correct tax or program account, because payment details and due dates are not interchangeable across services.
Read the guideGet ready to file a personal tax return
CRA's preparation guide brings together filing obligations, tax slips, key dates and filing methods. Use the material for the tax year you are filing, rather than assuming last year's dates or forms still apply. The guide also points to supported ways to file yourself or obtain help, including information about free tax clinics.
Read the guideChange your personal address with CRA
Tell CRA when your address changes so it can send correspondence and maintain your account information. The official guide provides account, telephone and postal routes, with separate rules for someone acting on your behalf. Updating CRA is a distinct task from changing an Ontario licence or health-card record; review each relevant government service after a move.
Read the guideRegister a business number or CRA program account
CRA's resident-business guide explains how to obtain a business number and add supported program accounts. Check whether the business already has a number before registering another one. The guide describes Business Registration Online through a CRA account, its limitations and alternatives when that route cannot be used. Non-resident businesses have a separate set of instructions.
Read the guideFind the right GST/HST registration route
Start with CRA's guidance on whether and when registration is required before opening a GST/HST account. Its registration page explains the information needed, available routes and ongoing responsibilities. Mandatory and voluntary registration have different implications. Use the official rules for your type of business rather than treating a single revenue figure as a universal answer.
Read the guidePlan the government steps for a new business
The federal starting-a-business guide organizes common setup tasks: planning, choosing a name, registration, permits and financing support. It is a map to the responsible services, not one application that completes everything. Work through the parts relevant to your structure, activities and location, then check provincial and municipal requirements before starting operations.
Read the guideFind business permits and licences with BizPaL
BizPaL helps you identify possible permit and licence requirements across participating levels of government using information about your business. The federal overview links to the service and explains how the results are assembled. Treat the resulting list as a starting point, then open each issuing authority's instructions to confirm applicability and the application route.
Read the guideCheck an IRCC application status
IRCC uses different accounts and trackers for different application types. Its official status guide asks what you applied for and, where relevant, how you submitted it before showing the appropriate route. Use that selector instead of guessing which portal holds your case. A general processing estimate is separate from the actual status of your application.
Read the guideFind Canada's visitor visa instructions
Before starting a visitor visa application, use IRCC's official travel-document checker to find out which route fits your situation. Its visitor guide connects requirements, application instructions, biometrics information and arrival guidance. A visitor visa and an electronic travel authorization are different routes; this navigator directs you to the official checker rather than choosing one for you.
Read the guideFind study permit application instructions
IRCC's study-permit guide explains how to select the correct application instructions and prepare required documents. Requirements can depend on your location, institution and circumstances, including whether an attestation document or exception applies. Use the official checklist and eligibility guidance for your case. Acceptance by a school is separate from approval of an immigration application.
Read the guideFind the right Canadian work permit route
IRCC's temporary-work hub separates application locations, permit types, extensions and programs with special instructions. Its linked questionnaire helps users find the relevant route. Start there before assuming a job offer, current status or existing permit allows a new activity. The official requirements must be checked for your circumstances; the navigator does not choose an immigration strategy.
Read the guideCheck travel advice before leaving Canada
Choose your destination on Travel.gc.ca to read Canada’s current travel advice. Check it while planning and again before departure: conditions can change quickly. This guide links to the live advice rather than copying a risk level that could become outdated.
Read the guideRegister a trip outside Canada
Registration of Canadians Abroad lets the government contact you about an emergency affecting your destination or a personal emergency at home. The official service supports Canadians travelling or living abroad. Enter your itinerary and contact details only on the government registration site.
Read the guideApply for Canadian citizenship
Start with IRCC’s citizenship guide for adults and minor children. It separates eligibility, application instructions and next steps after submission. If you already have citizenship and need a certificate, use the separate proof-of-citizenship route linked there instead.
Read the guideApply for an electronic travel authorization
Use IRCC’s official eTA page to check whether an electronic travel authorization is the right document for your trip. The page links to the application, status check and instructions after applying. An eTA and a visitor visa are different routes.
Read the guideFind jobs through Canada’s official services
Canada.ca’s jobs page links to Job Bank for jobs and apprenticeships across Canada, and to a separate federal-government hiring service. Choose the route that fits the employer you want to work for. Student employment and training have their own links.
Read the guideFind the right student aid application
Begin with the federal student-aid directory and choose your province or territory. That office explains eligibility, funding and the application route. Full-time and part-time procedures can differ, so use the instructions for your own study arrangement.
Read the guideApply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Service Canada’s application guide separates applying for yourself from applying as a legal representative. It also provides different preparation instructions depending on whether you received an application-code letter. Use the program’s eligibility guidance before submitting an application.
Read the guideMake a complaint about your bank
Start with your bank’s complaint-handling process. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada explains how to prepare, escalate and track a complaint, including when the external Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments may be available. FCAC does not settle individual complaints.
Read the guideCheck food and product recalls
Search the federal recalls and safety-alerts service for the product you are checking. Open the actual notice and follow its instructions for the affected item. Canada Guide does not keep a live recall list or determine whether a particular product is safe.
Read the guideReserve camping with Parks Canada
Use Parks Canada’s reservation instructions for camping, accommodations and other reservable experiences. Check the specific destination’s booking dates and available options, then use the official Reservation Service. Provincial parks have separate booking systems.
Read the guideAccess My VAC Account
My VAC Account is the official online route for Veterans Affairs Canada services. It supports benefit applications, application tracking, secure messages and personal-information updates. Start at VAC’s information page to reach the genuine sign-in or registration service.
Read the guideReport fraud or cybercrime
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s guidance explains how to preserve evidence, contact affected financial institutions and report to police and the national reporting service. Victims and witnesses can use the online reporting route. Keep sensitive evidence out of this guide.
Read the guideApply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement
Check Service Canada’s GIS instructions to see whether an application is needed or an enrolment letter already addresses your situation. The application route differs depending on whether you already receive Old Age Security. Online and paper instructions are provided.
Read the guideApply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Start with the Canadian Dental Care Plan’s eligibility and application guidance. The official page offers MSCA, an alternative online application and telephone assistance. Information about a spouse in your application does not automatically submit an application for that spouse.
Read the guideSign in to My Service Canada Account
Use the official My Service Canada Account page to access services such as EI, CPP, OAS and other listed programs. Choose the sign-in method linked to your existing profile. The page also provides registration and account-help routes; CRA tax-account access is separate.
Read the guideCheck federal voter registration
Use Elections Canada’s official voter-registration service to check or update your federal registration. The page also explains alternatives when the online service cannot be used and separate information for Canadians abroad. Provincial and municipal elections have their own authorities.
Read the guideApply for a Canadian child passport
A child passport cannot be renewed. For a child under 16, use a new child-passport application, including when replacing an expiring passport. Choose the official instructions for where you are applying.
Read the guideReplace a lost or stolen Canadian passport
Start with IRCC’s lost-document questionnaire. A valid lost or stolen passport must be reported; replacing an expired passport follows different instructions. Your location and whether the passport belongs to an adult or child also matter.
Read the guideChange your address after moving in Canada
There is no single government address update that reaches every department. Make a list of the services you use, then update each through its own official route.
Read the guideExtend or change a Canadian work permit
Most work-permit extensions are submitted online. Start before your permit expires, check your passport expiry, and use the checklist generated in your IRCC secure account.
Read the guideApply for a secure status card
Choose the secure status-card route that matches a first application, renewal or replacement. Registration under the Indian Act is a separate process.
Read the guideRegister a charity in Canada
Charitable registration and issuing official donation receipts are distinct tasks. Apply through the CRA charity account, then follow the receipting rules applicable to registered charities.
Read the guideClaim business use of a personal vehicle
For a self-employed person’s mixed-use vehicle, only the business portion of eligible operating expenses is deductible. Occasional business use does not make all personal driving deductible.
Read the guidePay corporate income tax online
Use a corporate-income-tax payment route. Filing a T2 return and paying the corporation’s balance are separate actions.
Read the guideAsk Service Canada to reconsider an EI decision
Start with Service Canada when you disagree with an EI decision. A reconsideration is the review before an appeal. The usual request deadline is 30 days after the decision was communicated to you.
Read the guideAppeal an EI reconsideration decision
A new appeal of an EI reconsideration decision goes to the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal. The usual deadline is 30 days after you receive the reconsideration decision. This is separate from requesting Service Canada’s first review.
Read the guideSponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence
Spouse or partner sponsorship involves two applications submitted together: one for sponsorship and one for permanent residence. The principal applicant submits them through IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal after both people check the relevant requirements.
Read the guideApply for permanent residence through Express Entry
Express Entry manages applications for three skilled-worker programs. Creating a profile is not a permanent residence application. You must receive an invitation before submitting the PR application through the IRCC secure account.
Read the guideRenew a Canadian permanent resident card
Use IRCC’s PR-card renewal route if you are a permanent resident in Canada and your card has expired or expires in less than nine months. Renewing a card is different from applying to become a permanent resident.
Read the guidePrepare a business to import food into Canada
Commercial food importing involves CFIA food requirements and the customs process. Start with the specific food, origin and activity: a business registration alone is not permission to import a shipment.
Read the guideBusiness taxes and payments in Canada
Business taxes can involve separate income-tax, sales-tax and payroll tasks. The right returns and payment accounts depend on your business structure, registrations and activities. Start by separating these obligations rather than treating them as one business-tax bill.
Read the guideReport sole proprietor business income
A sole proprietor reports business income or loss through the personal T1 income-tax return. This differs from a corporation’s T2 return. The appropriate supporting form depends on the activity; business and professional income commonly uses T2125.
Read the guideFile a corporation income tax return
Most resident corporations must file a T2 return each tax year, including inactive corporations with no tax payable. CRA lists specific exceptions and separate rules for non-residents. Check the corporation’s tax year and required filing method before preparing the return.
Read the guideFile and pay GST/HST for a business
GST/HST registration, charging customers, filing a return and paying the balance are separate tasks. Use the business’s actual reporting period and CRA instructions to work out the correct filing and remittance route.
Read the guideSet up and remit employer payroll
Employers need to consider worker status, payroll accounts, deductions, remittances and year-end reporting. CRA’s payroll guide separates these tasks and provides calculators and instructions for the relevant employment circumstances.
Read the guideClose a business and its CRA program accounts
Closing a business involves separate steps for its legal registration and tax accounts. CRA has different closure procedures for payroll, GST/HST and corporation income tax. A corporation’s dissolution must be handled with its governing authority.
Read the guideApply for a small business financing loan
The Canada Small Business Financing Program works through financial institutions. It supports eligible financing needs, while the lender assesses and decides the loan application. This is a loan program, not a grant.
Read the guideImport commercial goods into Canada
CBSA’s commercial-import guide organizes the work from identifying goods and applicable duties through business setup, reporting, release and accounting. Use the sections that apply to the goods and shipment rather than treating every import as the same.
Read the guideFind business grants, loans and funding
Start with the Business Benefits Finder to search federal and provincial programs. Funding depends on your location, sector, size and project. A loan, a grant and a tax incentive have different conditions; a program match is not an approval.
Read the guideBank of Canada interest rate
The Bank of Canada’s policy rate is the target for overnight borrowing, not the rate a lender promises on a mortgage. Ask for the latest available observation in chat, or open the Bank’s policy-rate page for decisions and the announcement schedule.
Read the guideCanadian dollar exchange rates
Use the Bank of Canada’s daily exchange rates for a dated reference value. These are daily averages expressed in Canadian dollars per unit of foreign currency. They are not a live trading quote or the amount your bank will offer.
Read the guideInflation and the cost of living
The Consumer Price Index tracks changes in consumer prices. For the headline figure, read Statistics Canada’s reference month and comparison basis together. An annual inflation rate is not the same as the change since last month, and national inflation does not describe every household’s costs.
Read the guideJobs and unemployment data
Statistics Canada’s unemployment indicator links to the Labour Force Survey release. Read the reference month and geographic coverage before comparing figures. A national labour-market statistic is different from a job listing or an Employment Insurance application.
Read the guideGDP and Canada’s economy
Use several dated indicators to understand the economy: GDP, prices and the labour market answer different questions. Statistics Canada publishes quarterly expenditure-based GDP and separate monthly industry GDP releases. Name the measure and period before comparing them.
Read the guideReal estate and housing markets
CMHC publishes research and data on housing supply, rental markets and financing. Begin with a location and a measure: construction, rents, sale prices and forecasts describe different things. A national trend is not a valuation of an individual home.
Read the guideRental prices and vacancy rates
CMHC’s rental tables cover national, provincial and local markets. Choose the location, housing type and survey period before reading an average rent or vacancy rate. A survey average is not the asking rent for a particular apartment. Chat can retrieve the latest published report’s headline rental figures for supported market areas, with the report year attached.
Read the guideMortgages and renewal
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada explains mortgage terms, interest, down payments and renewal. Use its guides to understand the options before comparing actual lender offers. The Bank of Canada’s policy rate is a different measure from your contracted mortgage rate.
Read the guideClaim the Canada Workers Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit claimed through your income-tax return. Check the conditions for your tax year, province and household before using the CRA filing instructions.
Read the guideApply for the Disability Tax Credit
The Disability Tax Credit application combines your information with certification from an authorized medical practitioner. CRA reviews the completed application; submitting it does not establish eligibility.
Read the guideClaim the Canada caregiver credit
The Canada caregiver credit is a non-refundable tax credit for qualifying support of certain relatives with an impairment. The claim depends on the relationship, dependency circumstances and the dependant’s income.
Read the guideCanada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. Most residents are considered through their annual tax return; new residents have a separate first-application route.
Read the guideCanada Greener Homes Affordability Program
This program supports eligible home-energy upgrades through provincial delivery organizations. Households apply through the listed local program, not directly to the federal government.
Read the guideOpen a bank account in Canada
Start by comparing account fees, features and identification requirements. Apply directly to the institution and keep the account agreement; this guide explains the federal banking route, not a product recommendation.
Read the guideReport an unauthorized bank transaction
Report a transaction you did not authorize to your bank or card issuer immediately using its verified contact channel. Keep the reporting reference and follow its account-security and investigation instructions.
Read the guideFind an unclaimed Canadian bank balance
Search the Bank of Canada’s unclaimed-property service for qualifying balances transferred from federally regulated banks and trust companies. A matching name is a lead to investigate, not proof that the money belongs to you.
Read the guideSet up or change CRA direct deposit
Use CRA My Account or a participating financial institution to set up or change CRA direct deposit. A mailed route is also available. CRA no longer accepts personal direct-deposit enrolment or changes by telephone.
Read the guideCorrect a personal income-tax return
Wait for your notice of assessment before requesting a correction to a personal income-tax return. CRA’s Change my return, ReFILE and mailed routes have different conditions; use the route that supports your situation.
Read the guideGet a missing tax slip
Ask the issuer for a replacement and check the relevant CRA or Service Canada account. Not every slip is available online, and a missing slip does not mean the income can be left off your return.
Read the guideFind your Member of Parliament
Find your federal Member of Parliament using the House of Commons directory. Search by postal code, constituency or name, then use the member’s official profile for their public office details. A federal MP and a provincial representative are different people with different responsibilities.
Read the guideFind senators and their public offices
Use the Senate’s official directory to find current senators and their public contact information. Start with the relevant profile and the subject you want to raise. The Senate directory is separate from the House of Commons MP lookup.
Read the guideContact a federal department or service office
Canada.ca’s contact directory separates benefits, taxes, immigration, passports and other departments. For general help finding a federal service, call 1-800-622-6232 (1 800 O-Canada). For a specific case, use the program’s own contact instructions.
Read the guideGovernment roles: MP, mayor, councillor and service staff
An MP represents a federal constituency in the House of Commons. A mayor and councillors work at the municipal level; their powers depend on provincial or territorial law and the municipality. Service departments handle day-to-day requests. Use the responsible department for a transaction, and the representative’s office for a representation or policy enquiry.
Read the guideApply for a child’s Social Insurance Number
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a child below the age of majority. Children aged 12 or older can also apply themselves. If a baby is under one and the birth is not registered yet, provincial newborn registration can include the SIN application; territories use Service Canada.
Read the guideRenew an adult Canadian passport outside Canada and the US
For an adult renewal outside Canada and the US, use PPTC 482 and the instructions for the Canadian office serving your country. The submission options vary by office.
Read the guideRenew an adult Canadian passport from the United States
Adult passport renewals from the US use PPTC 054 and are mailed to Canada. Follow the US application instructions, including its payment rules.
Read the guideTravel while a work-permit renewal is pending
Travel and permission to work after returning are separate questions. If your permit has expired and you leave while your renewal is pending, IRCC says you may be admitted as a visitor and cannot resume work until the renewal is approved. A work permit is not a travel document.
Read the guideApply for EI caregiving benefits
Apply online when you stop working or your earnings fall to provide eligible care. Supporting medical documents can follow the application. The family-caregiver and compassionate-care routes require different medical certificates.
Read the guideApply for EI maternity and parental benefits
Choose the applicable maternity or parental benefits, then apply online promptly after stopping work. Each parent sharing parental benefits files their own application and must use the same standard or extended option.
Read the guideEnrol a child in school
Start with the local school board or education authority. It can confirm the school, placement and registration requirements for your child.
Read the guideFind schools and school boards
Use the provincial or territorial school-finding resources to locate the local school authority. School boundaries and available programs need local confirmation.
Read the guideCollege or university: understand the difference
Universities offer academic degrees, while colleges and institutes often focus on career-oriented diplomas and certificates. Some colleges also grant degrees, so compare the actual program.
Read the guideFind recognized colleges and universities
Check the institution in the CICIC directory, then use EduCanada to explore programs. Confirm current program details and costs with the institution before applying.
Read the guideApply to college or university
Apply using the instructions for your chosen school and program. Each program sets its own requirements, and meeting them does not guarantee a place when space is limited.
Read the guideCheck school recognition, DLI status and student aid
Institution recognition, international-student designation and student-aid eligibility are separate checks. One listing does not establish all three.
Read the guideCheck your RRSP contribution room
Your RRSP room is personal: the annual national limit is not automatically the amount you can deposit. Start with your latest CRA deduction-limit statement, account for contributions already made and distinguish unused contributions from unused room.
Read the guideWithdraw money from an RRSP
A normal RRSP withdrawal is generally taxable income. The issuer withholds tax, but that withholding may be less than your final tax bill. First establish whether this is a normal withdrawal, a direct transfer, or a withdrawal under a specific program.
Read the guideResolve an RRSP overcontribution
An RRSP excess contribution can create a monthly tax obligation. Reconcile the amounts and transaction dates promptly, then use CRA’s excess-contribution process for the affected year.
Read the guideCompare an RRSP and a TFSA
The main difference is when tax applies. Eligible RRSP contributions can reduce taxable income, while ordinary withdrawals are taxable. TFSA contributions do not create an income-tax deduction, and ordinary withdrawals are tax-free. The suitable choice depends on your goals and circumstances.
Read the guideCheck TFSA room and replace withdrawals
TFSA deposits use contribution room immediately. A withdrawal usually returns as new room on January 1 of the following year, not immediately. Reconcile all your accounts using your own transaction records before contributing again.
Read the guideOpen and contribute to an FHSA
An FHSA can combine a deduction for eligible contributions with a tax-free qualifying home withdrawal. Before opening one, check the age, Canadian residency and first-time-buyer tests. Contributions and RRSP transfers share the same participation room.
Read the guideUse an FHSA to buy a home
An FHSA home withdrawal is tax-free only when every qualifying condition is met. The opening test alone is not enough. Use the issuer’s qualifying-withdrawal process before taking the money out.
Read the guideUse the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan
The Home Buyers’ Plan lets eligible participants withdraw RRSP funds toward a qualifying home and repay the amount over time. It differs from an FHSA qualifying withdrawal, which does not require repayment.
Read the guideOpen an RESP and request education benefits
Open an RESP through a promoter and ask it to apply for the education benefits it offers. The plan type, beneficiary and available benefits matter; opening an RESP alone does not establish entitlement to every grant.
Read the guideMove from an RRSP to retirement income
A RRIF pays retirement income from transferred savings. By the end of the year you turn 71, your RRSP must be dealt with through an available option: withdrawal, transfer to a RRIF, or an annuity. A direct transfer and a cash withdrawal have different tax treatment.
Read the guideOpen an RDSP and apply for disability savings support
An RDSP is long-term savings for an eligible person with a disability. Open it through a financial institution and apply for government support there. A disability savings bond may be available without a personal contribution; grants, bonds and withdrawals have different conditions.
Read the guideCompare and apply for a personal loan
A personal loan gives you a fixed amount to repay in instalments, with interest and any fees. Apply through a lender after comparing the total repayment cost and checking that the payments fit your budget.
Read the guideUnderstand a personal line of credit
A line of credit lets you borrow, repay and borrow again within an approved limit. Interest normally starts when you use the money. A minimum payment that covers only interest does not reduce what you owe.
Read the guideUnderstand a home equity line of credit
A HELOC is reusable credit secured by your home. You pay interest on the amount used, and the rate is usually variable. If you only cover interest, the borrowed principal stays unpaid.
Read the guidePrepare for mortgage qualification
A lender checks income, debts, credit history, down payment and the property before approving a mortgage. A stress test checks whether higher payments would be affordable. Preapproval helps you shop, but is not final mortgage approval.
Read the guideRenew a mortgage or switch lenders
At the end of a mortgage term, you usually renew the remaining balance unless you repay it. You can compare other lenders before accepting an offer. Switching lenders still involves an approval process and possible fees.
Read the guideRefinance a mortgage and compare equity options
Refinancing can change your mortgage or release home equity. It is different from renewing an unchanged balance. Compare the extra borrowing, repayment period and all fees, because a smaller payment can still mean a higher total cost.
Read the guideCheck mortgage prepayment and break costs
Paying extra or ending a closed mortgage early can trigger charges. Your contract sets the permitted extra payments and the penalty calculation. Get the lender’s actual payout figures before deciding whether a new offer saves money.
Read the guidePlan a down payment and mortgage insurance
Your minimum down payment depends on the purchase price and financing rules. Mortgage default insurance generally applies when you put down less than 20%; it protects the lender, not you. Budget for the insurance premium separately from the down payment.
Read the guideCompare debt consolidation options
Debt consolidation combines debts into one payment. It can simplify repayment, but a longer term or higher rate can make the total cost worse. Compare the whole repayment plan before replacing existing debts.
Read the guideGet and check your credit report
You can get free credit reports through Equifax and TransUnion. Checking your own report does not lower your credit rating. Review both because a report error can affect borrowing decisions.
Read the guideFile a personal tax return with NETFILE
Use CRA-certified software for the tax year you are filing, complete the return and transmit it through NETFILE. Saving a return in the software is not filing it; keep the CRA receipt code after transmission.
Read the guideClaim self-employed business expenses
Self-employed expenses must relate to earning business income. Separate the business portion from personal use, and distinguish current expenses from capital purchases before reporting the claim.
Read the guideCheck and pay personal tax instalments
Tax instalments pay an expected annual tax bill during the year. Whether they are required depends on current and prior-year net tax owing; a payment arrangement for an existing debt is a different task.
Read the guideReport capital gains and investment sales
For a taxable capital-property sale, calculate the gain or loss using proceeds, adjusted cost base and selling costs, then report it using the rules and forms for that tax year. Investment income and business trading income can require different treatment.
Read the guideReport rental income and expenses
Report rental income and eligible expenses for the calendar year, usually using Form T776. Separate personal use from rental use and distinguish current repairs from capital improvements.
Read the guideClaim home-office expenses as an employee
Eligible employees use the detailed method to claim qualifying employment costs paid personally. Obtain the employer’s required declaration and calculate only the work-related portion; self-employed home-office rules are separate.
Read the guideClaim business-use-of-home expenses
A self-employed home workspace must meet CRA’s business-use conditions. Eligible costs are allocated to business use, and the deduction cannot create or increase a business loss.
Read the guideArrange a CRA payment plan
If you cannot pay a CRA debt at once, work out an affordable payment proposal and use the CRA account or phone route for that debt. If a collections officer has written to you, contact that officer promptly.
Read the guideApply for student-loan repayment assistance
The Repayment Assistance Plan can reduce required payments, potentially to zero, after an eligibility and income assessment. Apply through the National Student Loans Service Centre and check whether your provincial loan needs separate action.
Read the guideFind your health card service
Your health card shows that you are registered in your province or territory’s public health insurance plan. The province or territory handles applications and card changes. Choose your location and whether you need a first card, renewal, replacement or update.
Read the guideFind parks, trails and camping in Canada
Start with the park’s operator: Parks Canada for federal destinations, the province or territory for its parks, and the municipality for neighbourhood parks. Finding a park, buying admission and reserving a campsite are different tasks.
Read the guideUnderstand Parks Canada passes and admission
Parks Canada offers a Discovery Pass for participating destinations and other location-specific admission options. Admission does not reserve a campsite or cover separately charged camping and services. Provincial and city parks use their own arrangements.
Read the guideFederal elections and voting
The next scheduled federal general election is October 15, 2029. An earlier election can be called. This nationwide schedule is separate from local federal by-elections and provincial or municipal elections. Reviewed November 3, 2026.
Read the guidePlan your retirement in Canada
Start by comparing your expected spending with the income you could receive from public pensions, an employer pension and your savings. Choosing when to stop working and when to start each pension are separate decisions; you can still work while receiving public pensions.
Read the guidePrepare for a new baby
Prepare for leave and financial support before the birth, then register the birth and arrange your child’s documents and health coverage. These services have different applications and eligibility rules.
Read the guideWhat to do after someone dies
Start with the official after-death checklist, proof-of-death documents and the organizations that need notifying. Your responsibilities depend on your relationship to the person and whether you are authorized to represent the estate.
Read the guideGet help when you cannot pay bills
Make a realistic picture of your income, essential spending and unpaid bills, then contact the companies or lenders you owe. They may offer repayment options, but changes must be agreed and can increase total interest.
Read the guidePlan buying a home in Canada
Begin with affordability, a down payment and the full costs of ownership. Then explore financing, choose a suitable home and work through the offer and closing steps with appropriate professionals.
Read the guide
Use the responsible authority
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