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FREE NEW-PARENT GUIDE

Having a Baby in Canada: New-Parent Paperwork

This page is the free guide. No sign-in. Read on.

Baby on the way, or already here? Start here.

A new baby triggers a surprising amount of paperwork: registering the birth, applying for a SIN, claiming the Canada Child Benefit, enrolling the baby in the provincial health plan, and starting parental leave. Most of this can be done in one step if you use the right bundle for your province.

Quebec is different

Quebec uses the Directeur de l'état civil (not “Vital Statistics”) and a two-step process (Attestation of Birth + Declaration of Birth). The SIN and CCB are not bundled in Quebec. Health coverage (RAMQ) is automatic via the declaration. And for parental benefits, Quebec residents apply to QPIP/RQAP, not federal EI.

Quebec newborn paperwork guide →
  1. 1

    Choose your province

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    Select your province for the full checklist: birth registration deadline, bundle, health card, parental leave, CCB, and a free downloadable PDF.

    ONOntarioBCBritish ColumbiaABAlbertaSKSaskatchewanMBManitobaQCQuebecNBNew BrunswickNSNova ScotiaPEPrince Edward IslandNLNewfoundland & Labrador
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  2. 2

    The federal paperwork (same everywhere)

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    1. 1

      Register the birth first, use the bundle

      Every province has a birth registration process that can bundle the baby's SIN application, CCB application, and often the health card enrollment into one step. See your province's guide to do it all at once.

    2. 2

      Baby's SIN

      The baby's Social Insurance Number is free and can usually be requested through the birth-registration bundle, or separately through Service Canada (online, mail, or in person).

      Service Canada SIN application →
    3. 3

      Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

      Apply via the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration, CRA My Account, or Form RC66 by mail. Income-tested. CRA's current timeline for the first notice and payment is about 8 weeks for online and birth-registration applications, and about 11 weeks for a paper RC66. Both parents must file taxes.

      CCB overview at canada.ca →
    4. 4

      Parental leave + EI (or QPIP in Quebec)

      Apply for EI maternity (15 wks) and parental benefits (standard or extended) at Service Canada as soon as you stop working. Quebec residents apply to RQAP/QPIP instead. Apply early; waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits.

      EI maternity/parental at canada.ca →
    5. 5

      RESP (optional)

      The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year. The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) provides up to $2,000 for lower-income families with no contributions required. Current-year rates; verify at canada.ca.

      CESG/CLB at canada.ca →
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  3. 3

    Newborn health card: in bundle or separate?

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    BC, SK, NS, PEI, NLIncluded in birth-registration bundle
    ON, AB, MB, NBSeparate application required
    QCAutomatic (RAMQ) via birth declaration
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  4. 4

    Other guides new parents often need

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    Change of Address

    Update your address at CRA, Service Canada, your bank, and provincial agencies.

    New to Canada

    Arrived from outside Canada: SIN, provincial health coverage, and your licence deadline.

    Wills & Power of Attorney

    A new child is one of the most important reasons to make or update your will and name a guardian.

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Facts checked October 2026

Guidepost is not a law firm or financial adviser. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer