Free new-parent guide · BC
Having a Baby in British Columbia (2026): Paperwork Checklist
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Here is everything you need to do after your baby arrives in British Columbia, from registering the birth to applying for benefits and starting parental leave.
Step 1: Register the birth
Vital Statistics Agency (BC) · within See BC Vital Statistics for the current deadline
The day-count deadline was not confirmed on the official page at time of verification. Register promptly and check bc.ca for current requirements.
The bundle includes:
Online Birth Registration bundle: birth registration, CCB, SIN, and MSP (health card)
Birth certificate: $27 (regular mail) / $60 (courier)
Vital Statistics Agency (BC) →Step 2: Baby's Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The SIN can usually be applied for through the birth-registration bundle. If you did not include it in the bundle, apply directly to Service Canada. No fee.
Service Canada SIN application →Step 3: Canada Child Benefit + BC Family Benefit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Apply via: (a) the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) during birth registration , no separate proof of birth needed; (b) CRA My Account under “Apply for child benefits”; or (c) Form RC66 by mail. CCB is income-tested. Both parents must file taxes. First payment within approximately 8 weeks.
CCB overview at canada.ca →BC Family Benefit
Delivered through the federal CCB payment (CRA). No separate application.
Step 4: Newborn health card (MSP (BC Health Insurance))
Included in the birth-registration bundle
MSP enrollment for the newborn is included in the online birth registration bundle.
Step 5: Parental leave & EI benefits
Job-protected leave (British Columbia Employment Standards)
- Pregnancy/maternity leave: 17 weeks (up to 6 additional weeks possible for complications)
- Parental leave: 62 weeks (61 if the birth parent also took maternity leave)
EI maternity + parental benefits (the money)
- Maternity: 15 weeks
- Parental (standard): up to 40 weeks shared (max 35 per parent) at 55% of insurable earnings
- Parental (extended): up to 69 weeks shared (max 61 per parent) at 33% of insurable earnings
- Waiting period: 1 week
Apply early: Apply at Service Canada as soon as you stop working. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work can result in lost benefits.
2026 weekly maximums: approximately $729 (standard) / $437 (extended). These figures update each January; verify current rates at canada.ca.
EI maternity/parental at canada.ca →Step 6: Optional: start an RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) lets the federal government add money to your child's education savings:
- CESG:Government adds 20% on contributions up to $2,500/year (max $500/year; lifetime max $7,200/child). 2026 rate; verify at canada.ca.
- CLB:For lower-income families: $500 in the first year plus $100/year until age 15 (up to $2,000 total). No contributions required to receive the CLB. 2026 income thresholds; verify at canada.ca.
Free download
New-Parent Paperwork Checklist: British Columbia
Download a printable PDF checklist covering all steps above: birth registration, SIN, CCB, health card, parental leave, and RESP.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
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Last updated: July 2026