CRA My Account Guide for International Students

Before you register

CRA My Account is for tax and benefit information.
It is different from your IRCC account and My Service Canada Account.
Some students may not be able to register until they have filed a tax return.
Never sign in from random links in emails or messages.

01 What CRA My Account is

CRA My Account is online access to personal tax and benefit information held by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Students may use it to view a Notice of Assessment, check filed tax returns, manage direct deposit, update an address, and read CRA mail.

It is not the same as an immigration account. It does not replace your IRCC account, study permit records, or work permit records.

02 When students may need it

After filing a tax return

CRA My Account can help you check records after CRA has processed your return.

To view a Notice of Assessment

Your Notice of Assessment is CRA's summary after a return is assessed.

To update address or direct deposit

Keep contact and banking details current if CRA asks you to manage them online.

To check CRA mail

CRA may send notices, requests, or account updates through your online account.

To manage personal tax information

Use the account for tax records and benefit information, not immigration applications.

03 Before you register

SIN — your Social Insurance Number is used to identify your CRA tax record.
Date of birth — use the same personal details that CRA has on file.
Current Canadian mailing address — CRA may use your address during registration or for mailed security codes.
Information from your most recent assessed tax return — if CRA asks for it, use details from a return that has already been assessed.
Access to phone or email for multi-factor authentication — plan for the device or inbox you can reliably access.
Time to wait for a CRA security code if required — some users must wait for a mailed code before full access is active.

CRA says users registering with a CRA user ID and password or a Sign-In Partner generally must have filed taxes for the current or previous tax year. Check the official CRA registration page before you start.

04 Steps in order

01
Go to the official CRA sign-in page
Start from Canada.ca, not a search ad, email link, or message link.
CRA account sign-in page
02
Choose register or sign in
If you already have access, sign in. If not, follow CRA's registration option.
03
Choose CRA user ID/password or Sign-In Partner if available
CRA offers more than one sign-in route. Availability depends on CRA's current options and your situation.
04
Verify your identity
Enter the personal and tax information CRA asks for. Use details exactly as they appear in your CRA records.
05
Set up multi-factor authentication
Choose an MFA method you can keep access to. Losing access to the device or method can lock you out.
06
Wait for or enter the CRA security code if required
CRA may mail a security code before you receive full access. Watch your mail and enter the code before it expires.
07
Check My Account after access is active
Once access is active, review your address, direct deposit, CRA mail, and available tax documents.

05 Common mistakes

Confusing CRA My Account with an IRCC account
CRA My Account is for tax and benefit records. Immigration applications and messages belong in your IRCC account.
Trying to register before filing any tax return
Some students may not be able to register until CRA has assessed a return for the current or previous tax year.
Using unofficial links from search ads or emails
Start from Canada.ca and check the address bar before entering personal information.
Entering old address information
CRA may compare your answers with records it already has. Old or inconsistent address details can cause problems.
Ignoring CRA security code mail
If CRA mails a code, full account access may depend on entering it before it expires.
Losing access to your MFA device
Keep your multi-factor authentication method current so you do not lose account access.
Sharing your CRA login with someone else
Your CRA account contains sensitive tax and identity information. Do not share your login details.

06 Official links

07 What comes next

Related guide

Need to file your first Canadian tax return as an international student? Start with the tax filing guide.

Tax Filing Guide →

Related guide

Need a SIN before filing taxes or working in Canada? Review the SIN guide.

SIN Guide →

Related guide

Need a Canadian bank account for direct deposit or basic banking setup? Read the bank account guide.

Bank Account Guide →

This page is for educational and navigational purposes only.
It does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. All steps link directly to official Government of Canada sources. Tax and account access rules change — always verify current requirements with CRA directly before taking action. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.