Canada · Save Money

CRA Tax Guide & Refund Estimator

Estimate your Canadian tax refund as an international student. Covers tuition credits (T2202), GST/HST credit, and CPP/EI deductions.

Resident vs. Non-Resident: If you lived in Canada for most of the tax year (183+ days) you file as a resident and can claim all credits. Non-residents file a simpler return but lose most credits. International students on a study permit who stayed all year are almost always residents for tax purposes.

Your Tax Details (2024 tax year)

Total Income (employment + scholarships + other): CA$55,000

$0$150K

Province of Residence

Tuition Paid (from your T2202): CA$25,000

$0$60K

Get your T2202 from your university's student portal in February.

Filing as a Canadian tax resident (183+ days in Canada)I have a T4 (worked part-time or full-time in Canada)I contributed to a TFSA this year

Fill in your details and click Calculate

Key Forms to Collect

T4Employment income from your employer

T2202Tuition slip from your university

T4AScholarships, bursaries, RA/TA income

T5Interest income from bank accounts

RC66GST/HST credit application (file once)

How to File Your T1 Return as an International Student

Get your slips (Feb–Mar)

Download T2202 from your university portal
Collect T4 from each employer (mailed/online by Feb 28)
Download T4A for scholarships or TA/RA income
Check your bank for T5 (interest income)

Choose a filing method

Use NETFILE-certified software (Wealthsimple Tax is free)
Or file on paper via mail to your CRA tax centre
First-time filers must mail a paper return or use a NETFILE partner
Deadline: April 30 (or June 15 if self-employed)

Claim all your credits

Enter T2202 tuition amount on Schedule 11
Carry forward unused tuition to next year
Apply for GST/HST credit on your return (auto-assessed)
Claim moving expenses if you moved to study (>40km)

Get your refund

Set up direct deposit via My CRA Account for faster refunds
Paper cheque takes 4–8 weeks
Enroll in My CRA Account (CRA My Account) to track status
Refund usually arrives within 2 weeks for e-filers

Disclaimer: This is an educational estimate only. Tax rules change annually. For accurate filing, use CRA-approved software or consult a tax professional. Numbers based on approximate 2024 federal brackets.