If you’re an international student studying in Canada, you might be surprised to know that you’re eligible for a tax refund—even if you only worked part-time or had minimal income. Many students skip filing taxes, assuming they won’t benefit. But in reality, international students can often receive $1,000 or more in tax refunds just by claiming available credits.
Do International Students Get Tax Refunds in Canada?
Yes! If you earned income and taxes were deducted from your paycheck (T4 slip), you might be owed money. Even with zero income, you can still get a refund by claiming credits.
- Tuition tax credits
- GST/HST credit
- Provincial benefits (like Ontario Trillium Benefit)
Average Refund Amounts for International Students
| Situation | Estimated Refund |
|---|---|
| Part-time job + tuition credit | $800 – $1,500 |
| Full-time internship + other credits | $1,500 – $2,500+ |
| Tuition only, no income | Up to $1,000 in credits |
| No work, no credits | May not get a refund |
On average, international students in Canada get around $1,000 – $1,600. This depends on the tax deducted and credits claimed.
What Documents Do You Need?
To file your tax return, keep these ready:
- T4 Slip – shows how much you earned and how much tax was deducted
- T2202 – tuition tax certificate from your college/university
- SIN (Social Insurance Number) – required for filing
- Bank info – for direct deposit refund, Check out How to open a bank account in Canada as a student
- Interest payment slips – if you’re paying back student loans
- Moving receipts – if you relocated 40+ km for school/work or other expense
What Tax Credits Can You Claim?
- Tuition Tax Credit
Get credit for eligible post-secondary tuition fees. This can lower your tax bill—or create a refund. - Student Loan Interest
You can claim interest paid on government student loans. - GST/HST Credit
A tax-free quarterly payment—available even with $0 income if you file your return. - Provincial Benefits
Depending on your province, you might get additional credits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Tips to Maximize Your Refund
- File even if you didn’t earn anything. It helps establish residency for benefits.
- If you doing your own tax it is recommended to use CRA-certified tax software like Wealthsimple Tax or TurboTax (free for straightforward filling).
- Don’t skip tuition slips. Many students forget to claim tuition even when they pay thousands!
- Apply before the deadline:
Regular deadline: April 30
If self-employed: June 15
Here is example: In my second year as an international student, I filed taxes for the first time. I only made around $7,000 part-time, but I got back over $1,200.
Conclusion: Every international student in Canada should file a tax return. Whether you earned income or not, there are credits waiting for you. Don’t leave money on the table.