New CRA rules reshape Canadian job offers for foreign workers
On This Page You Will Find:
- Emergency steps to obtain your CRA business number in 2026
- Why the November 2025 rule change affects your immigration timeline
- Instant online registration that saves weeks of processing delays
- Critical exceptions that could bypass the CRA requirement entirely
- Alternative incorporation routes for faster business setup
Summary:
Starting November 2025, Canada's immigration system requires all employers to have a CRA business number before submitting job offers for foreign workers. The game-changing shift to mandatory online registration through Business Registration Online (BRO) means you can now get your number instantly instead of waiting weeks. This comprehensive guide reveals the exact steps to secure your CRA number, explores the little-known exception for self-employed foreign workers, and uncovers alternative federal incorporation routes that automatically generate your business credentials. Whether you're racing against application deadlines or planning ahead, these strategies ensure your immigration process stays on track.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- All Canadian employers must have a CRA business number to submit job offers for immigration purposes
- Online registration through BRO became mandatory November 3, 2025, providing instant approval
- Self-employed foreign workers may qualify for an exception to the CRA requirement
- Federal incorporation through Corporations Canada automatically provides a business number
- The 9-digit business number is free and serves as your permanent business identifier
Maria Rodriguez stared at her laptop screen in frustration. After months of securing a job offer from a Toronto startup, she discovered the company couldn't submit her work permit application. The reason? They didn't have a Canada Revenue Agency business number – a requirement that had just become mandatory for all immigration-related job offers.
If you're facing a similar situation, you're not alone. The November 2025 rule change caught thousands of employers off guard, but there's good news: the solution is faster and simpler than most people realize.
Why Every Canadian Employer Needs a CRA Number
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and other immigration streams use CRA business numbers as the primary method to verify and distinguish legitimate employers. This system prevents fraud and ensures that job offers come from established businesses operating within Canada's tax framework.
Without this number, your carefully crafted job offer becomes worthless in the immigration system. It's not just a bureaucratic hurdle – it's a fundamental requirement that protects both workers and the integrity of Canada's immigration programs.
The November 2025 Game Changer
Here's what changed everything: Starting November 3, 2025, the CRA eliminated phone-based registrations for new business numbers. If you call the Business Enquiries line expecting to register over the phone, you'll be redirected to complete the process online.
This shift actually works in your favor. Online registration through Business Registration Online (BRO) provides instant confirmation, whereas the old system could take weeks for processing and mail delivery.
Your Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Method 1: Online Registration (Recommended)
Business Registration Online (BRO) is now your primary pathway. Here's why it's superior:
- Instant results: You receive your 9-digit business number immediately
- Complete control: No waiting for mail or dealing with phone queues
- Immediate access: Download and save your confirmation instantly
- Multiple accounts: Register for GST/HST and payroll accounts simultaneously
The process takes approximately 15-20 minutes for most businesses. You'll need basic information about your business structure, planned activities, and contact details.
Method 2: Traditional Alternatives (If Online Isn't Possible)
While online registration is strongly encouraged, these backup options remain available:
Phone Registration: Call 1-800-959-5525, though you'll likely be directed to use BRO anyway.
Mail or Fax: Complete Form RC1 (Request for a Business Number) and submit to your local tax centre. This method can take several weeks and isn't recommended if you're facing immigration deadlines.
The Critical Exception You Need to Know
There's one scenario where you might not need a separate CRA business number: when the foreign worker is both the employer and the employee. This applies to entrepreneurs, consultants, and other self-employed individuals who are essentially hiring themselves.
If you're planning to work for your own Canadian business entity, verify whether this exception applies to your specific immigration stream. The rules can be nuanced, and what works for one program might not apply to another.
Understanding Your Business Number
Your CRA business number is a permanent 9-digit identifier that stays with your business throughout its lifetime. Think of it as your business's social insurance number – once assigned, it doesn't change, even if you modify your business structure or add new activities.
When you register online, the system generates this number instantly and provides immediate access to your business account. You can then add additional program accounts (like GST/HST or payroll) as your business needs evolve.
Alternative Route: Federal Incorporation
For some businesses, federal incorporation through Corporations Canada offers an attractive alternative. This route automatically generates your business number and corporation income tax program account without requiring separate CRA registration.
The federal incorporation process costs more than simple BRO registration but provides additional benefits:
- Automatic business number assignment: No separate CRA registration needed
- National operation rights: Conduct business across all provinces and territories
- Enhanced credibility: Federal incorporation often carries more weight with partners and clients
- Streamlined setup: One process handles both incorporation and tax registration
After federal incorporation, you can still add other CRA program accounts (GST/HST, payroll) through the standard registration process.
Planning Your Immigration Timeline
The instant nature of online BRO registration means CRA business numbers no longer need to be a bottleneck in your immigration planning. However, smart applicants still register early to avoid last-minute complications.
Consider registering for your business number as soon as you're serious about hiring foreign workers, even if the actual job offer is months away. The number doesn't expire, and having it ready eliminates one potential delay in your application process.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time registrants make errors that can complicate their immigration applications:
Inconsistent business information: Ensure the business name and address on your CRA registration exactly match what appears in your job offer documentation.
Missing program accounts: If you plan to have employees, register for the payroll account immediately rather than adding it later.
Lost confirmation details: The online system won't mail you a separate confirmation. Save or print your registration confirmation immediately.
Multiple registrations: Each business entity needs only one business number. Don't register multiple times thinking it will speed up the process.
What Happens After Registration
Once you have your CRA business number, you can immediately use it in immigration applications. The number serves as proof that your business is recognized by Canadian tax authorities and eligible to hire workers.
Keep your business number documentation easily accessible. Immigration applications often require this information at multiple stages, and having it readily available prevents delays during form completion.
Immigration officers may verify your business number against CRA records, so ensure your business information remains current and accurate in the CRA system.
Preparing for Future Changes
Canada's immigration system continues evolving, with digital integration becoming increasingly important. Having a properly registered CRA business number positions you for future requirements and demonstrates your commitment to operating within Canada's regulatory framework.
The shift to mandatory online registration signals Canada's broader move toward digital-first government services. Businesses that adapt quickly to these changes often find themselves better positioned for success in Canada's competitive market.
Taking Action on Your Application
Don't let a missing CRA business number derail your immigration plans. The registration process is now faster and more straightforward than ever before, with online registration providing immediate results that keep your application timeline on track.
Whether you're an employer scrambling to complete a last-minute application or planning months ahead, securing your CRA business number should be your first priority. The 15-20 minutes spent on online registration can save weeks of delays and ensure your job offer carries the legal weight needed for successful immigration processing.
Your path to Canadian employment authorization is clearer than ever – start with that crucial 9-digit number that opens all the doors that follow.
FAQ
Q: Can I submit a Canadian job offer for immigration purposes without a CRA business number?
No, you cannot submit job offers for foreign workers without a CRA business number as of November 2025. This 9-digit identifier is mandatory for all immigration streams including the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Express Entry, and work permit applications. The CRA business number serves as verification that your company is a legitimate employer operating within Canada's tax framework. Without this number, immigration officers cannot process your application, regardless of how well-qualified your foreign worker candidate may be. The only exception applies to self-employed foreign workers who are essentially hiring themselves, but this requires careful verification with your specific immigration program's requirements.
Q: How quickly can I get a CRA business number using the new online system?
The Business Registration Online (BRO) system provides instant CRA business number approval, typically within 15-20 minutes of completing your application. This represents a massive improvement from the previous phone-based system that could take weeks for processing and mail delivery. When you complete the online registration, you immediately receive your 9-digit business number and can download your confirmation documentation right away. This instant approval means you can register for your CRA number and submit your immigration application on the same day, eliminating what used to be a significant bottleneck in the process. The system is available 24/7, so you can complete registration even outside business hours when facing tight deadlines.
Q: What information do I need to register for a CRA business number online?
To register through Business Registration Online (BRO), you'll need your business structure details (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), primary business activities and industry codes, complete business address and mailing address if different, estimated start date for business operations, projected annual revenue, and contact information including phone and email. If you're incorporating, you'll also need your corporation name and incorporation details. For partnerships, prepare information about all partners including their Social Insurance Numbers or Individual Tax Numbers. The system may ask for banking information if you're registering for GST/HST simultaneously. Having this information organized beforehand ensures your registration process takes only 15-20 minutes rather than requiring multiple sessions to gather missing details.
Q: Does federal incorporation automatically provide a CRA business number for immigration applications?
Yes, federal incorporation through Corporations Canada automatically generates both your CRA business number and corporation income tax program account without requiring separate registration. This streamlined approach can be particularly beneficial for businesses planning significant operations across multiple provinces or those wanting enhanced credibility with immigration officers. The incorporation process costs more than simple BRO registration (typically $200+ vs. free), but provides additional advantages including national operation rights and automatic tax registration. However, you'll still need to separately register for GST/HST and payroll program accounts if required. For immigration purposes, the automatically generated business number works exactly the same as one obtained through direct CRA registration, so choose based on your broader business needs rather than immigration requirements alone.
Q: What happens if my company doesn't have a CRA number and I have an urgent immigration deadline?
With the new online BRO system, urgent deadlines are no longer a major concern since you can obtain your CRA business number instantly. Register immediately through Business Registration Online, which takes 15-20 minutes and provides immediate confirmation. Print or save your registration confirmation as proof for your immigration application. If for some reason online registration isn't possible, contact the Business Enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525, though they'll likely direct you to complete the process online anyway. Avoid mail or fax options (Form RC1) as these can take weeks. The key is acting immediately – don't assume you need to wait for additional documentation or approval. Your 9-digit business number is valid for immigration applications as soon as the online system generates it.
Q: Are there any costs associated with getting a CRA business number for immigration job offers?
Obtaining a CRA business number through Business Registration Online (BRO) is completely free. There are no government fees, processing charges, or hidden costs associated with registering for your basic business number and income tax program account. However, if you choose federal incorporation as an alternative route, you'll pay incorporation fees (typically $200 for online federal incorporation plus potential legal fees). Additionally, while the business number itself is free, you may need to register for other program accounts like GST/HST (required if your annual revenue exceeds $30,000) or payroll accounts (required if you have employees), but these registrations are also free. Be wary of third-party services charging fees for CRA registration – you can complete the entire process yourself at no cost through the official government website.
Q: Can I use my CRA business number immediately after registration for multiple immigration applications?
Yes, your CRA business number becomes valid immediately upon registration and can be used for multiple immigration applications without restrictions. The 9-digit number serves as your permanent business identifier and doesn't change regardless of how many foreign workers you sponsor or which immigration programs you use. You can simultaneously submit job offers for different candidates through various streams like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or work permits using the same business number. However, ensure your business information remains consistent across all applications – the company name, address, and business activities listed in your CRA registration must match exactly with the details in your job offer letters and immigration forms. Immigration officers may cross-reference this information, so maintaining accuracy across all documentation is crucial for successful processing.
