First-time Homebuyer Programs for Immigrants: November 2025 Guide
Moving to Canada presents incredible opportunities for homeownership, but navigating the complex landscape of first-time homebuyer programs can feel overwhelming. By understanding specialized programs designed for newcomers, immigrants can unlock pathways to down payment support and transform their Canadian housing dreams into reality. Let's discover the essential resources that make homeownership accessible in 2025!
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Summary Table for First-time Homebuyer Programs for Immigrants: November 2025 Guide
| Name | Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Sagen New to Canada Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| CMHC Newcomers Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| RBC Newcomers Mortgage Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| First Home Savings Account (FHSA) | Financial Service | Learn More |
| Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) | Government Program | Learn More |
| First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit | Tax Credit | Learn More |
| Provincial Land Transfer Tax Rebates | Provincial Benefit | Learn More |
| GST/HST New Housing Rebate | Tax Credit | Learn More |
| Scotiabank StartRight Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| TD New to Canada Mortgage Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| BMO NewStart Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| CIBC Newcomers Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
What Newcomers Need to Know
- Canadian housing markets offer multiple pathways for immigrants to purchase homes
- Specific programs exist for newcomers with limited Canadian credit history
- Down payment requirements vary by program and individual circumstances
- Some programs offer mortgage insurance and flexible qualification criteria
- Tax benefits and rebates can significantly reduce initial homeownership costs
Our Top Recommendations
- Prioritize programs specifically designed for newcomers
- Understand credit history requirements for each program
- Calculate potential down payment and mortgage insurance options
- Consider both federal and bank-specific newcomer mortgage programs
- Seek personalized financial advice from immigrant-friendly institutions
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
1. Sagen New to Canada Program
Category: Financial Service
Sagen's New to Canada Program is a specialized mortgage solution designed to help recent immigrants and newcomers purchase property in Canada. The program provides unique financing opportunities for individuals who have recently relocated to Canada, making homeownership more accessible.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must have relocated to Canada within the last 5 years
- Must have a valid work permit or permanent resident status
- Can purchase property with as little as 5% down payment
- Specifically designed for recently immigrated individuals
- Tailored mortgage financing for new Canadian residents
Benefits for newcomers:
- Low down payment option (as little as 5%)
- Helps new immigrants purchase property
- Supports recent relocation to Canada
- Flexible financing for newcomers
- Mortgage solution for those new to Canadian housing market
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
2. CMHC Newcomers Program
Category: Government Program
The CMHC Newcomers Program is designed to support permanent and non-permanent residents in achieving homeownership in Canada. This specialized mortgage loan insurance program helps newcomers overcome traditional financing barriers by providing accessible pathways to purchasing their first home.
What newcomers need to know:
- Mortgage loan insurance available for permanent residents
- Financing options for non-permanent residents
- Minimum down payment starting at 5%
- Designed for temporary foreign workers and foreign income earners
- Support for those with little-to-no Canadian employment or credit history
Benefits for newcomers:
- Access to insured financing options
- Opportunity to purchase a home with minimal down payment
- Help in realizing homeownership dreams in Canada
- Support for both permanent and non-permanent residents
- Specialized mortgage solutions tailored to newcomers' unique situations
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
3. RBC Newcomers Mortgage Program
Category: Government Program
RBC offers specialized mortgage solutions designed specifically for newcomers to Canada who may have limited credit history or employment records. The program provides flexible options to help new immigrants achieve homeownership during their first five years in Canada.
What newcomers need to know:
- Mortgage options available for newcomers with little-to-no Canadian employment history
- Potential qualification with 35% down payment
- Specialty programs with no minimum income requirement
- Suitable for temporary foreign workers
- Applicable for foreign income earners
Benefits for newcomers:
- Mortgages available even with limited credit history
- Options within RBC Homeline Plan
- Opportunity to get residential mortgage
- Pre-qualification tools available
- First home buying support for new immigrants
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
4. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Category: Financial Service
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a unique registered plan designed to help first-time home buyers save for their dream home with significant tax advantages. This program offers newcomers an innovative financial tool to accelerate their path to homeownership in Canada.
What newcomers need to know:
- You must be a first-time home buyer to qualify
- You can make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually
- Lifetime maximum contribution limit is $40,000
- Savings can be used to buy or build a qualifying first home
- Participation room in the first year is $8,000
Benefits for newcomers:
- Tax-deductible contributions
- Tax-free savings for home purchase
- Helps accelerate home ownership goals
- Flexible savings plan for first-time buyers
- Supports financial planning for new immigrants
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
5. Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
Category: Government Program
The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a valuable program for newcomers to Canada looking to purchase their first home. It provides a unique opportunity to use registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) funds as a down payment, helping new immigrants establish homeownership more quickly.
What newcomers need to know:
- You can withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home
- The program is available for first-time home buyers
- Funds can be used to purchase or build a home for yourself or a specified disabled person
- You can only participate in the Home Buyers' Plan every four years
- You must repay the withdrawn amount back into your RRSP over time
Benefits for newcomers:
- Provides access to funds for a home down payment
- Allows use of retirement savings for immediate housing needs
- Offers flexibility in home purchasing options
- Supports first-time home buyers in establishing roots
- Provides a structured way to access RRSP funds without immediate tax penalties
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
6. First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit
Category: Government Program
The First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC) is a valuable financial support for newcomers looking to enter the Canadian housing market. This non-refundable tax credit helps reduce the financial burden of purchasing a first home, making homeownership more accessible for immigrants and first-time buyers.
What newcomers need to know:
- You can claim up to $10,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home
- Must be a first-time home buyer or not have owned a home in the previous 4 years
- Eligible for individuals or couples purchasing their first home
- The credit applies to homes purchased in the current tax year
- Applies to both new and existing homes
Benefits for newcomers:
- Receive a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,500
- Reduces the amount of taxes owed when purchasing a home
- Helps offset initial home-buying expenses
- Applies to both federal and some provincial tax credits
- Supports newcomers in achieving homeownership
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
7. Provincial Land Transfer Tax Rebates
Category: Provincial Benefit
The Provincial Land Transfer Tax Rebate offers crucial financial support for first-time homebuyers in Ontario, helping to make homeownership more accessible for newcomers to Canada. This program provides a significant tax rebate that can help reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a first home.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
- Must move into the home as the main residence within 9 months of transfer date
- Maximum provincial Land Transfer Tax rebate is $4,000
- Must apply for the rebate within 18 months of the transfer date
Benefits for newcomers:
- Rebate of up to $4,000 on provincial land transfer tax
- Financial assistance for first-time home purchases
- Helps offset the cost of buying a first home
- Supports new immigrants in establishing homeownership
- Reduces initial financial burden of home purchasing
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
8. GST/HST New Housing Rebate
Category: Tax Credit
The GST/HST New Housing Rebate offers an essential financial opportunity for newcomers purchasing a new home in Canada. This rebate allows individuals to recover a significant portion of the GST or federal part of the HST paid on a new or substantially renovated house.
What newcomers need to know:
- The rebate allows recovery of GST or federal part of HST paid for a new or substantially renovated house
- To claim the rebate, you must file Form GST190, GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application for Houses Purchased from a Builder
- The rebate is worth 36% of the GST or federal portion of HST paid on a newly constructed home
- Maximum rebate is up to $6,300 for a newly constructed home
- Eligibility may depend on the fair market value of the home (currently up to $450,000)
Benefits for newcomers:
- Financial relief for new homebuyers
- Potential savings of up to $6,300 on new home purchases
- Supports first-time homebuyers in reducing initial housing costs
- Applies to both newly constructed and substantially renovated homes
- Part of government initiatives to make homeownership more affordable
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
9. Scotiabank StartRight Program
Category: Financial Service
The Scotiabank StartRight Program is a specialized banking service designed specifically for newcomers to Canada, offering tailored financial solutions for permanent residents, international students, and foreign workers during their initial years in the country.
What newcomers need to know:
- Program is available for Canadian Permanent Residents from 0-5 years in Canada
- Eligible for International Students and Foreign Workers
- Can open an international bank account online
- Offers chequing accounts with specific newcomer benefits
- Requires verification of immigration status
Benefits for newcomers:
- Get up to $2,300 in value in the first year
- Access to credit cards with up to $15,000 limit
- No monthly banking fees for chequing accounts
- Unlimited transactions with Ultimate Package
- Earn rewards for everyday purchases in Canada
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
10. TD New to Canada Mortgage Program
Category: Financial Service
TD's New to Canada Mortgage Program is designed specifically to help newcomers purchase a home in Canada, even without established Canadian credit history. This specialized mortgage solution provides unique support for immigrants navigating the Canadian housing market.
What newcomers need to know:
- Can apply with no Canadian credit history
- Supports newcomers with up to five years of experience in Canada
- Offers mortgage solutions for those new to the country
- Requires consultation with a TD Mortgage Specialist
- Helps determine mortgage eligibility for newcomers
Benefits for newcomers:
- Low down payment options for homes up to $1.5 million
- Interest rate holds of up to 120 days
- Specialized mortgage assistance for newcomers
- Get up to $5,100 with a new TD Mortgage
- Options for temporary foreign workers and foreign income earners
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
11. BMO NewStart Program
Category: Financial Service
The BMO NewStart® Program is specifically designed to support newcomers to Canada by providing tailored banking services and financial solutions. This comprehensive program helps immigrants establish their financial foundation and integrate smoothly into the Canadian banking system.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a newcomer to Canada
- Can open a Performance Plan chequing account
- Eligible for special banking offers and services
- Opportunity to establish Canadian banking history
- No minimum balance requirements specified
Benefits for newcomers:
- No monthly plan fees for two years
- Up to $2,300 in total program value
- Free Global Money Transfers
- Potential $700 cash bonus
- $50 Walmart Canada eGift card included
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
12. CIBC Newcomers Program
Category: Government Program
CIBC's Newcomers Program offers a comprehensive banking solution designed to help immigrants establish their financial foothold in Canada. The program provides tailored banking services and support specifically for individuals who are new to the country, making the transition easier and more accessible.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must have landed immigrant or permanent resident status within the last 5 years
- Must provide proof of entry into Canada (landing papers, permanent resident card, or Canadian work permit)
- Eligibility for CIBC Smart Account for Newcomers
- Can apply online for newcomer-specific credit cards
- Referral program available for newcomer friends
Benefits for newcomers:
- Pay no monthly banking fees for up to 24 months
- Receive $500 cash after opening a CIBC Smart Account
- Get a 2-year annual fee rebate
- Earn $50 when referring a newcomer friend to CIBC
- Access to specialized newcomer banking bundle
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
Final Words
Navigating Canadian homeownership as a newcomer requires strategic planning and understanding of available resources. By researching these specialized programs, consulting financial advisors, and staying informed about current offerings, immigrants can confidently approach their first home purchase. Remember that each program has unique requirements, so carefully compare options to find the best fit for your personal financial situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions: First-time Homebuyer Immigrants Canada This November 2025
What are the best mortgage programs for newcomers to Canada in November 2025?
The Sagen New to Canada Program, CMHC Newcomers Program, and RBC Newcomers Mortgage Program offer specialized financing options with flexible requirements for immigrants buying their first home.
How can I use the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) as a new immigrant in Canada?
As a newcomer, you can open an FHSA to save up to $8,000 annually tax-free, with a lifetime maximum of $40,000, specifically for purchasing your first home in Canada.
What are the key requirements for newcomers to qualify for a first-time home buyer mortgage in Canada?
Newcomers typically need a valid work permit or permanent resident status, stable income, minimum credit history, down payment of 5-10%, and must meet specific immigration and financial criteria set by Canadian lenders.
Which home buying program is better for immigrants: Home Buyers' Plan or First Home Savings Account?
The FHSA offers tax-free savings specifically for home purchases, while the Home Buyers' Plan allows withdrawal from RRSPs, with each program having unique benefits for newcomers depending on their financial situation.
How do immigrants typically qualify for special newcomer mortgage programs in Canada?
Most newcomer mortgage programs require proof of immigration status, stable employment, minimum credit score of 600-650, down payment capabilities, and typically 1-2 years of Canadian credit history.