1. Will your CRA My Account still be valid after you leave Canada?
Yes, your CRA account remains active even after you leave Canada —
as long as your SIN has not been cancelled.
- CRA doesn’t close your account just because you leave the country.
- You must still file your final tax return (including your departure return) for the year you leave.
- You may also receive notices, assessments, or refunds in the future.
2. What happens if your SIN expires or becomes inactive?
Your
SIN never truly expires, but it may become
inactive if your
immigration status in Canada ends (e.g., your work/study permit expires). Even in that case:
- You can still access CRA My Account.
- CRA uses your SIN as a reference ID — it doesn't require an “active” SIN for log-in.
- The system doesn’t lock you out due to immigration status changes.
3. Can you still use your Passcode Grid to log in from abroad?
Yes, you can use your
Passcode Grid or
Sign-In Partner (bank login) from outside Canada.
However:
- Make sure you don’t lose your grid — it’s your key to access the account if you're no longer in Canada.
- If you lose access, resetting from abroad is difficult, since CRA won’t send a new grid to a foreign address.
Pro Tip: Set up
“Autofill My Return”,
email notifications, and link a Canadian bank account for refunds or payments before you leave.
4. Important final steps before you leave Canada
- File your Departure Tax Return (Part-Year Resident return for 2025 next year).
- Update CRA using Form RC325 to notify them of your departure.
- Provide a forwarding address (abroad is okay).
- Download copies of past notices of assessment, T4s, etc., for your records.
Experiences from Others
- Many former temporary residents and workers say CRA still allows access years after leaving.
- As long as your login method is secure and you don’t forget your credentials, you'll have no problem managing past tax filings or refunds from outside Canada.
