After you apply
How we review your application
Screening
When we receive your application, our first step is to verify that it is complete and do routine checks.
Screening outcomes Description If your application is complete You will receive a confirmation in your CRA account.
If your application is incomplete If information or documents are missing, we will contact you by phone or in writing and provide options on how to proceed. Analysis
Once your application is complete, it is placed in a queue until an officer is assigned to review it.
The assigned officer will review your application in detail and determine whether your organization meets the requirements for registration.
If your application is awaiting assignment
It is normal for your application status to remain in the "Awaiting assignment" phase for some time. This is a routine part of the review process and does not affect the outcome of your application.
You do not need to take any action unless we contact you directly.
Possible outcomes of your application
If your application is approved
You will receive a notification of registration, outlining your:
- privileges and responsibilities
- registration number
- effective date of registration
Review the notice carefully. It includes valuable information to help you meet the requirements of the Income Tax Act.
Keep this notice in a safe place and share it with all board members and other authorized representatives of your charity.
If we need to contact you before making a final decision
If your application is missing information or requires changes
After reviewing your application, we may contact you by phone or in writing to give you an opportunity to address our concerns before we make a final decision.
This can happen if:
- we need clarification regarding how you carry out your activities
- we need more information about how your organization uses its resources
- we have other concerns that affect your organization's eligibility
Once we contact you, we will provide a timeline for responding. If you do not respond within that timeframe, we will consider your application abandoned and close your file.
You can apply for registration again if we close your file, but you must address any of our previous concerns in your new application. You must also re-open your account before submitting your new application. For more information: Contact the Charities Directorate.
If your purposes require changes
If your purposes are vague, too broad, or don't reflect your charitable activities—and we have no other concerns that would prevent registration—we will contact you in writing with proposed purposes.
If you formally adopt those purposes within the given timeframe, and no other concerns arise that would impact your eligibility, you will be granted registration.
If your application is refused
If we refuse your application, you will receive a notice of refusal to register outlining our reasoning.
Typically, we refuse your application if:
- your purposes and activities are clearly not charitable
- you did not provide enough information to show that you qualify after we requested clarification
- you otherwise fail to meet the legal requirements to be a charity
You can apply for registration again.
However, we may refuse your new application if you fail to address our previous concerns. In addition, you may have to reopen your account before submitting your new application. For more information: Contact the Charities Directorate.
If you do not agree with our decision
When to expect a decision
Check our CRA processing times to find out how long it takes for us to assess your application. Note that our processing times only start when we have received a complete application.
View the status of your application
You can check the status of your application, including the case number, in your CRA account.
- Sign in to your CRA account.
- Access your organization's business account.
- Under the Progress tracker on the right-hand side, select your application.
This tool shows the most up-to-date information that our agents are able to share with you.