How to use this page: Read the simplified explanation first, then use the official links below before acting.
Plain-language summary
- Canada.ca says automatic CLB enrolment is a future process, not a benefit that is already opening accounts today.
- As of April 2028, the Government of Canada plans to automatically open an RESP to deposit the Canada Learning Bond for children who meet the listed requirements.
- The automatic path is aimed at children born in 2024 or later who have a valid SIN, are not already named as an RESP beneficiary by age 4, and meet the CLB income-related requirements.
- The child's primary caregiver must also have filed income tax returns and be eligible to receive the Canada Child Benefit.
- If a family receives a government letter confirming CLB automatic-enrolment eligibility, Canada.ca says they do not need to do anything right away, but they can still open an RESP with a financial institution of their choice.
- Parents and caregivers will be able to request to opt out starting in 2027, but ESDC says it will not accept opt-out requests before then.
Action steps
- If the child may be CLB-eligible, get the child's SIN and keep the primary caregiver's tax filings and Canada Child Benefit information current.
- Do not wait for automatic enrolment if you are ready to choose your own RESP provider. You can still open an RESP earlier and ask the promoter to request the CLB.
- If you receive an automatic-enrolment letter, decide whether you want to let the future automatic process run, open your own RESP with a provider you choose, or later opt out when the opt-out process becomes available.
- Before choosing a provider yourself, confirm that the promoter supports CLB, additional CESG if relevant, and any provincial benefit the child may qualify for.
- If you are considering opting out in 2027 or later, compare that choice against the fact that CLB does not require family contributions and can stay available for the child later.
- For a child born before January 1, 2024, watch for the separate 2028 request process Canada.ca says may let eligible families ask the Government of Canada to open an RESP.
Caveats to watch
- Automatic enrolment is not immediate. The Canada.ca page gives April 2028 as the start for automatic RESP opening.
- The automatic route is not for every child. The listed conditions include birth year, SIN, no existing RESP beneficiary status by age 4, family or primary caregiver income, tax filing, and CCB eligibility.
- The CLB can be paid into only one RESP for each child or beneficiary, even if more than one RESP exists.
- No personal contribution is needed to receive CLB, but contributions are still needed for CESG and may matter for other savings goals.
- Canada.ca says family and child information will not be shared with the RESP provider when the account is opened automatically.
- Details for older children and future opt-out mechanics are still incomplete. Canada.ca says more details will follow.
Examples
Example: child born in 2024, no RESP by age 4
A child born in 2024 has a SIN, the caregiver files taxes and receives CCB, the family meets the CLB income test, and no one has named the child as an RESP beneficiary by age 4. Under the Canada.ca timeline, this is the kind of case that could be picked up by automatic enrolment starting in April 2028.
Example: family gets a letter but wants provider choice
A caregiver receives a letter confirming automatic-enrolment eligibility. They do not have to act immediately, but they can still open an RESP at a bank, credit union, or investment firm they choose and ask that promoter to request the CLB there instead.
Example: parent thinking about opting out
A parent is uncomfortable with an automatically opened account. Starting in 2027, they can request to opt out, but before deciding they should remember that CLB does not require contributions and the account can remain available for the child to use for post-secondary studies later.
Plain-English timeline
- Now: families can still open RESPs themselves and request CLB through a participating promoter.
- 2027: parents and caregivers can request to opt out, but ESDC will not accept opt-out requests before that year.
- April 2028: Canada.ca says automatic RESP opening begins for eligible children born in 2024 or later who are not already RESP beneficiaries by age 4.
- Starting in 2028: eligible children born before January 1, 2024 may have a request path for the Government of Canada to open an RESP, with more details still to come.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Is my child already named as a beneficiary of any RESP, including one opened by a grandparent or other relative?
- Do I want to choose the RESP provider myself before automatic enrolment could apply?
- Does this promoter support CLB in the exact plan type I am opening?
- Are there fees, minimums, investment restrictions, or withdrawal rules that make this provider a poor fit?
- If I opt out later, what education money or flexibility could my child lose?