Canada Child Benefit as Inland Applicant

[the_express]

Hi everybody,

I just want to say that this forum has been tremendously helpful as I've navigated the PR application process as an inland applicant.

Maybe somebody could help with a question I have.

My wife - who's a Canadian citizen and I, plus our toddler moved to Canada in November. I immediately applied for PR status through the family class sponsorship.

We'd like to apply for the Canada Child Benefit for our daughter. We called Canada Revenue Agency and they told us to fill out a "Status in Canada / Statement of Income" form. Unfortunately, none of the residency status options (new residents of Canada, returning residents, etc.) apply to me.

Much of the information I've read has said that a new resident has to have resident status or have been here for 18 months, and I have neither.

But certainly, my wife, who's a Canadian citizen, should be eligible for this, regardless of my status?

Has anybody been through this process? Would love to get tips from somebody who has successfully navigated this.

 

[MaryL]

Your wife should apply as it's usually the mother who applies.
I have not been thru this process.
Status of your toddler may also come into play. Perhaps someone else can answer too.

 

[the_express]

Hi, thanks for your response!

Yes, my wife is applying for the benefits but they've asked for information about me - and my income - as well. Toddler is a Canadian citizen too.

I suppose it's not a usual situation for them. I will probably write a letter clarifying my status and include it with the application.

 

[screech339]

Hi, thanks for your response!

Yes, my wife is applying for the benefits but they've asked for information about me - and my income - as well. Toddler is a Canadian citizen too.

I suppose it's not a usual situation for them. I will probably write a letter clarifying my status and include it with the application.

CRA wants to know the total family income (yours and your wife's) since child benefits are pro-rated based on family income, not individual income.

 

[the_express]

CRA wants to know the total family income (yours and your wife's) since child benefits are pro-rated based on family income, not individual income.

Yes, that's no problem, but they also want to know my status in the country, and none of the options given (new resident, returning resident, citizen) really fit.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Yes, that's no problem, but they also want to know my status in the country, and none of the options given (new resident, returning resident, citizen) really fit.

Select new resident. Your status doesn't matter anyways, as your wife qualifies regardless. You can include a separate letter explaining that you are a visiror waiting for PR.