Child Tax Benefit - Father Citizen Mother awaiting PR

[Kayodan]

Hello everybody,

We recently had a baby and were wondering about the Child Tax Benefit. Can I apply as the father while my wife is waiting for her Permanent Residency? She has been in Canada 1 year but did not work or file for 2016.

If not, can she apply retroactively when she receives her P.R?

Thanks in advance

New Father

 

[steaky]

Is baby born in Canada?

 

[HamiltonApplicant]

Hello everybody,

We recently had a baby and were wondering about the Child Tax Benefit. Can I apply as the father while my wife is waiting for her Permanent Residency? She has been in Canada 1 year but did not work or file for 2016.

If not, can she apply retroactively when she receives her P.R?

Thanks in advance

New Father

Both child tax benefit(CCTB) and universal child care benefit(UCCB) have been replaced by non taxable Child care benefit(CCB) as of 2016.

Here's the part this gets a little bit complicated. If you and your wife are living together and your wife is the primary care giver, then CRA recommends wife applies for CCB. I checked the eligibility (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits.html), which does not say clearly whether the applicant has to be a PR or citizen. So your wife can possible apply, but a tax return is a pre requisite. CCB can definitely be paid retroactively upto 10 years.

Best course of action would to create a CRA profile and initiate the process online. It will clearly say whether you can apply or not, it will also clearly tell you what documents and applications need to be sent by mail...

 

[pie_vancouver]

I assume that the baby was born in Canada?
Father should apply, just attach a note that you are primarily responsible for the child and your wife is awaiting PR. You both sign the note.

 

[lgtaylor1992]

HI Kayodan,

We are in the same boat. My husband works here, and I don't and am waiting on paperwork. Was your family able to claim the CCB for your child under you?

 

[kimanhle]

Dear Team,

I am under family sponsor inside canada class. I got the working permit this month.
I have my own daughter (with my ex, husband) she is 9 years olds.
Can I apply CBC (Canada child care) as my current husband is Canada citizen? or I have to wait until PR arpproval?
Looking forward to hear you advise.

Thanks alot

 

[canuck78]

No you must wait until you get PR. That is unless your husband formally adopted your child.