GST credit (eligible or not)

[jhunjhun 7]

I came here US as a visitor and got married. I just filed my AOS application to USCIS last month and I've received my NOAs for all of my applications. What is my status here in US? I'm no longer a resident of Canada? On October, I've received a GST check from government and I told my sister to deposit it to her bank account ( or in the other words the cheqnue was cashed). Do you think I owed that amount back to the government? I believe, this coming January 2009, I'll be receiving another cheque. Do you think I'm still eligible to receive this GST? Or Do I need to call Revenue Canada to cancel it? I',m thinkin that this GST credit amount was calculated based on last year income (2007). I'm quite confused with my residency here in US. Some inputs will be appreciated. Thanks.

[trailmix 77]

I came here US as a visitor and got married. I just filed my AOS application to USCIS last month and I've received my NOAs for all of my applications. What is my status here in US? I'm no longer a resident of Canada? On October, I've received a GST check from government and I told my sister to deposit it to her bank account ( or in the other words the cheqnue was cashed). Do you think I owed that amount back to the government? I believe, this coming January 2009, I'll be receiving another cheque. Do you think I'm still eligible to receive this GST? Or Do I need to call Revenue Canada to cancel it? I',m thinkin that this GST credit amount was calculated based on last year income (2007). I'm quite confused with my residency here in US. Some inputs will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi,

There was thread on this just yesterday which you might find helpful:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=166463

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You are not eligible for the GST credit once you became a non-resident of Canada. Once you submitted your AOS application you announced you were no longer a Canadian residence and were seeking official US residency. Even though the GST is calculated on your previous year's income, your eligibility to receive it is based on your current residency. Sorry - need to send those cheques back. If you cash them, you will receive letters demanding their return from CRA once you file your income tax - which you need to do advising them of your last date residing in Canada when you file your last Canadian taxes in 2009 for 2008. If you are getting a rebate the amount would, however, be deducted from your rebate if you would rather do that than send them the money.

Edited December 11, 2008 by Kathryn41