Do I surrender my citizenship when I get my green card?

[canusa920 11]

Hello,

So earlier today I was speaking with a girl I lived in Canada with and she had claimed I would have to surrender my Canadian citizenship once I am approved for my green card? I wasn't sure if that was complete BS or if she is right? Anyone know?

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Haha,no, don't worry That person was full of it.

You also don't have to surrender CA citizenship if and when you choose to become a US Citizen. You can be both, eventually.

[canusa920 11]

Haha,no, don't worry That person was full of it.

You also don't have to surrender CA citizenship if and when you choose to become a US Citizen. You can be both, eventually.

Okay great, I didn't think so...

I'm still collecting my monthly child tax benefit from Canada for our daughter that was born in Canada last August, and she claimed I am no longer a Canadian citizen and I'll have to pay back what they're giving me each month for my daughter?

She scared the ####### out of me...

[canusa920 11]

Haha,no, don't worry That person was full of it.

You also don't have to surrender CA citizenship if and when you choose to become a US Citizen. You can be both, eventually.

Okay great, I didn't think so...

I'm still collecting my monthly child tax benefit from Canada for our daughter that was born in Canada last August, and she claimed I am no longer a Canadian citizen and I'll have to pay back what they're giving me each month for my daughter?

She scared the ####### out of me...

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Hello,

So earlier today I was speaking with a girl I lived in Canada with and she had claimed I would have to surrender my Canadian citizenship once I am approved for my green card? I wasn't sure if that was complete BS or if she is right? Anyone know?

Thanks!

My female friend who lives now in New York City already being a permanent legal resident for over 10 years and she still holds Indonesian citizenship.

[Terry J 50]

Okay great, I didn't think so...

I'm still collecting my monthly child tax benefit from Canada for our daughter that was born in Canada last August, and she claimed I am no longer a Canadian citizen and I'll have to pay back what they're giving me each month for my daughter?

She scared the ####### out of me...

Whoever told you that really is misinformed. This has nothing to do with Canadian citizenship as you wouldn't lose that status that unless you decide to give it up.

Once you become a US permanent resident this year, when you'll file your 2014 Canadian tax return next year, on the returns you'll notify them that you're no longer a resident of Canada for tax purposes (unless you plan to remain a Canadian resident for tax purposes).

For the child tax benefit however you should inquire with the CRA if that will continue once you are a non-resident of Canada as both you and your child would be living in the US. I don't know how the program works when you're a non-resident.

Edited March 1, 2014 by Terry J

[canusa920 11]

Whoever told you that really is misinformed. This has nothing to do with Canadian citizenship as you wouldn't lose that status that unless you decide to give it up.

Once you become a US permanent resident this year, when you'll file your 2014 Canadian tax return next year, on the returns you'll notify them that you're no longer a resident of Canada for tax purposes (unless you plan to remain a Canadian resident for tax purposes).

For the child tax benefit however you should inquire with the CRA if that will continue once you are a non-resident of Canada as both you and your child would be living in the US. I don't know how the program works when you're a non-resident.

Perfect, that news is great... and straightforward!

Thank you

[Boiler 45,535]

That would have made you stateless.

[Jon and Krissy 452]

Hello,

So earlier today I was speaking with a girl I lived in Canada with and she had claimed I would have to surrender my Canadian citizenship once I am approved for my green card? I wasn't sure if that was complete BS or if she is right? Anyone know?

Thanks!

It's complete B.S.

[azndailo 2]

There are some countries that allow dual citizenship. I checked the USCIS website but the dual citizenship link was broken. I have included an alternate link: http://www.***removed***/citizenship/dual-citizenship-recognize-countries.html

I know in China, once you become a USC you must renounce your citizenship in China. I think Canada is one of the exceptions as noted on their website. Thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

Okay great, I didn't think so...

I'm still collecting my monthly child tax benefit from Canada for our daughter that was born in Canada last August, and she claimed I am no longer a Canadian citizen and I'll have to pay back what they're giving me each month for my daughter?

She scared the ####### out of me...

Actually you're still a Canadian citizen but if you are no longer a Canadian resident you are not allowed to get child tax benefits, gst cheques or any Canadian heath benefits. When you file your taxes you will be required to pay back any CCTB benefits.

[Boiler 45,535]

OP was asking about becoming a US PR, not citizen.

[nightingalejules 678]

Either way, LPR or US/Can dual citizenship. You can stay a citizen. But you probably won't qualify for child tax money once you cease to be a resident. Like with health care.

[NikLR 13,227]

I made sure to cancel my CCTB and GST cheques before I left Canada. They kept sending me the GST cheque which I put into a Canadian bank account, even after i sent them a letter specifically stating I lived in the USA and to stop sending me the GST cheques. This way I can pay back all the money when they ask for it, since I know they will.

As soon as you are not a US resident you are not eligible for Canadian health care or any other Canadian social programs like CCTB or GST cheques, with the exception of EI.

[mtlguy 59]

You will always be a Canadian citizen. NLR is right about owing cctb payments.

Once you move to the US you must declare to the CRA that you are no longer a resident of Canada. This will make you ineligible for receiving cctb payments. If they already paid you for a period where you are no longer a resident of Canada, then it only makes sense to repay it.

By definition cctb payments are meant to assist taxpayers with child expenses. Living in the US will no longer make you a Canadian taxpayer. So it is just plain unethical to collect money from a country you're not contributing to its economy.