Dependents and survivors benefits generally may not be paid to aliens who have been outside the United States for more than 6 months and who first became eligible for benefits after 1984, unless they satisfy certain U.S. residency requirements (5-year residency rule).

As explained in GN 01701.150A.2., citizens or residents of a country with which the United States has a Totalization agreement are exempt from these requirements unless the agreement includes a limitation on the exemption. The U.S.-Canadian agreement does not contain a limitation. Therefore, Canadian citizens, regardless of where they reside, and residents of Canada are exempt from these requirements.

If an alien dependent or survivor, who does not meet the 5-year residency requirement, alleges he or she is a citizen or resident of Canada, develop citizenship or residence status.

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  Definition of Canadian territory, GN 01715.115

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  Developing citizenship and residence status, GN 01702.220 - GN 01702.230.

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  Residency requirements for alien dependents and survivors outside the United States, RS 02610.025