Hi,

I am on L1 and my spouse and child on L2. We came on July, 2007

Spouse have the SSN and child didn't have either SSN/ITIN.

It was suggested that I can apply SSN for my child as she is on L2. I went to SSN and they didn't accept as they need INS (Work Authorization) approval to proceed with an SSN to my child.

Pl. let me know which way is better to get the child credit back.

You can file jointly with your wife and applied for an ITIN using Form W-7. When you submit the Form 1040A with the W-7, claim the Child Tax Credit.

IRS guidance I have received via the IRS Intl Tax Hotline clearly stated that, in such cases, the parent's resident alien status also applies to the children as well, which makes your child eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

If you want professional help to do this, contact me at the email address below.