[sandikim]

Hi, My US husband is applying for a spouse visa, in the application where it
mentions about goverment/public funds, would that include working and child tax credits, and child benefit? Or does that does it mean job seekers, or unemplyment benefit. Could anyone let me know please, I get the working/child tax credits and
need to know if this affects our application.

Many thanks...

 

[gairloch]

Here is a reference from the UKBA website on ‘Public Funds’

 

[sandikim]

Thank you for your reply..so as I claim working/tax credits... will that affect our application, or do they disregard that income and base it on my work income?
Thank you again..

 

[gairloch]

That's beyond (far beyond) my knowledge -sorry.

 

[Joppa]

Thank you for your reply..so as I claim working/tax credits... will that affect our application, or do they disregard that income and base it on my work income?
Thank you again..

If you as British citizen is entitled to claim it, there's nothing wrong in that, but basically any money you get as a couple - some benefits and tax credits are assessed per couple basis, not as individuals - will be disregarded in working out your maintenance requirement. As for child benefits, if it's for eligible children such as those with British nationality, you can claim it and doesn't affect your assessment.

Public funds, what you can claim and how, if any, it will affect immigration rules are a complicated area and there is no easy black-and-white principles. There are many public funds that those subject to immigration control aren't entitled to receive, and if they do, by telling lies etc, they will be breaking the criminal law (deception and fraud) as well as breaking immigration rules. Generally those you contribute to from your pay - contributory benefits - can be received by immigrants, such as retirement pension, contribution-based JSA and maternity benefit. Those that alleviate poverty, low pay or other hardships generally can't.

 

[sandikim]

Thank you Joppa,
I am a British citizen, and so is my daughter. My husband hopefully is comming over in april/May. You answered what I needed to know, thank you so much.
You are great on here..