Claiming child benefit affect ILR application

[Pouria]

Hi all,

Can you please advise if I can apply for child benefit whilst on tier 2? I sent the application and it was approved by HMRC but I am concerned if it will have an impact on my ILR application!

Please advise

Thanks
P

[CR001]

No, your visa clearly states no recourse to public funds. Child benefit is public funds and yes it can affect your ilr application.

[Pouria]

Thanks for your prompt response. Except cancelling the benefit, what else do you recommend me to do?

[Zerubbabel]

Thanks for your prompt response. Except cancelling the benefit, what else do you recommend me to do?

In the UK, most Government departments databases are connected to each other. And going forward, this drive of connecting everything to everything is getting stronger. It means if you perceive any benefit that falls under the category "public funds" - Child Benefit does - it will be visible to the Home Office if you make any immigration application.

This is a serious breach and usually leads to refusal of the immigration application. The refusal ground is strong and not of the kind that can be challenged by an appeal or similar process.

Check this page out:

https://www.gov.uk/repay-child-benefit-overpayments

You can call the HRMC. They are really nice on the phone and they respond quickly. If you just submitted the application and didn't perceive anything yet, just cancel it. Otherwise, if they gave you any money, refund it.

[Pouria]

Thanks for detailed response. I called and cancelled the benefit..

[Zerubbabel]

Thanks for detailed response. I called and cancelled the benefit..

Good for you I am happy that you came in here and asked before any damage was made. Many people don't realize that when asking for ILR, extension, switch... etc the Home Office audits the compliance with current immigration status. Any breach is leveraged to build a refusal case forward.

All the best!