Renew of Skilled Worker visa & Public Funds

[Priyarj]

After 3 years we are renewing our skilled visa though our company and where they asked us if we have obtained any public funds.

We have mentioned that under working parent scheme HMRC provided us with temporary code from last 2 quarter.

But an year ago HMrc send us some amount in bank as a child benefit for my elder child which we have not disclose yet for an year. We have letter from HMRC on that.

Please can you guide if we need to disclose everything or not? Since we call HMRC to refund it but they don't have any records.

[razergd1]

It is difficult to understand what you accessed and how. Did you apply for child benefits, 30 hours free childcare, free early learning or tax free childcare?

If so did you tick in the forms that you are under immigration control?

You should declare any benefit received from HMRC, DWP or local authority in the UK. If they will discover that you accessed public funds without you declaring it you application may be refused as deception. If you do declare and the money received due to other entitlement for example international agreements then I suggest referencing the agreement in a cover letter.

If it's an error of HMRC or other body you may get an opportunity to pay back before your visa being approved.

Have a look here
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds