Advice after approval pls!!!

[Tabz72]

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to say I received my wife's BRP last week (after 9 months) so we are feeling fantastic with this..

It was a 10 year route application FLR FP as a parent to British children.

I have a few questions though;

1 - I was advised that once the application was approved to switch to a 5 year route - Can she do that now or towards the end of her 2.5 years visa, and which is better for her?

2 - As she has no access to public funds, does she still pay tax & NI if she works.

3 - Do I need to inform my local council & HMRC that she is staying with me now as I am on a single parent discount for council tax and also receiving child tax credits even though she has no access to public funds.

Thanks to everyone & God Bless

[Londoner007]

1 - Can switch anytime as long as they meet all the requirements of FLR (M)
2 - Yes she pays
3 - Yes notify the council, you should have done this when you first married her and she came to live with you. This can be classed as benefit fraud so be careful.

[Tabz72]

Thanks.

In regards to your 1st reply.

If my wife applies, would it affect her current visa and does she need to pay the IHS and other fees again?


In regards to your 3rd reply.

I was advised initially that there would be no need to inform the council as my wife was ineligible to work or vote until her case was approved. is that correct?

Thanks,

Tabz72

[Londoner007]

1 - It's a fresh application and IHS. You can possibly ask for a refund of current IHS.

3 - Not correct as you were not single, you were married you should have declared it. Just add her name now and InshaAllah it doesnt cause any issues

[Tabz72]

Thanks again.

I will do that and InshaAllah there wont be any issues.

Would I need to inform the HMRC too?

[Londoner007]

If you mean child tax credit, then you are applying for the child not the wife. If you havent already mentioned wife in the application, you can write to them after she is registered with the council to state she now lives with you.

If you mean HMRC for other purposes then no.