Public Funds

[tommy27durham]

well i didnt expect to be back on here so soon, anyway. Me and the missus have just returned to the UK. (she is on a 2 year settlement VISA) To my horror I have just found out ive lost my job as the company has gone bust. I am now applying for jobseekers allowance. If I end up being on jobseekers allowance for a month or 2 until I find another job will this affect my wifes VISA?? (as my parents are going to help me out with money till I get another job) Any suggestions would be great!!!!

[scotty123456789]

Stay on line for Scouse, he will advise ya pal.

I dont think its too much of a problem, like you said, your family can take care of ya, until you find employment.

But then again, I know how hard it is to find employment, dont know about way up north, Durham, guess thats where ya from mate, or is that south

Anyway pal, as I see it, who is to know, ya get me??

Good luck.

Scotty..................

[the scouser]

You're entitled to claim benefits in your own right, but you'll probably be paid at the single person's rate as no benefit can be paid in respect of your wife. Technically your wife is now in breach of the Immigration Rules as she can't be maintained without recourse to public funds. However, her visa remains valid until such a time as the Home Office seeks to curtail it, and it is most unlikely that they'd do so, even if they were aware of the situation.

Just ensure that you find a new job as quickly as possible and, don't forget, your wife can work too, although this would have to be declared to the benefits people.

Scouse.

[tommy27durham]

cheers, i agree that TECHNICALLY she is in breach. But I wouldnt have thought for 1 second that they would deport her for this if they found out? Its just a fact of life that companies can go bust.........(have to move on and find another job) Besides this can I enroll her on an ESOL course? And if she was to complete the course to a certain level would she be granted to live here permanently without having to sit a test?

[the scouser]

I wouldnt have thought for 1 second that they would deport her for this if they found out?

That's why I wrote this:-

...it is most unlikely that they'd do so, even if they were aware of the situation

Besides this can I enroll her on an ESOL course? And if she was to complete the course to a certain level would she be granted to live here permanently without having to sit a test?

Your wife can enrol on an ESOL course whenever she wishes. Should she gain her ESOL with Citizenship qualification, then she does not need to take the Life in the UK test. However, when she applies for indefinite leave to remain you will then need to show that you can maintain yourselves without recourse to public funds.

Scouse.