Sezza

Hi ya

Question to do with public funds please, I am a UK citizen returning to the UK with my son

I gained citizenship by decent from my parents so unfortunately cannot pass it down to my son, I will be bringing him in on the family settlement visa as he is a New Zealand citizen. My question is can I claim child benefit/tax credits for him as I am his sole provider ( I have full custody order )

Just not sure, I have googled and can only find if the person on a visa is trying to claim funds rather than the parent of a child claiming funds

Hope all makes sense

Thank you

BritInParis

I presume you haven't spent three continuous years in the UK before your son was born?

If you are applying for his settlement visa from New Zealand your son will be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter so he is eligible for any and all benefits. After three years of residence together in the UK, providing he is still under 18 years of age, you'll be able to register him as a British citizen under S.3(5) BNA 1981 which will give him British citizenship otherwise than by descent.

Sezza

Hey, I spent several years in the uk just not for a continuos period :-/

2002-2004
2006-2007
2008-2011( for 2yrs 11mths.....can you believe it)

I would be applying from Australia as we live here

BritInParis

Short term financial pain for long term gain. If you could register him now you would avoid the extra visa fee but only give him British citizenship by descent. As it stands future grandchildren born outside the UK will thank you.

Sezza

Yip i understand.
Thanks so much for your help, much appreciated

formula

In answer to your question about being able to claim benefits for your son, yes you can if you meet the criteria for claiming income based benefits, but not for the first 3 months.