Immigrationboards.com

Hi all,
Hope you can help me with my questions, it is a bit complicated.

Following is my work/study history:

• PhD student -> Start date: Nov-2011 , Graduation date: Nov-2016 , transferred to write-up status in early 2015
  Work (Tier-2 general visa) -> Start date: Jan-2015
  Part-time student (different degree)-> Start date: Sep-2015, Graduation date: Nov-2017

I am planning to apply for ILR in Jan-2020 (5 years on Tier-2 visa).

I phoned council in 2015 and explained the above, they did not ask for any document as the university share students’ data with council. Anyway, I got council tax bill with “full Exemption: All Students” (sharing flat with another student). I did not follow up on this and I assumed they know my status and I am eligible for exemption as all my friends who were PhD students were also getting full exemption during the write-up period.
I moved out in Jan-2017 and since then paying council tax (with 25% single occupancy discount).

Do I have to submit council tax payments with my ILR application? I can see the full statement in my old council account showing “account closed”. I did not get any letter from council, etc. that I am in arrears and nothing is shown in my credit report. Does Home Office check council tax payments during ILR applications? Should I contact council?

I really appreciate any experience or advice.

You do not need to do such thing. Where did you get the idea that you need to tell UKVI about your council tax payments ??!

Zimba wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 21, 2019 6:01 pm

You do not need to do such thing. Where did you get the idea that you need to tell UKVI about your council tax payments ??!

Thanks Zimba.
I saw Council Tax bills/statements is one of the supporting docs but I assume I can use an alternative proof of address e.g. bank statements?
Also I read in this forum that "One of the routine checks made by the UKBA includes Council Tax". What do they check?

There is no requirement to send proof of address, UKBA does not exist and council tax or even non payment of council tax is a civil issue and not relevant to ILR. Non payment of the council tax only matters under the good character requirements of the British citizenship application.
You should always check any of these claims with the official UKVI guides and the immigration rules rather relying on unfounded claims made by members here on the forum

Many thanks

Council Tax issue is irrelevant to ILR as zimba has said. And the exemption you got is your right as a student. No worries mate.