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Topic: Maternity exemption certificate?  (Read 2989 times)

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Maternity exemption certificate?
« on: September 11, 2013, 05:31:17 PM »
So forgive me if this has been asked umpteen times, but I am wondering if any of you have received the maternity exemption certificate on the spousal visa? I asked my midwife for the form and she seemed hesitant to give it to me, asking if I was planning to stay in the country. She probably doesn't know the ins and outs of visa entitlements, and may have her own convictions over whether I should be eligible, since I'm obviously relatively new to the country on the spousal visa. Anyways, it has me wondering if this is classed as a "public fund", or something that may jeopardize FLR or ILR.
*Met August, 2011 in Canada
*October 2011 Began Australia-U.S.A long distance relationship
*June 2012- Engaged!
*October 2012-March 2013 moved to Oz
*April 6th 2013-Married!
*April 11th 2013-VAF4 online filed
*April 18th 2013-Biometrics
*April 22nd 2013- Docs Sent to NY-Priority
*April 23rd 2013-VAF4 spousal visa supporting documents received in UKBA NY
*April 29th 2013- Sheffield: "visa application has arrived"
*May 2nd 2013-Sheffield: "A decision has been made on your UK visa application"
*May 6th 2013 -Passport received w/ visa


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Re: Maternity exemption certificate?
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2013, 06:50:38 PM »
It's not a public fund. I had one with DS and it did not affect ILR.


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Re: Maternity exemption certificate?
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2013, 11:59:19 PM »
The NHS Maternity Exemption isn't a 'public funds' thing, nor is the Maternity Allowance (if you claim it instead of employer-based maternity leave). Your midwife has no reason to withhold either the Mat Exemption or your MAT B1.

I did a hole night of panicky research a few months ago... Finally felt at ease when I got to the Home Office's own internal guidance sheets listing what is and isn't classed as 'public funds' for immigration purposes. (I'm still on FLR, and have an EDD of 14 November. When are you due?)
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Re: Maternity exemption certificate?
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2013, 01:57:10 PM »
My midwife didn't seem to have a problem handing over the application for my maternity exemption certificate. She did say she was unsure if I would qualify as I am here on a FLR visa but said if I wasn't supposed to have it then they just would decline it. I got my card in the mail a few weeks after that so I assume everything is fine. I haven't yet had to use it but I can't imagine it will be a problem. This all happened about 3 months ago at my 8 week midwife appointment. It's a not a public fund thing so you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Good luck!


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Re: Maternity exemption certificate?
« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2013, 08:11:24 PM »
Thanks everyone for the assurances, I didn't think it was a public fund, but my midwife's reluctance had me second guessing myself. Probably just a case of her being unaccustomed to foreigners even asking for it. Honestly, I only found out about it by reading the boards, and am already nearly 20 weeks along, so I was a little surprised it wasn't included in the booking appt paperwork. They sure gave me enough other "literature" to read through. I'm due Feb 21st, and it's the first so we're very excited.

Good to know about the maternity allowance, I didn't realize I'd be eligible since my contract ends before my EDD. Just looked it up and sure enough, looks like I'll be applying.
Thanks for the tips :)
*Met August, 2011 in Canada
*October 2011 Began Australia-U.S.A long distance relationship
*June 2012- Engaged!
*October 2012-March 2013 moved to Oz
*April 6th 2013-Married!
*April 11th 2013-VAF4 online filed
*April 18th 2013-Biometrics
*April 22nd 2013- Docs Sent to NY-Priority
*April 23rd 2013-VAF4 spousal visa supporting documents received in UKBA NY
*April 29th 2013- Sheffield: "visa application has arrived"
*May 2nd 2013-Sheffield: "A decision has been made on your UK visa application"
*May 6th 2013 -Passport received w/ visa


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