ABSTRACT
To obtain indefinite leave it will be necessary to satisfy the entry clearance officer, and in turn the immigration officer at the port of entry that the child applicant is under 18 years of age, is not leading an independent life, is unmarried and has not formed an independent family unit, and can and will be maintained without recourse to public funds in suitable accommodation. Further, it is necessary to show that the child applicant is seeking leave to enter to accompany or join a relevant adult. (See para 297 of HC 395 as amended.)
The meaning of ‘public funds’ is defined in para 6 of the immigration rules (HC 395 as amended) and relates to various welfare benefits and housing provided under the homelessness provisions of the housing legislation (which does not therefore include all local authority accommodation per se).
