You are not a citizen until you are sworn in. If you are denied because of failure to pass the English or the civics test, you will be automatically rescheduled within 90 days. If you are not approved for some other reason, you may be given time to overcome the problem.
For 2009, the American Opportunity Credit--which is a variation of the Hope Credit--will be allowed for 4 years. For years before and after the new credit is allowed, the Hope credit is supposed to be for 2 years.
You can claim after starting a new job, at any time of the year. If youâre on benefits (eg Job Seekerâs Allowance or Income Support) you can usually start claiming 7 days before you start a new job. You apply for Child and Working Tax Credit on the same claim form. It can take up to 5 weeks to process a new claim.You have to renew your claim once a year. To support your claim, keep records of your income, bills, payslips, benefits, tax credits, childcare and your childâs education.Keep any records you have from the past 3 years.. You can contact the Tax Credit Helpline for a claim form. It takes up to 2 weeks for the form to arrive. You donât need a claim form if youâre already claiming tax credits-call the helpline to update your claim.