Do you want your child to get British nationality? What will it bring to her future? I think the process might be a bit complicated but do not worry! This extensive self-help guide will present all the stages and requirements for applicants to be granted British citizenship for their children. Your child who was born in the UK or abroad, are both of them will be served here.
Registering Your Child as a British Citizen
With regards to ways on how a child can get British citizenship, applying to ‘register’ them as a British citizen is one of the primary options. Citizenship registration will provide your child with the means of acquiring British citizenship and will eventually lead to the attainment of a UK passport.
Age Matters For British Citizenship for Children
It is of utmost importance to take into account your cub’s age during the application. If your child is older than 18, they will be required to apply under adult application, and the given eligibility size will differ. Here, the steps are directed at the under 18 children though.
Cost Considerations For British Citizenship for Children
The fees of British Citizenship for your child can cost money; it amounts to over £1000. While these charges are not refundable even if your application is rejected or your child is already considered British, you should also be aware of this.
Financial Assistance For British Citizenship for Children
People who do not have enough money to cover the fee can apply for a ‘fee waiver.’ The waiver eliminates the problem of paying the fee once you show that you do not have sufficient income and savings to both pay the fee and live.
The necessary documents to be submitted for a fee waiver application include, your income and expenditure breakdown for a period of the last six months, which include pay slips, bank statements, tenancy agreements, and utility bills. If you have social assistance for your child’s care, the fee waivers will be automatically refunded to you and you will need to provide supporting documents.
Determining Existing British Citizenship
Before proceeding with the application, it’s essential to ascertain whether your child already possesses British citizenship. Some children are British citizens by birthright:
- If they were born in the UK.
- If they have a British parent.
For more detailed information on automatic British citizenship, consult the Home Office guidelines on GOV.UK.
If your child is already a British citizen, you do not need to apply for citizenship for them. Instead, you can directly apply for your child’s first passport on GOV.UK.
Citizenship at Birth
If you are pregnant or planning to have a child while residing in the UK, you may be wondering about your child’s citizenship status. If you have permission to live in the UK permanently when your child is born, they will automatically acquire British citizenship. To qualify, you need to prove one of the following:
- British or Irish citizenship.
- Settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Indefinite leave to remain.
- Right of abode.
- Permanent residence (if your child was born before July 1, 2021).
If you obtain settled status after your child’s birth, they will still be considered a British citizen as long as you were eligible for settled status on June 30, 2021, and they were born after this date. However, if you have permanent residence and lack documentation to prove it, it’s advisable to consult an adviser for guidance.
Applying for Citizenship for Your Child
Now, let’s delve into the various scenarios that determine your child’s eligibility for British citizenship and the corresponding application processes.
You Got Permission to Live in the UK After Your Child Was Born
If you gained permission to live in the UK permanently after your child was born, you can register your child for British citizenship. Eligibility criteria include:
- Having British citizenship.
- Possessing indefinite leave to remain (or enter).
- Obtaining permanent residence.
- Being an Irish citizen living in the UK.
- Holding settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme.
You can initiate the application process by using form MN1, available on GOV.UK.
You Obtained Settled Status from the EU Settlement Scheme After Your Child Was Born
In this scenario, your child automatically becomes a British citizen if:
- They were born after June 30, 2021.
- You were eligible for settled status on June 30, 2021, even if you hadn’t applied by that date.
In such cases, you do not need to register your child as British; instead, you can apply for your child’s first passport on GOV.UK.
Your Child’s Father Was British or Settled in the UK
If your child’s biological father possessed British citizenship or was settled in the UK when your child was born, your child is typically considered a British citizen. The criteria for settlement include:
- British citizenship.
- Settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Indefinite leave.
- Right of abode.
- Permanent residence.
- Being an Irish citizen living in the UK.
However, there are exceptions. Your child may not be a British citizen if:
They were born on or after July 1, 2006, and their mother was married to someone else.
- They were born before July 1, 2006, and their parents weren’t married.
- If your child falls into one of these situations, you might still be able to register them as British without paying the citizenship application fee. The specific requirements and procedures can be found on GOV.UK.
Your Child’s Father Joined the UK Armed Forces After Your Child Was Born
If you or the other parent of your child joined the UK armed forces after your child was born, you can apply to register your child as British if:
- Your child was born on or after January 13, 2010.
To commence the application process, you can use form MN1, available on GOV.UK.
Your Child Has Lived in the UK for the Last 10 Years
Your child’s eligibility depends on whether they resided in the UK from birth until they reached 10 years old.
If Your Child Lived in the UK Until Age 10
If your child is not already a British citizen, they will usually qualify for citizenship, even if you or your child lack the right to live in the UK permanently. You can apply to register your child for citizenship using form T on GOV.UK.
If Your Child Didn’t Live in the UK Until Age 10
If your child has lived in the UK legally for the last 10 years and both you and the child’s other parent are in the UK legally, you can apply to register your child as British. It doesn’t matter where the other parent resides.
To initiate this process, you’ll need to apply using form MN1. Before submitting your application, be sure to read all the form MN1 guidance on GOV.UK. Please note that the application fee exceeds £1,000, and it’s non-refundable in case of refusal.
Your Child Was Born Outside the UK
The rules governing British citizenship for children born outside the UK depend on your immigration status and your child’s status.
If You Obtained British Citizenship After Your Child Was Born
If you gained British citizenship after your child’s birth, you can apply to register your child as British if you meet the Home Office’s criteria. The Home Office will consider factors such as your and your child’s plans to live in the UK, the duration of your child’s residence in the UK (usually at least 2 years if they’re over 13), your child’s immigration status, and the immigration status and nationality of you and your child’s other parent.
Your child’s eligibility is often linked to your immigration status and that of the other parent. You can apply to register your child as British if one of their parents is British or in the process of becoming British.
Citizenship Application Process
To apply to register your child as a British citizen, use form MN1 and ensure you thoroughly review the form MN1 guidance on GOV.UK. As previously mentioned, the application fee is substantial, and no refunds are provided for denied applications.
Navigating the process of obtaining British citizenship for your child involves several factors and scenarios, each with its own set of requirements and procedures. This comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into the various pathways to securing British citizenship for your child.
Remember that immigration laws and policies can change, so it’s crucial to consult official government sources on GOV.UK for the most up-to-date information and guidance on citizenship applications. Good luck with your journey toward British citizenship for your child!
