Your child is stateless but was born in the UK, so could be eligible for British citizenship. There are rules for non-British children born in the UK that cannot be nationalized by their parents. This is the post on how, why, and how to apply for British citizenship for a stateless child.
What is a Stateless Child?
An un-nationalised child is a citizen or a national of no country. This is when the child’s parents can’t pass their nationality to the child. When a child is born in the UK, they can apply for British citizenship under the British Nationality Act 1981 if the child fulfills the criteria.
What if a Stateless Child Wants to Apply For British Citizenship?
If a child was born in the UK before or after 1 January 1983, yes. This child could be registered as a British citizen under the provisions of stateless children. If one qualifies, a child needs to demonstrate that they are stateless (in the sense that they can’t get any parent’s nationality).
What You Need to Send for Stateless Child Application:
If you wish to become a British citizen for a stateless child, then you would normally need to supply the following evidence:
- Authenticity (birth certificate)
- Identity document from UK immigration (if present)
- Parent’s marriage certificate
- Confirmation of statelessness (proof that the child is incapable of gaining any nationality)
- Identity proof showing residence in the UK.
Can Any Stateless Person Apply to Remain in the UK?
And, yes, you can apply for an indefinite leave of absence in the UK if you’re a stateless person. This can be granted leave for 5 years, provided that the request is successful. And then they can request an extension or even indefinite leave to remain (ILR). After ILR, they can later be granted British citizenship (under naturalization).
My Child Can Apply for British Citizenship?
For the most part, any British child of non-British parents living in the UK can automatically be a British citizen. But if parents are not settled or permanent residents of the UK, the child may be required to register.
These are some of the circumstances affecting your child’s status for British citizenship:
- What the parents were in the US when the child was born and if they had been in the US when the child was born?
- How long the parents have been living in the UK?
- No matter if the child is living in the UK or not.
- Check the eligibility of your child with an immigration lawyer to get more information.
Is It Possible for a Child to Be Stateless in the UK?
‘Yeah, in the UK stateless children are born if they have no claim to a nationality. That can happen if neither parent can transmit nationality to the child. If your child is stateless they could be eligible for British citizenship under the British Nationality Act 1981 as long as they have lived in the UK for the previous 10 years or more.
How to Apply For British Citizenship For Your Child?
The only way to gain British citizenship for your stateless child is to fill out Form MN1 and submit it via the Internet to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For supporting documents and the fees, you have to submit them along with the form.
Documents Usually Required:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Identification of the child’s UK immigration status (if any)
- Reminders of the child’s British home.
- Current passport/travel document (if you have one)
- Referee declarations
- The immigration status of the parent and the application acceptance.
How Much Does it Cost To Apply for British Citizenship For A Child?
Application for British citizenship for a child is £1,012 (as of April 2022). You can request a waiver of the fee if your child is younger than 18 and you are unable to pay the fee. You also have to pay an extra £80 for the citizenship ceremony if your child is 18 when you apply.
What’s The Time It Takes To Be Granted British Citizenship To A Child?
The British citizenship application processing time is up to 6 months after you apply for it. This will take longer if you have more information. As a speed increase, get all the documents right and full before applying.
Applying for British citizenship for a stateless child is tricky but is possible with the right circumstances. You need to have all the documents and be observant of the application process. Whether you’re not sure if your child is eligible or need some assistance with the application process, Law and Visas can help you understand the process and get on track.
