If you’re looking to apply for British citizenship for your child under 18, you will need to use Form MN1. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about registering your child as a British citizen using this form.
Benefits of British Citizenship for Your Child
Getting British citizenship will provide your child with many important benefits, including:
- Living, working, and studying in the UK without immigration restrictions.
- Applying for a British passport to travel freely worldwide and return to the UK.
- Becoming part of the UK community and enjoying full rights as a British citizen.
Should You Use the Paper or Online Form?
You can complete Form MN1 online or on paper, depending on your situation:
- Use the paper form if you live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or a British Overseas Territory, and your child qualifies for citizenship by birth or adoption.
- If you prefer, you can also use the paper form even if you don’t live in these areas.
However, most applicants use the online form because it is simpler and faster. With the online application, you don’t need to send original documents.
Form MN1 is used for several types of applications under the British Nationality Act 1981, including:
- Section 1(3): Birth in the UK to parents who are settled or British citizens.
- Section 1(3A): Birth in the UK to parents who are in the armed forces.
- Section 3(1): Parents applying for British citizenship.
- Section 3(2): Birth abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or a British Overseas Territory.
- Section 3(5): Birth abroad to parents who are British by descent but live in the UK.
- Section 4D: Birth abroad to parents serving in the armed forces.
If your child is already 18 or older, they must use Form AN to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
Do You Need to Register Your Child for British Citizenship?
Not every child needs to apply for British citizenship. In some cases, a child will already be a British citizen without needing to register. For example:
- Automatically British: If your child was born in the UK and you are a British citizen or settled in the UK when they were born.
- By Descent: If your child was born outside the UK and you are British otherwise than by descent, they will automatically have British citizenship.
- Your child may also automatically be a British citizen if born in the UK to an EEA or Swiss national, depending on the date of birth and your immigration status.
Can I Register My Child as a British Citizen?
A child can register as a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981 if they meet one of the following conditions (this list is not exhaustive):
- Born in the UK:
- To a parent who has settled in the UK (has ILR) or become a British citizen since their birth.
- Since 13 January 2010, a parent who has joined the UK armed forces after the child’s birth.
- Born outside the UK:
- To a parent who is British by descent and has lived in the UK (or a qualifying British Overseas Territory) for 3 continuous years before the child’s birth.
A child may also be eligible to register at the discretion of the Home Secretary if:
- The child was born abroad and their parents are applying for British citizenship at the same time.
- The child was adopted overseas by British citizen parents.
- The child was born to parents who gave up their British citizenship and later re-acquired it.
In some cases, a child may be granted British citizenship if it is in their best interests to do so. This is known as a discretionary decision, and the Home Office will consider the following factors:
- The child’s connection to the UK.
- The immigration status of the parents.
- How long the child has lived in the UK.
- The child’s character and any compelling circumstances.
How to Apply for British Citizenship for Your Child
To apply for British citizenship for your child, you will need to:
- Choose the right application form (Form MN1).
- Complete the application online or by paper form, depending on your location and preference.
- Provide required documents (such as proof of the child’s birth, parents’ immigration status, etc.).
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
If you’re unsure whether your child is eligible or which form to use, you can always contact Law and Visas for advice.
Registering your child for British citizenship is an important step, and using Form MN1 is the correct way to apply. By understanding the requirements and following the process, you can help your child secure British citizenship and all the benefits that come with it. If you need assistance with your application, Law and Visas is here to help guide you through the process.
