Register Child as British Citizen
Children under the age of 18 may be registered as British citizens if they meet the relevant criteria.
Eligibility for registering a child as a British citizen depends on various factors such as the child's birthplace, parents' citizenship status, and length of residency in the UK. Common eligibility routes include birth in the UK to non-British parents, descent from a British citizen, or residency in the UK for a certain period of time.
Before starting your British citizenship application, it's important to understand the requirements set by the UK government for obtaining British citizenship. Meeting these criteria is key to a successful application.
If you are considering applying to register your child as a British citizen, our team of immigration solicitors will tailor our services to your specific needs. We offer personalised consultations to assess your eligibility, review your documents, and provide thorough guidance on the UK citizenship application process.
Do you need help with your British citizenship application? Contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the registration of a child as a British citizen
- Requirements for registration of a child as a British citizen under section 1(3)
- How to register a child as a British citizen?
- British citizenship processing time
- How can we help with British citizenship applications?
- Contact UK immigration solicitors today
Understanding the registration of a child as a British citizen
Children who are under the age of 18 years can apply for registration as British citizens by using (MN1 Application) under the British Nationality Act 1981. Depending upon your circumstances, the child can apply for registration under the below sections of the BNA 1981
- Section 1 (3) birth in the UK to parents who are now settled in the UK or have become British citizens
- Section 1 (3A) birth in the UK to parents who have joined the armed forces
- Section 3 (1) child whose parents are 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 are now living in the UK or a British overseas territory
- Section 3 (1) children adopted abroad by British citizen parents
- Section 3 (1) children whose parents had renounced and subsequently resumed British citizenship
- Section 3 (1) any other case not listed below where it is considered to be in the child's best interests to be granted British citizenship
- Section 4D birth abroad to parents serving in the armed forces
Once a child has reached the age of 18 they will have to apply for naturalisation instead by using form AN.
Requirements for registration of a child as a British citizen under section 1(3)
Children are entitled to registration under section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if:
- they were born in the UK
- they were not British citizens at birth because at the time neither parent was a British citizen or settled
- while they are minors either of the parents has since become a British citizen or settled in the UK
- they are under the age of 18 on the date the application is received
- they are of good character if over the age of 10
Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.
How to register a child as a British citizen?
You can apply to register your under 18 child as a British citizen by using form MN1 if one of their parents is a British citizen or applying to become British.
Applying for British citizenship involves several steps, here is a general outline of the application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying for British citizenship, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for UK citizenship.
- Preparing Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including a passport, biometric residence permit, proof of residence, evidence of English language proficiency, and any other supporting documents.
- Completing the Application Form: Fill out the application form carefully, providing accurate information about your immigration history, personal details, and reasons for applying for British citizenship.
- Booking Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken at a designated visa application centre.
- Submitting the Application: Submit your application online or by post, along with the required fee and supporting documents.
- Attending the Biometric Appointment: Attend your biometric appointment as scheduled, where your biometric data will be collected.
- Waiting for a Decision: Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The Home Office will then process your application, which may take 3-6 months.
You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your British citizenship application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.
British citizenship processing time
The processing time for a British nationality application can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of your case and the current workload of the Home Office.
On average, it takes around 6 months to receive a decision on your British citizenship application. However, please note that this time frame is an estimate and the actual processing time may be longer or shorter.
The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about application processing time on the official UK government website.
How can we help with British citizenship applications?
Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their British citizenship applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances and eligibility. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the British citizenship application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
- Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
- Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in the British citizenship application form(s) accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions in the application form, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
- Application Submission: We will compile and organise your British citizenship application package and submit your application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
- Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the British citizenship application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.
Contact UK immigration solicitors today
If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of British citizenship application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions (Register Child as British Citizen )
Eligibility for registering a child as a British citizen depends on various factors such as the child's birthplace, parents' citizenship status, and length of residency in the UK. Common eligibility routes include birth in the UK to non-British parents, descent from a British citizen, or residency in the UK for a certain period of time.
Required documents typically include the child's birth certificate, parents' documents (such as passports or citizenship certificates), evidence of the child's residency in the UK, and any other relevant documentation depending on the child's circumstances.
If the application is refused, you will typically receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply if you can provide additional evidence to address the reasons for refusal.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.