Registration of a Child as a British Citizen
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Registration of a Child as
a British Citizen
Who Can Apply?
- Children under 18 may be eligible for British citizenship registration if they meet one of these criteria:
1. Born in the UK to Non-British Parents
- Eligible if:
- At least one parent gains settled status (ILR) or becomes British after the child's birth
- Child has lived in UK for first 10 years of life (with no more than 90 days absence per year)
2. Born Abroad to British Parents
- Eligible if:
- Parent is British by descent and lived in UK for 3+ years before child's birth
- Parent is British other than by descent (automatic citizenship)
3. Adopted by British Citizens
- Must have been legally adopted in UK or recognized under UK law
4. Stateless Children Born in UK
- Eligible if:
- Not a national of any country
- Lived in UK for first 5 years
5. Discretionary Cases
- May apply if:
- Child has lived in UK for significant period
- It's in the child's best interests
6. Required Documents
- Child's birth certificate
- Parents' passports/BRPs
- Proof of parents' settled status (ILR/Settled Status)
- Child's residence proof (school records, medical letters)
- Adoption certificate (if applicable)
- Statelessness evidence (if applicable)
Application Process
1. Check Eligibility
- Use GOV.UK checker or consult immigration expert
2. Complete Form MN1
- Online application for children under 18
3. Submit Supporting Documents
- Include all required evidence
- Provide translations for non-English documents
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment
- Required for children aged 6+
5. Receive Decision
- Typically takes 6 months
- No ceremony required for children
After Approval
- Child can apply for British passport
- Citizenship cannot be revoked (except in fraud cases)
- Child may pass citizenship to their own future children
Common Refusal Reasons
- ❌ Insufficient evidence of residence
- ❌ Parents' immigration status not verified
- ❌ Application errors or missing documents
- ❌ Failure to meet good character requirement (for older children)
At Nationwide Lawyers, our experienced immigration specialists are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re applying for a visa, facing a legal challenge, or need guidance tailored to your unique situation, we’re just a call or click away.
