If your child was born in the UK, you may be wondering whether they qualify for British citizenship and what the application process involves. One of the most common questions parents ask is about the cost of applying for citizenship.
While the Home Office charges a fee for most child citizenship registration applications, the amount can change over time. For that reason, it is always best to check the latest government guidance before applying. More importantly, parents should first understand whether their child is eligible, as paying an application fee does not guarantee approval.
What Do Parents Need to Know About the British Citizenship Application Fee for Children?
Most parents often focus on the application fee first. However, the most crucial part of the process is the eligibility. It is important to learn whether your child is qualified for British citizenship so that he/she can register as a British citizen through an application to the Home Office.
The application can cost £1,000, and one needs to apply when the child is under 18. If your child turns 18 during the application process, you need to pay £130 for the citizenship ceremony. This fee for a child’s citizenship application is set by the Home Office and can be updated periodically. As the application fees can change at any time, applicants should have updated information to proceed smoothly. Before submitting an application for British citizenship, it is best to check the current fee structure and the right application route to avoid any mistakes.
Moreover, the application fees are generally not refundable. So, families need to make sure they have all the relevant information to move forward with an application confidently.
Can a Child Born in the UK Become a British Citizen Automatically?
Many parents assume that being born in the UK automatically provides a child with British citizenship. However, the reality can be completely different and complex. A child born in the UK can be considered British if at least one parent is a British citizen or has settled status at the time of the child’s birth. This may include indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence in certain circumstances, or another form of immigration status that enables permanent settlement in the UK.
In case neither parent has a settled status when the child is born, the child may not automatically get British citizenship. But they may apply and obtain citizenship later if they qualify. In most cases, a child becomes eligible to register as a British citizen when their parents’ immigration status changes or they live in the UK for a significant period of time.
If you are trying to understand the options available for a child born in the UK to non-British parents, click here to read our detailed guide.
When Can a Child Born in the UK Apply for British Citizenship?
There are several routes available for the children born in the UK to register as British citizens.
1. Parent later obtains settled status
A common situation is when one of the parents obtains indefinite leave to remain later or any other form of settled status. If this happens when the child is under 18, the child may automatically become eligible to apply for British citizenship through registration.
2. 10-year residence route
Children who have been born in the UK and lived there continuously for the first ten years of their life are eligible for British citizenship. In these cases, the long stay of the child in the UK can create an entitlement to registration.
The route suitable for the British citizenship application will depend on the child’s immigration history, the child’s age, and the status of the parents. As every case is different, it is necessary to evaluate the individual circumstances minutely before submitting an application.
What Documents Do You Need to Prepare for the British Citizenship Application?
When it comes to citizenship applications for children, preparing and submitting the correct documents is crucial to ensure a smooth process. The Home Office needs evidence showing the child’s identity, birth details, and eligibility for British citizenship. The documents needed for the application can depend on the registration route being used.
In many cases, parents need to provide:
- The child’s full birth certificate
- Current passports or identity documents
- Evidence of the parents’ immigration status
- Proof of residence in the UK, where relevant
- Any additional documents supporting the child’s eligibility
Expert Guidance on British Citizenship Application for Children with Intime Immigration Solicitors
The rules around British citizenship for children can sometimes be confusing, especially if your family’s immigration status has changed over the years. Knowing whether your child qualifies and which application route to follow is not always clear.
At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we help families understand their options and support them through the application process. Our experienced immigration lawyers can check eligibility, explain the requirements, and help ensure the application is prepared correctly.
We also provide advice on child dependent applications, settlement applications, indefinite leave to remain, spouse visas, and British nationality matters. Click here to explore more articles on new updates on UK immigration and how our immigration solicitors can help you with UK settlement applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child become a British citizen if I get settled status after they are born?
Yes. If your child was born in the UK and you later received settled status or indefinite leave to remain, your child may be able to apply for British citizenship through registration. The exact eligibility will depend on your child’s age and individual circumstances.
My child was born in the UK, but neither parent was settled. Can they still become British?
Yes, they may still have a route to British citizenship. Although they may not have been British automatically at birth, some children become eligible later because a parent gains settled status or because they have lived in the UK for a long period.
How long does a child’s British citizenship application usually take?
There is no fixed processing time, as every application is different. Most applications take several months, but some can take longer if the Home Office needs additional documents or information before making a decision.