What is Nationality Registration for minors?
The British Nationality Act 1981 contains a number of sections that give minors in certain circumstances an entitlement to registration as British citizens. Registration is the legal process by which a minor aged under 18 can apply for British citizenship.
Registration for Children born in the UK
Not everyone born in the UK is automatically given British citizenship and much will depend on the circumstances of the child’s parents. If you have established that a child is not already a British citizen by birth, you must consider whether entitlement to registration as a British citizen exists for a child under any of the provisions of the BNA 1981.
Children born to parents who did not have British citizenship or permanent settlement at the time of their birth
Parents who did not have UK Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK at the time of their child’s birth can apply for registration under Section 1(3) British Nationality Act 1981. 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 in the UK;
- 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 at the time of application.
What evidence will be needed under Section 1(3) of the BNA 1981?
The application must include at least the following documentation:
- Child’s birth certificate showing birth in the UK and the parents’ details
- Evidence of the parents’ British citizenship since the applicant’s birth such as a British passport or naturalisation certificate or evidence of the parents’ settled status since the applicant’s birth, such as an Indefinite Leave to Remain letter or a Home Office letter.
- The marriage certificate if the parent whom the claim is based on, became British Citizens or settled in the UK after the child was born.
Children who have lived in the UK for the first 10 years of their life
Children who were born in the UK and have lived the first 10 years or their life here are entitled for registration under Section 1(4) British Nationality Act 1981. The requirements under are that:
- They were born in the UK;
- They were not a British citizen at birth as at the time of birth neither parent was a British citizen or settled in the UK;
- They are aged 10 years or over on the date of the application;
- They have lived in the UK for the first 10 years of their life;
- They have not been outside of the UK for more than 90 days in each of the first 10 years of their life;
- The Secretary of State is satisfied they are of good character.
What documentary evidence is required under Section 1(4) of the BNA 1981?
The application must include at least the following documentation:
- Applicant’s full birth certificate to confirm they were born in the UK and that they are 10 years of age or over at the date of the application.
- Evidence of residence to cover the first 10 years of the applicant’s life such as passport, letters from the child’s nursery, medical records, GP letters and/or letters from the school confirming attendance.
What is the cost of an application for British Nationality registration of a child?
At the time of writing this post, the application fee for Registering a Child as a British Citizen is £1012.
Over 18 years of age Naturalisation as a British citizen
The options discussed here apply to those who are under the age of 18 and born in the UK. There are other ways by which an adult may acquire British citizenship. For more information, please visit How to Naturalise as a British Citizen.
