British citizenship by naturalisation

You can apply on behalf of a child under 18 if they meet the eligibility criteria. They don’t have to pass the Life in the UK Test.

Children born in the UK

if the child was born in the UK before one parent had ILR/PR and subsequently one parent is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, the child is entitled to be registered as a British Citizen irrespective of their immigration status. 

This application is an entitlement and as such the Home Office has no discretion in the decision if the statutory requirements are met. The application can be made any time before the child is 18. The only documents required are UK birth certificate and evidence that parent obtained Indefinite Leave to remain or Permanent Residence. The application can be made if the child is in the UK or abroad.

If the child was born in the UK after one parent has ILR/PR, then the child is British from birth and can apply directly for a passport. 

Children born abroad

If the child was born outside the UK, then once one parent applies for naturalisation, the child can apply for Registration as a British Citizen. The application is at discretion and the Home Office would expect that the other parent to hold (or to be close to holding) a ILR/PR status. 

Residential Requirements for Children to apply for British Citizenship

There are no residential requirements for a child born in the UK before parent was granted ILR/PR). 

If application for children born abroad – There are no residential requirements for children under 13 years old. Children 13-16 years old are expected to have lived in the UK for 2 years before applying. Children who moved to the UK aged 16 or more are likely to get refused and should apply as adults once they meet the Naturalisation requirements.

Fees & Application Form for a child to be registered as a British Citizen

For a child to be registered as a British Citizen please see fees. This also includes the payment form. The fees are separate from the adults application fees although you can use one payment form if applying together (just put all the names on the form).  The application form is available – here.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: My spouse was granted ILR as a dependant. When can he/she apply for naturalisation?

Once a dependant is granted ILR, he/she is not a dependant any more. For naturalisation, each applicant needs to meet the requirements (including the 5 years residence period). 

If one applicant meets the 5 years residence requirement but the spouse doesn’t, then once the applicant is granted British Citizenship (after the citizenship ceremony), the spouse becomes a spouse of British Citizen and can apply for naturalisation under the 3 years residence requirements. 

Q2: I’ve been absent more than the required days, can I apply?

This would be an application at discretion and would depend on the number of absent days and some other criteria. Please contact us for detailed information 

Q3: Do I need to take the Life in the UK & Knowledge in English tests again?

If you passed Life in the UK & Knowledge in English Tests when applying for settlement, there is no need to take the tests again. 

Q4: I’m an EEA national/family member of EEA national. When can I apply for naturalisation? 

Under EEA regulations, Permanent Residence status is obtained automatically after 5 years of exercising treaty rights. You need to hold Permanent Residence status for 1 year to be eligible for naturalisation (unless you are married to a British Citizen) so effectively you can apply after 6 years of residence in the UK. Having a Permanent Residence Confirmation is optional and is not required in order to apply for naturalisation. Please contact us for detailed information.

Q5: Can I travel after applying for naturalisation?

If you use our services we will send certified copy of your passport & status documents, you will then be able to keep your original documents so you will be able to travel following the application. Don’t forget to come back for the ceremony. 

Q6: Who can be a referee on my application?

Two referees are required on your naturalisation application. One should be a British Citizen and knows you for at least 3 years. The 2^nd referee will be a professional person. He/she can be of any nationality. The list of approved professional persons can be found here.