Child citizenship with Parents ILR

Children with settlement and residence
We recognise that some parents may be settled and established in the UK but choose not to become British citizens for valid reasons, such as their own country’s attitude to dual nationality, or to avoid losing rights in their own country. We recognise that their child living in the UK may have nevertheless built up their own connections and still feel a sense of belonging and strong connection with the UK. We therefore do not think it will always be appropriate to expect such a child to have to wait until the age of 18 to apply to naturalise, if the child is an older minor and established in the UK.

You must normally register where:

the child has completed a period of lawful residence in the UK of more than 5 years

the child has been granted settled status in the UK, and held that status for at least 12 months (if an earlier application is made you must consider whether there are compelling grounds to overlook this expectation, taking into account the reasons for exercising discretion over time spent in the UK when subject to immigration time restrictions in the naturalisation guidance)

the child’s parents have completed a period of 5 years’ residence and are settled in the UK

the child is of good character

where necessary both parents consent to the registration or any objections by the non-applying parent are ill founded

there is no reason to refuse on character grounds

If a child does not meet all the above criteria, you must consider whether the child meets any of the other scenarios where we would normally register. If not, you must consider in line with the guidance registering exceptionally below.