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Hi, I'm about to apply for citizenship via naturalisation. I'm currently on a South African passport with ILR, having lived in the UK for the last 14 years. My eldest son (who was born in South Africa and moved over here with me when he was 3 years old) is going to be 18 in July and is also currently a South African citizen with ILR.

I'm fairly confused what the best route to go to get his BC is.

Do I apply at the same time as applying for mine using form MN1, or once I am a naturalised BC (which I expect will only be finalised after he turns 18), does he automatically become a BC able to apply for a British passport regardless of his age?

Thanks in advance.

I submitted my 17 year old South African daughters' application yesterday using form MN1. Currently taking about 4-8 weeks for these but I have already done my naturalisation last year so hers is based on me being British already.

If you apply before the child turns 18, they won't have to do the life in the UK test but if they turn 18 while the application is in process, you will need to pay an additional fee of £80 to cover the cost of the ceremony (which they don't have to attend if under 18 ).

I would suggest you do the applications together. He does not automatically become BC if you are granted as he was born abroad and will still need to register (MN1) or after 18 years of age, naturalise (Form AN). The fee is also less for MN1 and please bear in mind that the UKBA fees are increasing on 6th April so try get your application in to reach UKBA before that.

Will do, thanks very much for your advice, much appreciated.

Forgot to mention that my daughter turns 18 in October. Also, my application for BC took exactly 6 weeks and my ceremony was 2 weeks after I received approval.

Good luck and keep us updated