Immigrationboards.com

Good morning all.

Hope you're doing well!

I'm in a bit of a muddle about my daughters' citizenship status and could really use your advice. My girls were born here in the UK back in 2006 and 2008 while I was an international student. They left with their mum (who's Pakistani) in 2010, and we ended up divorcing in 2012.

I remarried in 2014 to a European woman, divorced again in 2018, and then the girls came back to the UK in 2021. By that time, I had ILR because of my second marriage.

I've applied for British citizenship myself, and my application is still pending – fingers crossed for a decision by the end of this month or sometime in August.

So, here's the thing: I'm not sure what I need to do for my daughters now. Should I be applying for British registration for them, or is there something else I should be looking at? I'm a bit lost with all the different processes.

Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards.

The one born in 2006, appears to be over 18. Is that correct?

The one born in 2008, under 18 or already 18?

UK born children have an entitlement to register as British once either parent is granted ILR provided they are under 18.

If they are over 18, they naturalised as adults, have to have ILR and meet the English and LIUK tests requirments and have 5 years residence.

2006: Yes she is over 18 years old and arrived in the UK in June 2021. At that time, wasn't she entitled for a British registration? Does she need to wait another year to be entitled for naturalisation? Or she has a right to apply for a passport straight away?
2008: She is 17 years old. Should I apply for a naturalisation/registration or passport?
Thank you for your reply.

At that time, wasn't she entitled for a British registration?

Yes, if either parent held ILR they could have been registered,. You failed to do it before the eldest turned 18 so that entitlement is valid anymore.

Does she need to wait another year to be entitled for naturalisation?

Yes, she needs ILR and must hold ILR for 12 monts and have 5 years residence on the date she applies for citizenship.

Or she has a right to apply for a passport straight away?

She is not British. Only a British citizen can apply for a British passport.

2008: She is 17 years old. Should I apply for a naturalisation/registration or passport?

Registration as British Citizen on form MN1. She is not British yet either so doesn't qualify yet for a British passport.

Also really important that you retain proof of your ILR/settled status.

Thanks a lot for your valuable response.

Eldest daughter will also need to pass the Life in the UK test and satisfy the Knowledge of English requirement.