Questions About Naturalization Application for 16-Year-Old with ILR and Travel Plans

[kgls]

I have a few questions regarding my daughter's ILR and naturalization application that I would appreciate your guidance on:

1. ILR and Naturalization:
My daughter is 16+ years old (she falls under the category "Your child can apply for an adult passport if they’re over 16," ) and was granted ILR on 22 May 2024. Is she eligible to apply for naturalization independently at this age, or does she need to meet additional requirements?

2. Parents' ILR Status:
Both her parents (myself and my spouse) have ILR and are planning to apply for naturalization in a few months but not with my child. Does this affect her eligibility to apply for naturalization, or can she proceed separately?

3. Earliest Application Date for Naturalization:
Since she was granted ILR on 22 May 2024, could you advise on the earliest possible date she can apply for naturalization?

4. Travel Plans and Application Impact:
She is planning to travel out of the UK in September for her studies. Will this impact her naturalization application or her settlement status? Are there any concerns we should be aware of?

5. English Language and Life in the UK:
She has been studying in the UK since Year 7. Does she need to provide any certificates or documents related to her knowledge of the English language or the Life in the UK test for her naturalization application?

I look forward to your expert advice on these matters.

[alterhase58]

I have a few questions regarding my daughter's ILR and naturalization application that I would appreciate your guidance on:

1. ILR and Naturalization:
My daughter is 16+ years old (she falls under the category "Your child can apply for an adult passport if they’re over 16," NO) and was granted ILR on 22 May 2024. Is she eligible to apply for naturalization independently at this age, or does she need to meet additional requirements?
Children are registered as British (MN1). And only a British child can apply for a passport from age 16 - that statement refers to passports only,not registration.
2. Parents' ILR Status:
Both her parents (myself and my spouse) have ILR and are planning to apply for naturalization in a few months but not with my child. Does this affect her eligibility to apply for naturalization, or can she proceed separately?
As you both hold ILR and child holds ILR she can apply independently (form MN1), with your consent of course.
3. Earliest Application Date for Naturalization:
Since she was granted ILR on 22 May 2024, could you advise on the earliest possible date she can apply for naturalization?
Now - she applies for registration!
4. Travel Plans and Application Impact:
She is planning to travel out of the UK in September for her studies. Will this impact her naturalization application or her settlement status? Are there any concerns we should be aware of?
MN1 application is likely to be approved well before then und child might have a BP by then. No issue.
5. English Language and Life in the UK:
She has been studying in the UK since Year 7. Does she need to provide any certificates or documents related to her knowledge of the English language or the Life in the UK test for her naturalization application?
NO - as long as she applies at under age 18.
I look forward to your expert advice on these matters.

NOTE: under 18s are children and are registered with form MN1 - not naturalised

[kgls]

1. ILR and Naturalization:
My daughter is 16+ years old (she falls under the category "Your child can apply for an adult passport if they’re over 16," NO) and was granted ILR on 22 May 2024. Is she eligible to apply for naturalization independently at this age, or does she need to meet additional requirements?
Children are registered as British (MN1). And only a British child can apply for a passport from age 16 - that statement refers to passports only,not registration.

1.a I was also under the impression that she needs to wait 12 months after ILR approval before applying for British citizenship.

1.b However, I am now confused about Section 3(1) and how it applies in her case. The guidance states that children may be registered if they:

Children with settlement and residence
Children will come within this category if:

• 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

• the child’s parents have completed a period of 5 years residence and are settled in the UK (“settled” usually means that the parent has indefinite leave to remain in the UK)

• both parents give their consent to registration (unless good reasons are provided)

• there is no reason to refuse on character grounds.

[contorted_svy]

Then she can apply from the 22 May 2025. Note that even if her application gets approved while abroad she would be able to re enter the country anyway (she would become British when you receive the certificate, as she is a minor it is not requested that she attends a ceremony). When would she return from her studies abroad? Would it be possible for her to come back once she gets her approval, get her first UK passport from the UK and leave again? First adult British passports take up to 3 weeks (usually less) and can't be expedited. Registration applications take generally up to 6 months but may take shorter (usually) or longer, hard to know.

[kgls]

...

[kgls]

Then she can apply from the 22 May 2025. Note that even if her application gets approved while abroad she would be able to re enter the country anyway (she would become British when you receive the certificate, as she is a minor it is not requested that she attends a ceremony). When would she return from her studies abroad? Would it be possible for her to come back once she gets her approval, get her first UK passport from the UK and leave again? First adult British passports take up to 3 weeks (usually less) and can't be expedited. Registration applications take generally up to 6 months but may take shorter (usually) or longer, hard to know.

I probably missed mentioning earlier, but the applicant was born outside the UK.

To answer your question regarding the ability to apply for a passport: After the application and biometric process, the applicant can return to the UK to apply for a passport, as their studies won't pose any issue in this regard.

However, there is a condition that the application should be submitted to the Home Office before leaving the country. I just wanted to clarify this point.

[contorted_svy]

Yes, she must apply from the UK, but that won't be an issue as you said she is leaving in September and will become eligible at the end of May.

[kgls]

Yes, she must apply from the UK, but that won't be an issue as you said she is leaving in September and will become eligible at the end of May.

she will be 16+, does she need to take life in UK test?

[alterhase58]

What exact age is daughter?
If still under 18 (on date of MN1 application) doesn't need to take LITUK or English tests.
If over 18 she is an adult and has to comply with all naturalisation requirements (form AN).

[kgls]

( Just want to make sure, I have correct understanding)

Consideration under British Nationality Act

Choose which category to apply under. You are a child under 18 and:

• You were born in the UK

• You were born outside the UK

• Your parent is British by descent and lived in the UK or a British Overseas territory for at least 3 years before you were born

• Your parent is British by descent and you and your parents (unless they are legally separated) are now living in the UK or a British Overseas territory

• You were born on or after 13 January 2010 and your parent was serving in the UK armed forces
  You were adopted abroad by British citizen parents

• You were born before 1 July 2006 to a British father and your parents were not married

• One or both of your parents is applying for British citizenship

• Other - apply at the discretion of the Home Secretary

[contorted_svy]

Correct.

[alterhase58]

“Other” At discretion.

[kgls]

What exact age is daughter?
If still under 18 (on date of MN1 application) doesn't need to take LITUK or English tests.
If over 18 she is an adult and has to comply with all naturalisation requirements (form AN).

Sorry for the delay in response.
she is 17+ now and will be 18+ by august 2025, I am register for the citizenship by may end 2025.

[contorted_svy]

Then you can apply for MN1. If she turns 18 before the approval she will be required to pay for and attend a citizenship ceremony.

[kgls]

Then you can apply for MN1. If she turns 18 before the approval she will be required to pay for and attend a citizenship ceremony.

Many Thanks

[kgls]

Then she can apply from the 22 May 2025. Note that even if her application gets approved while abroad she would be able to re enter the country anyway (she would become British when you receive the certificate, as she is a minor it is not requested that she attends a ceremony). When would she return from her studies abroad? Would it be possible for her to come back once she gets her approval, get her first UK passport from the UK and leave again? First adult British passports take up to 3 weeks (usually less) and can't be expedited. Registration applications take generally up to 6 months but may take shorter (usually) or longer, hard to know.

I have 2 scenarios

1. apply for parents and my daughter

2. apply only for my daughters (no parents will apply with her)

What is the general timelines for approval for option (1) and (2)?

[CR001]

The approval time is up to 6 months (sometime less and sometime longer), regardless of any "scenario".