Child Born in UK 2025, Parent is eligible for ILR 2026.

[leather212]

Dear Friends,

My Child born in the UK in 2025 – one parent will be eligible for ILR in 2026. We have no plans to travel abroad, so I’m wondering if there’s any need to apply for a visa for the child at this stage?

We’ve just received a letter from the NHS saying we need to regularise the child’s stay within 3 months, and that any NHS debt over £500 could result in an application being refused.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or can share advice?


Regards

[contorted_svy]

That is a standard letter that the NHS sends. You do need to get some private health insurance for the child, but you don't need a visa for your child if you want to register them as a British citizen as they have an entitlement to being registered. Pay any debts you owe to the NHS in any case.

[secret.simon]

A child born in the UK does not need a visa if it does not plan to cross any international border.

However, it is also not entitled to free NHS treatment in the absence of any IHS fees having been paid for a visa (and no, you can't just pay the IHS fees without a visa application).

So, as @contorted_svy has advised above, you will want to make sure that there is private medical insurance coverage to cover the baby between three months after birth and the day the baby and you receive a certificate of registration of the baby as a British citizen.

Alternatively, the NHS will bill you (standing in for the baby) 150% of the cost of any NHS treatment needed by the baby. And yes, unpaid NHS bills can be grounds for refusing applications.

Given that the health of babies tends to be fragile, I would suggest taking out the private medical insurance.

[leather212]

Thank you very much for your clarification. Have an amazing day

[contorted_svy]

No problem.

These will be the requirements that apply to your situation from the guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... essible#UK

Requirements for registration under section 1(3)
Children are entitled to registration under section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if:

they were born in the UK

they were not British citizens at birth because at the time neither parent was a British citizen or settled

while they are minors either of the parents has since become a British citizen or settled in the UK

they are under the age of 18 on the date the application is received

they are of good character if aged 10 or over

Registration under section 1(3) gives British citizenship otherwise than by descent.

Evidence required under section 1(3)
Applications under section 1(3) must be supported by the following evidence, if relevant:

child’s full UK birth certificate showing birth in the UK and the parents’ details

evidence of parent’s British citizenship since the child’s birth, such as:

a British passport

a naturalisation certificate

a registration certificate

evidence of parent’s settled status since the child’s birth, such as one of the following:

an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) stamp in a passport

a Home Office letter

a no time limit stamp

a biometric residence permit (BRP) confirming ILR

a unique application number (UAN) confirming the parent has been granted ILR (also known as settled status) under the EU Settlement Scheme

evidence the parent holds a Withdrawal Agreement right to reside in the UK permanently on the basis of qualifying activity for the relevant period

a marriage certificate if:

the parent on whom the claim is based became a British citizen or settled in the UK after the child was born

the child was born prior to 1 July 2006 to a father who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. (If the child was born before 1 July 2006 and the parents were not married, see the guidance on Children of British Parents)