Application for a Child of Settled Parents

[Carinus]

Hi everyone!

A friend of mine asked a question regarding the rules of his child's registration process and I couldn't find any information to help him. I hope I can ask for some advice here.

They are a married couple, EU nationals, both of them have settled status in the UK. Their child is 9 years old, and he will be eligible for registration as a British citizen in September. They are ready to send his application when the the time comes.

However, the father received a job offer which is very lucrative. He would work abroad for a limited period, say, a year, and he's unsure if he's allowed to leave the country for a while, meaning he will not be in the UK when the application for his child is handed in.

Would him leaving the UK in August to work abroad for a year affect his child's application in any way?

Thank you for your time!

[CR001]

Where was the child born, UK or abroad??

There is no rule that he must remain in the UK, however absence of 2 or more years means he could lose his settled (PR) status.

[Carinus]

I am sorry, it is important indeed. The child was born in the EU.

[CR001]

The child also needs 'settled' status, i.e PR card and will only qualify to register as British when EITHER parent also applies or if either parent is already a naturalised British citizen.

How long has the child been in the UK?

[Carinus]

Six years, came over with the mother. The father came two years earlier.

[CR001]

The child won't qualify to apply unless one of the parents also apply. There is no entitlement for children born abroad.

[Carinus]

Thank you very much for your prompt answer!