Enquiry - Re timeline for AN and MN1

[Rud]

Dear Advisor

Situation Summary
1. Husband:
• Obtained ILR via 10-year long residence route
• Became British citizen in 2023

2. Wife:
• Married to husband for 20 years
• Lived in the UK for 10 years on various visas (work dependent, family)
• Obtained ILR via 10-year long residence route 6 months ago(2025)
• No gaps in lawful residence (absences <40 days/year)

3. Child:
• Born abroad
• Lived in UK with parents
• Obtained ILR via same 10-year long residence

Query

Given the above situation:

1. Wife’s citizenship eligibility:
• Does she need to wait 12 months after obtaining ILR before applying for British citizenship, or can she apply immediately as the spouse of a British citizen?
• Does the fact that her relationship started before the husband became British affect her eligibility or impose any ILR waiting requirement?


2. Child’s citizenship eligibility:
• Can the child apply for registration as a British citizen immediately, or must the child wait until the mother becomes British first?
• Does the route via 10-year long residence ILR affect the timing for child registration?


3. Any combined family strategy:
• Would it be advisable to apply for the wife’s citizenship first and then the child, or can applications be coordinated?


4. Fees and practical considerations:
• Confirmation that applying now for the wife and later for the child avoids duplicate fees
• Any known Home Office discretion issues for children born abroad with ILR via long residence where one parent is British and the other is ILR

[contorted_svy]

Both child and wife can apply for citizenship, in any order you want. The fees will be the same in any order you choose to apply.

[Rud]

I have outlined my situation and queries above and would kindly request that you review them carefully.

I understand that some of these questions may have been asked previously; however, they are very important to my circumstances. I am currently hearing that there is a 12-month waiting period after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before applying for British citizenship, although there appears to be conflicting information regarding whether this applies to spouses of British citizens.
In addition, I understand from some sources that if citizenship applications are submitted in a particular order, I may need to pay an additional fee for my child’s application, which may not be required if my child is eligible for direct registration. I have read differing information on this point, and I am unsure whether my understanding is correct.

I would therefore be grateful if you could review my situation and clearly answer my queries, as the information I have received so far has not helped me fully understand the correct position. Your guidance on the appropriate steps in my case would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

[Rud]

My apologies for reposting my queries in this thread. I have done so because the response I received in another thread suggested that I apply for citizenship for both my wife and child in any order. However, I have read elsewhere that a child’s application may not be required at all, as the child may qualify for direct registration/enrolment.

Given this conflicting information, I humbly and kindly request that you review my queries in relation to ILR and citizenship.I would greatly appreciate your guidance and suggestions on the correct approach.


Dear Advisor

Situation Summary
1. Husband:
• Obtained ILR via 10-year long residence route
• Became British citizen in 2023

2. Wife:
• Married to husband for 20 years
• Lived in the UK for 10 years on various visas (work dependent, family)
• Obtained ILR via 10-year long residence route 6 months ago(2025)
• No gaps in lawful residence (absences <40 days/year)

3. Child:
• Born abroad
• Lived in UK with parents
• Obtained ILR via same 10-year long residence

Query

Given the above situation:

1. Wife’s citizenship eligibility:
• Does she need to wait 12 months after obtaining ILR before applying for British citizenship, or can she apply immediately as the spouse of a British citizen?
• Does the fact that her relationship started before the husband became British affect her eligibility or impose any ILR waiting requirement?


2. Child’s citizenship eligibility:
• Can the child apply for registration as a British citizen immediately, or must the child wait until the mother becomes British first?
• Does the route via 10-year long residence ILR affect the timing for child registration?


3. Any combined family strategy:
• Would it be advisable to apply for the wife’s citizenship first and then the child, or can applications be coordinated?


4. Fees and practical considerations:
• Confirmation that applying now for the wife and later for the child avoids duplicate fees as the child may qualify for direct registration/enrolment after both parents secured citizenship.
• Any known Home Office discretion issues for children born abroad with ILR via long residence where one parent is British and the other is ILR

[secret.simon]

@contorted_svy's advice is correct.

I am currently hearing that there is a 12-month waiting period after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before applying for British citizenship, although there appears to be conflicting information regarding whether this applies to spouses of British citizens.

The 12 month waiting period does not apply to spouses of British citizens.

I understand from some sources that if citizenship applications are submitted in a particular order, I may need to pay an additional fee for my child’s application, which may not be required if my child is eligible for direct registration.

Again, not true. The order of applications is immaterial if the child and the other parent both have ILR.

• Does the route via 10-year long residence ILR affect the timing for child registration?

No, it does not.

• Confirmation that applying now for the wife and later for the child avoids duplicate fees as the child may qualify for direct registration/enrolment after both parents secured citizenship.

Not sure what you mean by this statement. The child qualifies to apply for registration now. But whether now or after both parents have become British citizens, the child does not automatically become a British citizen. They have to apply for registration and pay the required fees.

The only time a person acquires British citizenship automatically and for free is if specific conditions are met on the date of their birth. The only way to acquire British citizenship on any day after the date of their birth is through registration or naturalisation and the requisite fees need to be paid.

You need to link to your sources. Either they are grossly wrong or you have misunderstood them.

[Rud]

Thank you for your response.

On my understanding, in this scenario the parent holding ILR should apply for British citizenship by naturalisation (Form AN),
and the child holding ILR should directly apply for registration as a British citizen (Form MN1) and (Form AN) does not apply if both parents secured citizenship ?

Could you please confirm if this understanding is correct?

Additionally, could you please reconfirm that there is no requirement to wait 12 months after obtaining ILR before applying for British citizenship for the wife of a British citizen, regardless of the when the husband was naturalised?

[secret.simon]

could you please reconfirm that there is no requirement to wait 12 months after obtaining ILR before applying for British citizenship for the wife of a British citizen, regardless of the when the husband was naturalised?

I can so reconfirm. Your wife could apply as the spouse of a British citizen today even if your citizenship ceremony was earlier today.

in this scenario the parent holding ILR should apply for British citizenship by naturalisation (Form AN),
and the child holding ILR should directly apply for registration as a British citizen (Form MN1) and (Form AN) does not apply if both parents secured citizenship ?

Children do not naturalise, they register as British citizens. Naturalisation is for adults only. Your child is eligible to apply for registration now, as both the child and the other parent have ILR.

When filling in your wife's Form AN application, the form will ask if you want to add any other applicants to the form. You can choose to add your child to that application and the form will automatically adapt to Form MN1.

[Rud]

Thank you, Simon, for addressing all my queries. In that case, I would proceed with applying for my child using Form MN1 rather than applying alongside my wife on Form AN, as my child’s other country passport is nearing expiration. I plan to prioritize obtaining British citizenship and a passport for my child first. Meanwhile, my wife can remain on ILR status.

I have one additional query: regarding Form MN1, is there an application fee? Also, do I need to provide character references from two UK citizens, as I did for my own application previously?

[alterhase58]

MN1 fee = £1241 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... fees-table)
Official Guidance for MN1 including document requirements: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... le-version
Referee forms are required for children.

[Rud]

Thank you for providing the details.

If I am planning to submit UK citizenship applications for both a parent and a child at the same time and would like some clarification:
1. Can the same two referees provide endorsements for both the parent and the child, or are four separate referees required (two for the parent and two for the child)?
2. For the child, is it sufficient to have one professional referee who has dealt with the child, or are two referees required in total?

[alterhase58]

Thank you for providing the details.

If I am planning to submit UK citizenship applications for both a parent and a child at the same time and would like some clarification:
1. Can the same two referees provide endorsements for both the parent and the child, or are four separate referees required (two for the parent and two for the child)?
For children the professional referee should be involved with the child, teacher, health worker or similiar. However,many in those professions are reluctant to divulge their personal data. UKVI are aware of this issue and if necessary use the adult's referee, but attach a note explaining the issue. The second adult referee can be used for children.
2. For the child, is it sufficient to have one professional referee who has dealt with the child, or are two referees required in total?
Two referees in total for child, a professional referee and one other. The adult's referee would be ok as second referee.

Note we are stating the requirements as published.

[contorted_svy]

I have outlined my situation and queries above and would kindly request that you review them carefully.

I understand that some of these questions may have been asked previously; however, they are very important to my circumstances. I am currently hearing that there is a 12-month waiting period after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before applying for British citizenship, although there appears to be conflicting information regarding whether this applies to spouses of British citizens.
In addition, I understand from some sources that if citizenship applications are submitted in a particular order, I may need to pay an additional fee for my child’s application, which may not be required if my child is eligible for direct registration. I have read differing information on this point, and I am unsure whether my understanding is correct.

I would therefore be grateful if you could review my situation and clearly answer my queries, as the information I have received so far has not helped me fully understand the correct position. Your guidance on the appropriate steps in my case would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

I am not sure where you obtained the information you are referring to, therefore it is difficult to disprove it. My advice (as for other people posting in this thread, who confirmed my position) comes from having read the guidance multiple times. Where exactly did you obtain the information you are referring to? A number of people use AI these days to get advice on immigration/nationality, which is strongly discouraged.

[Rud]

I initially misunderstood the 1-year waiting requirement after ILR and realised I had already waited several months, so no issue there now.
Pls help with clarification on two points while completing the child registration form:

1. Under biological parent details, after entering the biological father’s and mother’s names, the form asks:
“Was your mother married at the time of birth? If yes, enter the full name of mother’s partner.”
Is this redundant, or am I doing something wrong by entering it this way?
2. For referees:
• One is a past neighbour who has been a close family friend for over 10 years.
• Another is a colleague of the husband who is also a well-known family friend.
Both are willing to provide references for the wife and child. They do not know each other.
A teacher or social worker known to the child is not available—where should this be mentioned as an explanation?
Are these referees acceptable, and should I describe them as “past neighbour/family friend” and “family friend”?

[Rud]

Pls help with clarification on two points while completing the child registration form:

1. Under biological parent details, after entering the biological father’s and mother’s names, the form asks:
“Was your mother married at the time of birth? If yes, enter the full name of mother’s partner.”
Is this redundant, or am I doing something wrong by entering it this way?
2. For referees:
• One is a past neighbour who has been a close family friend for over 10 years.
• Another is a colleague of the husband who is also a well-known family friend.
Both are willing to provide references for the wife and child. They do not know each other.
A teacher or social worker known to the child is not available—where should this be mentioned as an explanation?
Are these referees acceptable, and should I describe them as “past neighbour/family friend” and “family friend”?

[Rud]

Kindly advise on the above queries. Both referees are known to us as a neighbour and as a colleague/family friend of my husband. How should this relationship be mentioned in the application section asking how the referee is known to the applicant? Is it sufficient to state “family friend,” or do we need to provide more detail, such as “former neighbour and family friend” or “known to the family through spouse’s workplace”?

Additionally, for the child’s referee, if we are unable to provide a professional who has worked with the child, what explanation should be given? Is there a sample or template reference letter that can be used?

Finally, who is required to provide and sign the explanation Letter—should it be the parent applicant or the child applicant (15 years old) ?

[contorted_svy]

Kindly advise on the above queries. Both referees are known to us as a neighbour and as a colleague/family friend of my husband. How should this relationship be mentioned in the application section asking how the referee is known to the applicant? Is it sufficient to state “family friend,” or do we need to provide more detail, such as “former neighbour and family friend” or “known to the family through spouse’s workplace”? family friend is fine, no need to overthink it.

Additionally, for the child’s referee, if we are unable to provide a professional who has worked with the child, what explanation should be given? Is there a sample or template reference letter that can be used? it is a known issue yo UKVI. we don't have a template.

Finally, who is required to provide and sign the explanation Letter—should it be the parent applicant or the child applicant (15 years old) ? the parent

[Rud]

Thank you for the response

Pls help on the below a query regarding the application forms for British citizenship.

While completing the “Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen” form, I noticed that after submitting the main form, there is an option to add an applicant from a drop-down menu. When selecting this option for a child, it redirects to “Apply for registration of a child under 18 as a British citizen.”

I have used these forms for both my spouse and my child. Based on my understanding of the 5-year route and the 3-year route, I would like to confirm whether:
There are separate forms for each route (5-year and 3-year), or
There is one form, and the applicable route is determined by the answers provided within the form.

I would appreciate your clarification to ensure the correct forms are used .

[contorted_svy]

it is the latter, the form adapts depending on how you answer the questions.

[Rud]

Dear Advisor,

I have completed my application, but I noticed some documents are being requested more than once. Kindly clarify why the following documents are asked twice:
Marriage certificate – appears twice: once as “Child parents marriage certificate” and again as “Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate.”
Proof of British citizenship / father’s citizenship – appears twice: once as “Evidence of father’s British citizenship” and again as “Proof of British citizenship for child father.”

Here is the full list of documents as per the application:
1. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for main applicant
2. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for child
3. Proof of parental responsibility for main applicant on child
4. Proof of parental responsibility for father who is already a British citizen on the child (they gave option to submit birth certificate)
5. ECCTIS letter for main applicant
6. Degree certificate for applicant
7. Letter of consent from child’s parent ( pls let me know what consent letter I need to submit)
8. Child birth certificate
9. Evidence of father’s British citizenship
10. Evidence of mother’s settled status
11. Child parents marriage certificate
12. Proof of cohabitation for 3 years
13. Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (you can send a photocopy of your spouse’s passport)
14. Two referrals for applicant
15. Two referrals for child
16. Proof of British citizenship for child father

Could you please advise if these repeated documents are required ? also while completing the child registration form:

1. Under biological parent details, after entering the biological father’s and mother’s names, the form asks:
“Was your mother married at the time of birth? If yes, enter the full name of mother’s partner.”
Is this redundant, or am I doing something wrong by entering it this way?
I

[contorted_svy]

Dear Advisor,

I have completed my application, but I noticed some documents are being requested more than once. Kindly clarify why the following documents are asked twice:
Marriage certificate – appears twice: once as “Child parents marriage certificate” and again as “Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate.”
Proof of British citizenship / father’s citizenship – appears twice: once as “Evidence of father’s British citizenship” and again as “Proof of British citizenship for child father.”

Here is the full list of documents as per the application:
1. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for main applicant
2. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for child
3. Proof of parental responsibility for main applicant on child
4. Proof of parental responsibility for father who is already a British citizen on the child (they gave option to submit birth certificate)
5. ECCTIS letter for main applicant
6. Degree certificate for applicant
7. Letter of consent from child’s parent ( pls let me know what consent letter I need to submit)
8. Child birth certificate
9. Evidence of father’s British citizenship
10. Evidence of mother’s settled status
11. Child parents marriage certificate
12. Proof of cohabitation for 3 years
13. Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (you can send a photocopy of your spouse’s passport)
14. Two referrals for applicant
15. Two referrals for child
16. Proof of British citizenship for child father

Could you please advise if these repeated documents are required ? also while completing the child registration form:

1. Under biological parent details, after entering the biological father’s and mother’s names, the form asks:
“Was your mother married at the time of birth? If yes, enter the full name of mother’s partner.”
Is this redundant, or am I doing something wrong by entering it this way?
I

16. Proof of British citizenship for child father

Could you please advise if these repeated documents are required ? also while completing the child registration form:

1. Under biological parent details, after entering the biological father’s and mother’s names, the form asks:
“Was your mother married at the time of birth? If yes, enter the full name of mother’s partner.”
Is this redundant, or am I doing something wrong by entering it this way?
I
[/quote]


How was this list generated? Can you copy paste exactly what you see on the form?

For the consent letter, use Section 7 as a template https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... 1-2025.pdf


Answer the question as you currently are doing. You are confirming you and wife were married when the child was born and that you are the father.

[Rud]

Hi Advisor,


Please find the copy of checklist below.

1. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the parent applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
2. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the child applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
3. Proof of parent applicant’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
4. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
5. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility can include:
A copy of the birth certificate
6. Ecctis letter confirming that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in the UK and confirms the level of English to which the degree was taught or researched.
7. Degree certificate for the parent applicant to prove the level of English language required.
8. Letter of consent from the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
9. Child’s birth certificate showing details of both parents.
Evidence of British citizenship for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A British passport
A certificate of citizenship
A birth certificate
10. Evidence of settled status in the UK for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A BRP
A letter from the Home Office
An endorsement in a passport
Another document confirming permanent residence
12. Child’s parents’ marriage certificate.
13. Proof of living in the UK for the required period:
Five years if applying in own right
Three years if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen
14. If married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 3 years.
15. If not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 5 years
16. If a non-EEA national, a passport to prove residence in the UK during the relevant period.
17. If a passport is unavailable or not stamped, alternative evidence such as letters from an employer or government department.
18. Bank statements or household bills are not acceptable as proof of residence.
19. Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
20. Photocopy of spouse or partner’s passport, including every page.
21.Two referee declarations for the parent applicant.
22. Two referee declarations for the child applicant.
23. One proof of British citizenship for the other parent (for example, a passport or UK citizenship certificate).

As per my understanding from above list , The documents I need to include are: both parents’ passports (one UK passport and one non-UK passport), the child’s passport(non uk), marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, ECCTIS letter, degree certificate, ILR (approval email copy) two referee declarations for each applicant, and a consent letter.

Please let me know if anything is missing or if additional documents are required.

[Rud]

Hi Advisor,


Please find the copy of checklist below.

1. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the parent applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
2. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the child applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
3. Proof of parent applicant’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
4. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
5. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility can include:
A copy of the birth certificate
6. Ecctis letter confirming that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in the UK and confirms the level of English to which the degree was taught or researched.
7. Degree certificate for the parent applicant to prove the level of English language required.
8. Letter of consent from the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
9. Child’s birth certificate showing details of both parents.
Evidence of British citizenship for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A British passport
A certificate of citizenship
A birth certificate
10. Evidence of settled status in the UK for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A BRP
A letter from the Home Office
An endorsement in a passport
Another document confirming permanent residence
12. Child’s parents’ marriage certificate.
13. Proof of living in the UK for the required period:
Five years if applying in own right
Three years if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen
If married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 3 years.
If not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 5 years
If a non-EEA national, a passport to prove residence in the UK during the relevant period.
If a passport is unavailable or not stamped, alternative evidence such as letters from an employer or government department.
Bank statements or household bills are not acceptable as proof of residence.
14. Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
15. Photocopy of spouse or partner’s passport, including every page.
16. Two referee declarations for the parent applicant.
17. Two referee declarations for the child applicant.
18. One proof of British citizenship for the other parent (for example, a passport or UK citizenship certificate).

As per my understanding from above list , The documents I need to include are: both parents’ passports (one UK passport and one non-UK passport), the child’s passport(non uk), marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, ECCTIS letter, degree certificate, ILR (approval email copy) two referee declarations for each applicant, and a consent letter.

Please let me know if anything is missing or if additional documents are required.

[contorted_svy]

Hi Advisor,


Please find the copy of checklist below.

1. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the parent applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
2. Colour copies of all pages of the passport or travel document for the child applicant.
This includes blank pages. The copies must be in page order and clear enough so all text can be read easily.
3. Proof of parent applicant’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
4. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility for the child applicant.
5. Proof of other parent’s parental responsibility can include:
A copy of the birth certificate
6. Ecctis letter confirming that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in the UK and confirms the level of English to which the degree was taught or researched.
7. Degree certificate for the parent applicant to prove the level of English language required.
8. Letter of consent from the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
9. Child’s birth certificate showing details of both parents.
Evidence of British citizenship for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A British passport
A certificate of citizenship
A birth certificate
10. Evidence of settled status in the UK for a parent, if declared.
This can include:
A BRP
A letter from the Home Office
An endorsement in a passport
Another document confirming permanent residence
12. Child’s parents’ marriage certificate.
13. Proof of living in the UK for the required period:
Five years if applying in own right
Three years if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen
14. If married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 3 years.
15. If not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, proof of residence in the UK for the past 5 years
16. If a non-EEA national, a passport to prove residence in the UK during the relevant period.
17. If a passport is unavailable or not stamped, alternative evidence such as letters from an employer or government department.
18. Bank statements or household bills are not acceptable as proof of residence.
19. Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
20. Photocopy of spouse or partner’s passport, including every page.
21.Two referee declarations for the parent applicant.
22. Two referee declarations for the child applicant.
23. One proof of British citizenship for the other parent (for example, a passport or UK citizenship certificate).

As per my understanding from above list , The documents I need to include are: both parents’ passports (one UK passport and one non-UK passport), the child’s passport(non uk), marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, ECCTIS letter, degree certificate, ILR (approval email copy) two referee declarations for each applicant, and a consent letter.

Please let me know if anything is missing or if additional documents are required.

Correct. Note that the checklist up to point 12 refers to child's application, points 13-21 refer to wife. Therefore when you book biometric appointments you will need to upload documents as follows:

Child's appointment
- Child's passport(s)
- Consent letter
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of your British citizenship
- Proof of wife ILR
-referee declarations

Wife's appointment
- Wife's passport(s)
- marriage certificate
- Proof of your British citizenship
- Proof of wife ILR
- Degree certificate
- ECCTIS letter
- referee declarations

You will note some are repeated because they are applicable to both situations, for different requirements.

Please also avoid posting multiple times with the same questions. We are all volunteers on this forum so we don't check constantly. You may need to wait for someone to see your thread and respond.

[Rud]

Could you please advise whether it is important or mandatory to include a letter explaining why a professional reference for my child could not be provided.
Instead, two adult referees have been attached.
If I do not add this explanation letter, could the child’s application be refused based on this reason?

Thank you for your guidance

[contorted_svy]

It shouldn't be refused just for that reason, it is a well known issue to UKVI. If you have proof you asked, it does no harm in writing a short note and explain it.