Overview

• Section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 provides a route for children born in the UK who were not automatically British at birth due to their parents’ status at that time. This route applies specifically to children born in the UK to parents who were neither British citizens nor settled at the time of birth. However, if one of the parents later becomes a British citizen or obtains settled status, the child then becomes eligible for British citizenship by registration. This route ensures that children born and raised in the UK have an opportunity to formalise their citizenship status when their parents gain more permanent ties to the country.
  
  

Requirements for Registration under Section 1(3)

• To qualify for British citizenship under Section 1(3), the child must be under 18 at the time of application and, if over the age of 10, must meet the good character requirement, which assesses the applicant’s compliance with UK laws and community values. Importantly, one of the child’s parents must have gained British citizenship or settlement status (also known as indefinite leave to remain) after the child’s birth. This provision offers children who were not originally eligible for British citizenship at birth an opportunity to claim it when their family’s legal ties to the UK become more established.
  
  

Evidence and Documentation Required for Section 1(3) Applications

• Applications under Section 1(3) must be supported by a series of documents proving the child’s eligibility. The primary document required is the child’s full UK birth certificate, which should confirm details such as the child’s birth within the UK, the parents’ information, and the registration of birth. Additionally, documentation proving the parent’s British citizenship or settled status is necessary. This might include the parent’s British passport, a naturalisation or registration certificate, or, in cases of settled status, evidence such as an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) stamp, a Home Office letter, or a biometric residence permit confirming ILR. Where applicable, evidence of the parent’s permanent residence under the EU Settlement Scheme, or a unique application number (UAN) from the scheme, should also be provided.

Overview

• Section 1(3A) of the British Nationality Act 1981 applies specifically to children born in the UK on or after 13 January 2010 to parents who were neither British citizens, settled in the UK, nor members of the UK armed forces at the time of the child’s birth. This section allows children to register as British citizens if one of their parents later becomes a member of the UK armed forces while the child is still under 18. This provision recognises the unique role of the UK armed forces and provides a streamlined route to citizenship for children in families where a parent serves in the military.
  
  

Requirements for Registration under Section 1(3A)

• For a child to qualify under Section 1(3A), they must have been born in the UK on or after 13 January 2010 and must still be under 18 at the time of application. Furthermore, at least one parent must have enlisted in the UK armed forces after the child’s birth and before the child reaches the age of 18. Additionally, children who are over the age of 10 must meet the good character requirement, which evaluates the child’s moral conduct and adherence to British law. This route offers children in military families the chance to claim British citizenship and integrate fully into UK society.
  
  

Evidence and Documentation Required for Section 1(3A) Applications

• Applications under Section 1(3A) require a detailed set of supporting documents to confirm the child’s eligibility. These documents include the child’s UK birth certificate, which should clearly show that the child was born within the UK after 13 January 2010. To verify the parent’s UK armed forces status, a Ministry of Defence letter confirming the parent’s service, including specific postings and service dates, is essential. Alternatively, a Home Office document confirming the parent’s eligibility for armed forces exemption under Section 8(4) of the Immigration Act 1971 may be used to support the application. Together, these documents demonstrate the family’s strong connection to the UK through the parent’s military service

Overview

• Section 1(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981 offers a route to British citizenship for children born in the UK to parents who were neither British citizens nor settled at the time of birth. This route is designed for children who have resided in the UK continuously for the first 10 years of their life, demonstrating strong ties and integration into British society. Section 1(4) allows these long-term residents to secure British citizenship, providing a stable foundation for their future in the UK.
  
  

Requirements for Registration under Section 1(4)

• To qualify for citizenship under Section 1(4), the applicant must be at least 10 years old and must have resided in the UK for the entirety of the first 10 years of life, with no more than 90 days spent outside the UK in any of those years. Applicants over the age of 10 must meet the good character requirement, ensuring they have upheld British values and abided by the law. This route is particularly valuable for individuals who, despite lacking citizenship, have formed a lasting connection to the UK by virtue of their lifelong residency.
  
  

Evidence and Documentation Required for Section 1(4) Applications

• Applications under Section 1(4) demand comprehensive documentation to verify both the applicant’s UK birth and their uninterrupted residency over the first 10 years of life. The applicant’s full birth certificate is necessary to confirm that they were born within the UK and have reached the age of 10 or above at the time of application. Additional documents proving residency during each year of life up to age 10 are required, including school records, medical and vaccination records, and nursery attendance letters. For later years, documents from educational institutions verifying consistent attendance can be valuable. In cases where absence limits were exceeded, applicants may seek a waiver under Section 1(7) of the Act, provided the excess absences were due to exceptional circumstances beyond the family’s control. These evidentiary requirements underscore the applicant’s continuous presence in the UK, affirming their integration into British life.

• Applying for a child’s British citizenship registration independently can be a complex and overwhelming process. The application requires meticulous attention to detail, including eligibility verification, understanding specific legal provisions under the British Nationality Act, and gathering comprehensive documentation to meet stringent Home Office standards. Each route for registration, such as under Sections 1(3), 1(3A), or 1(4), comes with its own set of requirements regarding the child’s birth circumstances, parental status changes, and continuous residency, all of which must be accurately presented in the application. Even a minor oversight—such as missing documentation or misunderstanding the nuances of the eligibility criteria—can lead to delays or even rejection, potentially complicating a family’s pathway to securing the child’s citizenship.
• AGCL Services provides dedicated expertise to guide families through the intricacies of British citizenship registration for children. With a strong understanding of UK nationality laws and years of professional experience, AGCL’s team helps streamline the process, assisting families in understanding the best registration category for their child and ensuring all necessary documents are complete and correctly submitted. AGCL’s support reduces the stress and uncertainty of the application process, improving the chances of a smooth and successful outcome. From initial consultation through to application submission, AGCL Services offers comprehensive, personalised guidance, allowing families to navigate this complex process with confidence and peace of mind.

• The cost for registering a child as a British citizen is currently £1,214. This fee applies to all applications for children, regardless of whether the application falls under Section 1(3), 1(3A), or 1(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981. It is important to remember that this fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied or withdrawn. Families should therefore ensure all eligibility requirements are met and documentation is complete and accurate before submitting the application. In cases where a child reaches the age of 18 during the application process, an additional £130 will be required to cover the cost of the citizenship ceremony, a formal requirement for adult applicants. This additional fee highlights the importance of prompt application submission to potentially avoid further costs.

Cost of Our Professional Services for British Citizenship Registration for Children

• At AGCL Services, we provide specialised assistance for British citizenship applications for children through registration, with fees ranging from £700 to £1000 per application. This range reflects the complexity of each individual case, ensuring a personalised approach that addresses the unique requirements of your child’s application. Our expert team is dedicated to thoroughly preparing and reviewing all documentation to meet Home Office standards, helping to prevent common errors and avoid delays. For an initial consultation and a customised assessment of how we can support you through this important process, please reach out to us to discuss the best path forward for your child’s British citizenship application.

• The processing time for a child’s British citizenship registration application generally takes around six months from the date of submission. This timeframe applies across applications under Sections 1(3), 1(3A), and 1(4) of the British Nationality Act. During this period, the Home Office thoroughly reviews the application, verifying the child’s eligibility, examining all provided documentation, and conducting any necessary background checks. Although six months is a common processing duration, certain cases may take longer due to the complexity of the application or if additional information is needed. In such cases, the Home Office will notify the applicants, ensuring they are kept informed throughout the process.
• Applicants should be prepared for potential delays, particularly if the application involves complex family circumstances or documentation issues that require clarification. To help minimise the processing duration, families are encouraged to submit well-organised, comprehensive applications with all required documents and information. While the waiting period can feel lengthy, the Home Office’s detailed review ensures that each application is carefully considered, supporting an outcome that fully complies with British nationality law. For families seeking guidance, consulting with immigration experts may help streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of delays.