British Citizenship by Birth
Filipinos can claim and register for British citizenship by birth if they meet all the eligibility criteria.
For more information about UK citizenship by birth, including eligibility, the application process, and associated costs, contact us at Total Law. You can speak with any of our immigration attorneys on phone at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online.
Who is Eligible for British Citizenship by Birth?
As a Filipino citizen, you can register to become a UK citizen if you were born in the UK. However, your right to claim and register for British citizenship is based on your date of birth and your parents’ circumstances.
Birth on or After January 1st 1983
You can register for British citizenship for a child born in the UK if you were born on or after January 1st, 1983. You must also be under the age of 18 and have lived in the UK from birth until you turned 10. At least one of your parents must have settled in the UK or obtained UK nationality during this period.
You are a British citizen and do not need to register for British citizenship if:
- You were born after January 1st 1983
- You are still under the age of 18
- You have a British citizen or settled parent
What you need to do is apply for a British passport or ask for confirmation of your status as a citizen.
Birth Before 1983
As per the UK nationality laws, any child born in the UK to non-British parents in the UK before 1983 is automatically a UK citizen. So, Filipinos who were born in the UK before 1983 don’t need to apply for British citizenship by birth. Your Filipino citizenship does not affect your British citizenship status, as the UK allows dual citizenship.
Page Contents
- Who is Eligible for British Citizenship by Birth?
- When to Apply for British Citizenship by Birth
- British Citizenship by Birth Application Cost
- Documents required for British Citizenship by Birth Application
- Application Process for British Citizenship by Birth
- British Citizenship for Children Under 18
- Exceptions to Applying for British Citizenship by Birth
- Apply for British Passport After Citizenship
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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When to Apply for British Citizenship by Birth
Filipinos can register to acquire British citizenship by birth if they meet all the requirements.
Below 18
If you are below 18, you can register for citizenship if your parents obtained British citizenship or ILR after your birth. For this to apply, your place of birth must have been the UK.
Lived in the UK till You Were 10
If you spent the first 10 years of your life in the UK, you can register to become a UK national if none of your parents were UK citizens or permanent residents when you were born. You can also register if your father was a UK national but had you with your Filipino mother out of wedlock. You must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of those 10 years.
British Citizenship by Birth Application Cost
- £1,000 for Filipino applicants who are below 18
- £1,709 for Filipino applicants over 18
- £130 for citizenship ceremony for applicants who turn 18 during the registration process
If you are under 18, you can get a fee waiver. You’ll need to apply for the fee waiver and get a decision before proceeding to apply for citizenship.
For your fee waiver to be considered, you have to prove that you, your parents, or your guardians cannot afford the fees and also cater for living expenses. You’ll have to submit bank statements and payslips to prove this.
Documents required for British Citizenship by Birth Application
Submit the following documents to register to become a UK citizen by birth. You can scan and upload the original documents to the Home Office portal during the application. If this proves challenging, take them to your biometric appointment. The UKVCAS staff will help you scan and upload them. Note that you can only upload original documents, not copies.
- Your UK-issued birth certificate
- Your Valid Philippine passport
- Your parents’ marriage certificate
- Your parents’ passports
- Your certificate of good character
- Your proof of legal residence
- Your parents’ consent is required if you are below 18 and are making the application yourself
Application Process for British Citizenship by Birth
Here’s how to register to become a British citizen by birth:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
The first thing you must do before registering to become a British citizen is to confirm if you are eligible for citizenship. If you apply for British citizenship when you are automatically a British citizen, your application will be denied; your application fee will not be refunded.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Next, prepare your documents. Ensure the documents are original copies. Any document you submit must be in English. Otherwise, you’ll also need to submit certified translated copies.
Step 3: Apply Online
You’ll have to visit the Home Office website and fill out a form. The form you need to fill out depends on your circumstances and birth period. Be sure to confirm this, as filling out one form instead of another will impact the outcome of your application. If you were born on or after January 1st 1983, and lived in the UK till you turned 10, you’ll need to complete Form T.
If you were born in the UK before 1983, you’ll have to complete Form UKM. If you are below 18, you’ll complete Form MN4. When completing the form, you’ll have to add details of 2 referees that will support your application.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Note that your application will not be processed if you do not pay the required fees. You must pay the fee and attach your supporting documents before submitting your application.
Step 5: Schedule an Appointment With the UKVCAS
Make a biometric collection appointment with the UKVCAS. If you have not uploaded your documents, you can go for your appointment with them. At the service point, your photo and fingerprints will be collected.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
After submitting your biometric information, you can wait for the Home Office to decide on your application. It usually takes 6 months for a decision, but wait times have been known to be longer due to workload and complex cases.
British Citizenship for Children Under 18
Children below the age of 18 can be registered to become British citizens. This is required before they can obtain a British passport. Parents getting money from social services to cater to their children don’t need to pay the application fee. You can also apply for your child below 18 to obtain British citizenship while making your application.
Children 10 years and above must show they have not been convicted of a criminal offence by presenting a certificate of good character. If your child is below 18 and applying for citizenship, you must give your consent. Children who acquire UK citizenship are exempt from attending and paying for a British citizenship ceremony.
Exceptions to Applying for British Citizenship by Birth
If you are a Filipino born outside of the UK, you do not qualify to register as a British citizen by birth. If they are born to UK parents outside the UK and do not qualify for automatic citizenship, they must apply for British citizenship by descent.
Children not eligible for British citizenship by birth can acquire British nationality if they want to join the military or represent the UK in a competition. If you are taking care of a child whose parents are dead, you can register the child to become a UK national if you are a British citizen.
Apply for British Passport After Citizenship
Upon approval of your citizenship application, you can then apply for a British passport. You cannot freely move in and out of the UK without a British passport. There are 2 ways to apply for the passport:
Online
To apply online, go to the Home Office website, fill out the passport form, attach a recent passport photo, and pay £102. In your application, add a UK citizen who can confirm your identity. They must be at least 18, reside in the UK, and be British nationals. You must inform them before using them as your referee, and they must know you personally.
Offline
Visit a post office and pick up the passport form. It costs £115.50 to apply via post. Complete sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9. Your referee will complete section 10. They will also sign and date your passport photograph. Place the form back in the envelope you got it from and submit it at the post office.
How Can Total Law Help?
The law guiding British citizenship by birth is complex and sometimes confusing. This is why you need the help of an expert immigration attorney to understand these laws.
At Total Law, we have attorneys well-versed in UK nationality laws. With their support, you can submit a strong application. We can access your eligibility, gather your documents, estimate the cost and give you general advice on the application process.
If you need more information about British citizenship by birth or our work as a global immigration firm, call +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online today.
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