British Citizenship by Birth

This category is typically meant for those who are born in a non-UK country. British citizenship by descent is based on the nationality and immigration status of the parent. To register for UK nationality based on British citizenship by descent you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Born on or after 1st July 2006 with at least one British parent at the time of the birth are automatically granted British citizenship.
• Born between 1983 and June 2006 with at least one British parent at the time of the birth may acquire British citizenship by applying.
• Born before 1983 with a father who is a British citizen are automatically granted British citizenship.

When applying through this category, applicants will use Form MN1.

All applicants for British citizenship who are over the age of 10 must meet the requirement of “good character” according to UK immigration laws. The good character requirement ensures that those who are granted British citizenship have the following attributes:

• Not broken previous visa or immigration regulations
• Not have a police record of breaking the law
• Not be involved in criminal or terrorist activity

Ultimately the decision on good character is determined by the UK home office.

The exact supporting documents needed may vary depending on your circumstances. Generally, they include:

• Full birth certificate or adoption certificate
• Previous or current passports
• Biometric residence permit
• Evidence the applicant is a British citizen by birth

Note that certificates must be in their original form and may not be submitted as photocopies. Documents that are not originally in English or Welsh must be provided along with certified translated copies.

The fastest way to apply for UK citizenship by birth is by completing the application form T online at the UKVIS website. You will need to pay the application fee at the time of submission. When applying online, you can upload your documents directly into the system. You can also choose to have your documents scanned when you attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services centre to have your biometric information taken. Biometric information consists of fingerprints and a photograph. You will have to pay a small fee for this service.

Once your application is approved, you may need to schedule a citizenship ceremony.

When you attend the ceremony you will receive your citizenship certificate and the process will be complete. Successful applicants will have British nationality, or perhaps dual nationality. Then you can apply for a British passport.

While you are able to apply by post, processing of physical applications is experiencing delays due to coronavirus. In addition, if you physically send your supporting documents in, it may take a while to have them returned.

Note that if you are applying from the Isle of Man, British overseas territory, or the Channel Islands, you will be required to apply by post.

All applicants aged 18 and over are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and take an oath of allegiance to the UK to receive their citizenship certificate. You will need your citizenship certificate in order to apply for a British passport.

You may attend the citizenship ceremony with your child. Applicants under the age of 18 are not required to attend a ceremony and may receive their citizenship certificate by post to the address you provide on your application.

Costs and fees for British citizenship by birth can vary depending on your personal circumstances, but generally include:

• £1,012 application fee per child under the age of 18 who is being registered as a British citizen
• £1,206 application fee per applicant over the age of 18
• £80 citizenship ceremony fee, mandatory for applicants aged 18 and over
• £19.20 for biometric information (fingerprints and photos)

If you are under the age of 18 and cannot afford the fee for the citizenship by birth application, you may be eligible to have the citizenship application fee waived.

The fastest way to apply for citizenship by birth is online. Applying by post can take significantly longer. Typically it takes about 6 months to receive a decision although processing may be delayed due to coronavirus.

Once you receive a decision you will also need to consider additional time to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your biometric information including fingerprints and a photograph. Once your application is approved, you will need to schedule and attend your citizenship ceremony.

The most common reasons that an application for British citizenship by birth is rejected are:

• Incomplete documents
• Inaccurate or incomplete application
• Applying under the wrong category

Carefully checking your application before submitting it can help to ensure that your application is not delayed or rejected. Confirm that you meet all requirements for eligibility prior to submitting your application as different categories have different eligibility requirements.

With Total Law, our team of professional immigration lawyers can advise you on the best route to acquire citizenship in the UK.

A lawyer’s legal knowledge can help to ensure your required documentation is complete and your or your child’s citizenship application has the best chance of being approved according to UK immigration laws.

Your Total Law advisor will provide you with current information and advice regarding British citizenship by birth.

For further information, contact us today at 0333 305 9375 or use our online contact form to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration lawyers.