The United Kingdom is one of the most developed and modern countries in Europe. Having British citizenship and becoming a British citizen is a dream for many people, especially for children under the age of 18. Some of the benefits include:
– Full citizenship rights in one of the most developed countries in Europe.
– Freedom to move, live, and work in the United Kingdom.
– Access to the United Kingdom’s modern, safe, and free National Health Service.
– Free or very low-cost public education at all levels due to government support.
II. Eligibility for British citizenship for children over 16 years old
Typically, to be eligible for British citizenship, the first requirement is that an individual must be 18 years of age or older, have a permanent residence permit (ILR) in the United Kingdom, and have lived in the United Kingdom for a certain period of continuous time. In the case of a child aged 16 or over and born abroad, the nationality of the parents at the time of the child’s birth must be considered.
Based on the specific personal circumstances of the child, the following cases may occur:
- If both parents have British citizenship at the time of the child’s birth: The child is eligible for British citizenship at the UK’s Register Office.
- If neither parent has British citizenship or is not a permanent resident in the United Kingdom at the time of the child’s birth: The child cannot obtain British citizenship. In this case, the child can wait until they are 18 years old and comply with the requirements for citizenship for people 18 years of age or older.
- If only one parent is British at the time of the child’s birth and did not register for citizenship. Based on the British Nationality Act 1981, some common conditions and criteria for this case include:
– Parents are British: A child may be eligible for British citizenship if one or both of their parents are British citizens or were settled in the United Kingdom at the time of the child’s birth.
– Continuous residence: The child must prove that they have resided in the United Kingdom for a certain period of time before submitting an application for citizenship.
– Good character: The child will be required to demonstrate good character, such as having no criminal record and complying with immigration laws.
– English language ability: The child must demonstrate that they can use English well enough to integrate into British society.
– Financial requirements and other conditions: The authority responsible for reviewing citizenship may have financial requirements or specific conditions related to the status of the parents or the child’s guardian, such as employment and financial stability.
– No prohibition: The child is not prohibited from obtaining British citizenship for reasons such as a criminal record or related to national security, or for other reasons specified in British laws.
III. Procedure for obtaining British citizenship for children over 16 years old
Once it has been determined that the child is eligible for British citizenship, based on the British Nationality Act 1981 and related documents, the child’s legal guardian must follow these steps:
Step 1: Collect the necessary documents for the application: The child’s guardian/parent must collect all the necessary documents, including the child’s birth certificate, parents’ documents, evidence of continuous residence in the United Kingdom, and any other documents required by the UK Home Office. In some cases, the guardian may need to provide biometric information for the child, such as fingerprints and images.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form: The guardian must complete the prescribed application form to submit the application for British citizenship. These forms are available on the official website of the UK government.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee as directed by the agency you are applying to.
Step 4: Submit the Application: The completed application form and all supporting documents will be submitted to the Home Office by mail or in person.
Step 5: Processing and Decision: The UK Home Office will review the application, conduct necessary checks, and make a decision on the child’s application for British citizenship. This process can take several months.
Step 6: Citizenship Ceremony: If the application is approved, the child may be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. This is the final step in the process, where they swear allegiance to the United Kingdom.
After completing the above steps, the child will receive a Certificate of British Citizenship: After the citizenship ceremony, confirming the status as a British citizen.
To save time on researching procedures, filling out forms, notarizing, and waiting to submit documents, you can contact HT for consultation and assistance with Citizenship.
Contact us at:
Email: hue.truong@htlaw.vn
Phone: +84 935 439 454.