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New Rules for a Stateless Child Born in the UK
Generally, a child born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983 to non-British parents (who are not settled in the UK) may be eligible for registration as a British citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981 (as amended) as a Stateless Person. Meanwhile, new rules confirm that a child must show they cannot acquire any other nationality at birth (i.e. are genuinely stateless), even from any of their parent. The typical documents required would be:
- Proof of identity
- Document proof of UK immigration status (if applicable)
- Birth certificate of the child
- Parent’s marriage certificate
- Evidence of Statelessness
- Proof of residence in the UK
Can Any Stateless Person Apply to Stay in the UK?
A Stateless person can apply to stay in the UK if they meet the requirements for stateless leave. They can apply for stateless leave under Appendix EU (Section 39) and receive 30 months’ initial leave, extendable once by a further 30 months. After this, they can apply for an extension or, potentially, indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Finally, when they acquire settlement, they may qualify for Citizenship if they meet the requirements for Naturalisation.
Is My Child Eligible for British Citizenship?
Children born in the UK to non-British parent(s) who are settled in the UK would be British by birth. Also, a child born in the UK whose parent(s) apply for settlement while they are still under 18 would normally be entitled to Register as a British Citizen.
Here are some of the specific factors that may affect your child’s eligibility for British citizenship:
- Immigration status of parents at the time of the child’s birth
- The period of time parents have been living in the UK
- If the child is living in the UK or abroad
Overall, we highly recommend that you contact an immigration solicitor to confirm your child’s eligibility for British citizenship.
Can a Child be Born Stateless in the UK?
A child can be born Stateless in the UK, if they do not have a claim to any other nationality. Consequently, a child born in such circumstances would be considered Stateless. However, there are still ways for such a child to apply for Citizenship in the UK. One of which might be under the rules for Stateless children born in the UK. Moreover, another possibility might be through the provision of the British Nationality Act 1981. This allows someone (born in the UK) who has lived in the UK for at least the first ten years of their life to apply for registration as a British citizen. It is imperative to keep in mind that the laws regarding Stateless children and citizenship can be complex. The rules involved in this process can also change over time.
How Do I Apply for Registration for My Child?
First, apply for registration for your child in the UK by completing the form MN1. You must submit this application online to UKVI along with the mandatory documents and fees. The required documents will vary depending on your child’s exact circumstances. Next, you must submit the following documents to apply for the Registration of your child:
- Birth certificate of your child
- Proof of your child’s UK immigration status (if applicable)
- Proof of your child’s current residence in the United Kingdom
- Current passport (or travel document) for your child (if applicable)
- Referee declarations
- Evidence of (parent’s) immigration status
- Evidence of (parent’s) consent to the application
Generally, registration applications can take 3-6 months to be processed. If you need a faster decision, choose the 5-working-day priority service for an extra fee. But this service is hard to get as it is limited. Therefore, we highly recommend that you seek legal advice before starting the application process, to ensure that all the documents are in order before submitting the application. An immigration solicitor can help you with this process and help guarantee a positive outcome.
How Much is the British Citizenship Fee for Children?
When you are applying for UK citizenship for your child, it will cost you £1,214 (updated as of 9 April 2025). Also, if your child is under 18 and you cannot afford to pay the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver. However, if your child turns 18 after submitting the application, you will have to pay the adult naturalisation fee (£1,605) and an additional £130 for the citizenship ceremony for your child.
How Long Does It Take to Get British Citizenship After Applying?
Typically, the processing time for a British citizenship can be up to 6 months from the day you submit your application online. However, if UKVI needs more information on your application, this period may get extended. Thus, submitting all the correct mandatory documents and information in support of your application is extremely important to achieve the swiftest possible result.
Final Words:
Additionally, gathering the right documents and understanding fees will streamline the British citizenship journey. Moreover, by staying informed and preparing ahead, you avoid delays and uncertainty and secure your application with confidence. Reach out to A Y & J Solicitors for expert guidance and start your path to citizenship today.
At A Y & J Solicitors, we have handled over 100s of successful British citizenship applications. With a 95% success rate, we have achieved an overall track record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa cases through our result-driven approach to every application. We take on each client with the genuine intention to provide our undivided care and attention to their case. Through our end-to-end immigration support, we enable our clients to become more confident in their British citizenship process, and they can rest assured that their application is in expert hands.
Why A Y & J Solicitors?
With over thousands of successful immigration cases to our name, A Y & J Solicitors has built its reputation on trust, care, and real results. Over the 15+ years of working in UK immigration law, we’ve helped individuals and businesses confidently navigate sponsor licences, visas, ILR, and British citizenship applications. We’re proud to be recognised by The Legal 500, but it’s our clients’ peace of mind that matters most. When you work with us, you get clear advice, honest support, and a team that’s truly on your side.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience in all types of British Citizenship and Naturalisation applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!
