Immigration and Asylum
A child born in the UK is not automatically British in every case, and a child born overseas may already have British citizenship through a parent. SJS can help establish the child's current nationality position before deciding whether registration, a passport application or immigration advice is the appropriate next step.
Understanding your next steps
The child's place and date of birth and the parents' nationality and immigration status at that time are important. We examine those facts first. Applying to register a child who is already British would address the wrong question.
Some children have a statutory entitlement to register when particular requirements are met. Others depend on Home Office discretion. A parent becoming settled or British after the child's birth may be relevant, but the effect differs according to the child's circumstances.
Birth certificates, parental status records, residence evidence and consent may be needed. Name changes, adoption or separated parents can require extra documents. We can help identify the material that explains the child's position and any issues requiring careful treatment.
A clear way forward
Provide the child's birth certificate and passport, both parents' nationality and status documents, and any relevant adoption or court orders.
We review citizenship at birth, any later change in the parents' status and the child's residence history before advising on eligibility.
We agree the work, identify the relevant evidence and explain consent, referees and the steps after a decision.
Planning ahead
We will quote for the nationality assessment and any registration work. Government charges and translations are separate. A child citizenship fee waiver may be available in qualifying circumstances and needs its own evidence.
Contact us before a child turns 18 because some registration provisions depend on age. Allow time for overseas records and parental documents. A future trip should not be booked on the assumption that citizenship or a passport will be ready.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
No. For many children, the parents' citizenship or settled status at the time of birth is decisive. The date and circumstances of birth must be checked.
A child born in the UK may have a route to registration in particular circumstances. The child's age and the timing of the parent's status are important.
Possibly. Some are already British by descent; others may qualify to register. The parent's nationality history and the child's circumstances need separate assessment.
No. Registration makes a person British where an application is required. A passport is evidence of citizenship and follows a separate process once citizenship is established.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
