For many immigrant families in the UK, one of the most meaningful milestones is securing British citizenship for their children. If your child was born outside the UK but has been raised here from an early age, and you now have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you may be wondering: Can my child get a British passport?
The answer is yes, but there’s a step you must take first.
🇬🇧 First Things First: British Citizenship Comes Before the Passport
A British passport can only be issued to someone who is already a British citizen.
If your child was born outside the UK, they are not automatically a British citizen, even if they’ve lived here most of their life. However, if one of the parents now holds ILR, the child can be registered as a British citizen using Form MN1 under Section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
This route is discretionary, but widely used for children like yours who are deeply settled in the UK.
🧾 Eligibility for British Citizenship (Section 3(1))
Your child may be eligible if:
- They are under 18.
- They have lived in the UK for several years.
- One or both parents now have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status.
- The child is well-integrated into British life — attending school, speaking English, and settled socially.
📑 What Documents You Need to Apply
Here’s a checklist for the MN1 (Section 3(1)) application:
Child’s Identity and Background:
- Indian birth certificate (translated if not in English)
- Current passport
Parent’s Proof of Status:
- BRP or passport with ILR stamp
- Parent(s)’ passports
UK Residence & Integration:
- School letters
- NHS registration letters or GP letters
- Council tax bills, tenancy agreements (for address history)
Other:
- Parental consent signatures (both, if possible)
- Optional: Letter of support from a community leader or teacher
🏫 What Are “School Letters” and Why Are They Important?
School letters are vital to prove your child’s presence and integration in the UK. You can request:
- Enrolment Confirmation Letter
- States when your child started and confirms they are currently attending.
- Attendance Record or School Report
- Optional, but helpful to show continuity.
- Character Reference from Headteacher or Teacher
- Confirms your child is settled, engaged, and part of school life.
These help the Home Office see that your child has grown up in the UK and is “at home” here.
💰 Fees and Processing Time
- MN1 application fee: £1,214 (as of 2025)
- Processing time: 3 to 6 months
- After approval, your child will receive a Certificate of British Citizenship
🛂 Then You Can Apply for a British Passport
Once your child has their citizenship certificate, applying for their first British passport is straightforward.
You’ll need:
- Citizenship certificate
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ passports
- A countersigned passport photo
Fee: £64 for a child passport.
If your child came to the UK at a young age and has grown up here, they are very likely to be granted British citizenship through this route — as long as you provide clear evidence of long residence, integration, and your own immigration status.
It’s more than a passport — it’s a sense of belonging and future security.
At ScottishIndian.com, we’re committed to empowering families in the diaspora with clear, culturally relevant guidance. Reach out if you’d like help preparing supporting documents or connecting with legal professionals.
