If you are a parent looking to register a child under the age of 18 as a British citizen, you will need to complete the Home Office’s form MN1.
Becoming a British citizen is a significant life event. As well as allowing your child to apply for a British passport, British citizenship also means your child can live, work and study in the UK on a permanent basis, entirely free from immigration controls. It is also incredibly important for a child’s sense of identity and belonging in the UK. With so much at stake – a refused citizenship application will mean a loss of the fee – it will be important to ensure you complete the form fully and correctly to avoid issues or delays with the application.
The following MN1 guide covers the key considerations for parents when completing your child’s British citizenship application form.
What is the MN1 Form?
Form MN1 is a UK Home Office application form used to register a child under the age of 18 as a British citizen. It is commonly used in cases where a child is eligible for British citizenship but was not automatically a citizen at birth.
When to Use Form MN1
Form MN1 can be used in the following scenarios:
1. Child Born in the UK
If the child was born in the UK but did not automatically become a British citizen at birth, they may be registered as a British citizen if they meet certain criteria, such as having a parent who later became a British citizen or settled in the UK.
2. Child Born Outside the UK
If the child was born abroad to parents who later acquired British citizenship or settled status, they may be eligible to register.
3. Children Under 18 Adopted or Residing in the UK
The form may be used for children living in the UK whose parents have a close connection to the UK, or for those adopted under UK law.
Registering your child for British citizenship
Form MN1 is for children under 18 who qualify to be registered as a British citizen either through birth or adoption. It is also for children whose parents gave up British citizenship and then got it back, as well as for some other cases.
An application to register a child as a British citizen can be made online.
The fee to register a child as a British citizen using Form MN1 is £1,214. There is also a £130 ceremony fee.
Note that once an individual reaches the age of 18 they apply for British citizenship as an adult, either by registration if they have an entitlement, or by naturalisation using Form AN rather than form MN1.
You will need to submit extensive documents in support of the application, as well as evidence of your child’s identity, for example, their passport and birth certificate. The specific nature and extent of the documentation varies depending on the facts of the case and the basis upon which registration is sought. Taking advice will ensure you are submitting a comprehensive application.
As part of your application, your child will be required to enrol their biometric details for the purpose of identity verification. Children under the age of 6 do not need to provide fingerprints, although these can still be requested, but must have a digital photograph taken of their face. There may be a small additional fee for enrolling your child’s biometric information.
Children under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at their biometric enrolment appointment. Where to give biometric information depends on how you’re making your citizenship application. You’ll be told where to go after you’ve applied.
Practical tips on completing the MN1 form
For an MN1 application to succeed, you will need to show that the child satisfies any requirements that are set out under British nationality law, namely the British Nationality Act 1981 and associated regulations. This legislative framework sets out the legal requirements when applying for British citizenship.
In circumstances where the application is at the discretion of the Home Secretary, you will need to show that the application meets the discretionary criteria, or if the child does not satisfy legal requirements and agreed policy, you will need to demonstrate why it would be right for the Home Secretary to grant the child British citizenship in any event.
As such, it is crucial you fully understand the basis upon which you are making the MN1 application and are able to apply the relevant criteria or, alternatively, put forward a detailed argument for ‘exceptional circumstances’ (see below).
Is my child eligible to be registered for British citizenship?
There are a number of routes that will enable you to apply for British citizenship on behalf of your child. Some routes will give the child an automatic right under British nationality law to apply and be registered as a British citizen. These are known as entitlements.
Other routes allow minors to be granted citizenship on the decision of the Home Secretary. This could be where your child meets existing criteria that the Home Secretary has already agreed should allow children to be registered as British.
It can also include exceptional cases where it would be right to allow your child, at the discretion of the Home Secretary, to be registered as a British citizen because of the compelling nature of the child’s circumstances.
British citizenship registration as a child: requirements
There are various circumstances in which a child may be automatically entitled to be registered as a British citizen. These include the following:
- Where the child was born in the UK to parents who are now settled in the UK or have become British citizens, or where the child was born in the UK to parents who have joined the armed forces.
- Where the child was born abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or a British overseas territory, or where the child was born abroad to parents who are British by descent but are now living in the UK or a British overseas territory.
- Where the child was born abroad to parents serving in the UK armed forces.
There are also other routes that allow minors to be granted citizenship on the decision of the Home Secretary, in particular where the child meets existing criteria that the Home Secretary has already agreed should allow children to be registered as British. These include the following:
- Where the child was born abroad to parents who are applying for British citizenship.
- Where the child was adopted abroad by British citizen parents.
- Where the child was born to parents who had renounced but subsequently resumed British citizenship.
A child can also be registered in exceptional cases where it is considered to be in the child’s best interests to be granted British citizenship.
Although it is not possible to cover all circumstances under which the Home Secretary might exercise discretion, in determining any application consideration will be given to the following:
- The child’s connections with the UK
- Where the child’s future is likely to lie
- The parents’ views
- The parents’ nationality and immigration status
- The length of time the child has lived in the UK
- Whether the child is of good character
- Any compelling circumstances
Please note, a parent applying for British citizenship at the same time as their child should consider the possibility that the child may be found to be eligible for registration when their own application will be refused.
Form MN1 invites the parent to confirm that, if this is the case, the child should still be registered as a British citizen.
Good character requirement
In any application to register a child for British citizenship over the age of 10, the applicant will be assessed to determine if they are of ‘good character’. To be of good character the child will need to show respect for the rights and freedoms of the UK, observe its laws and fulfil their rights and duties as a UK resident.
Within the application, you will have to give details of any criminal convictions against your child both within and outside the UK.
If the child has been charged with a criminal offence and is awaiting trial or sentencing, you are advised not to make any application for the child’s registration until the outcome is known.
The Home Office may review:
- Criminal records or police reports.
- Immigration history, including any breaches.
- Behaviour in schools, such as records of serious disciplinary actions.
- Other factors deemed relevant to public good and character.
The Home Office has discretion to consider the child’s age, circumstances, and the nature of any incidents when deciding if the good character requirement is met. Mitigating factors, such as the child’s dependence on parents who meet the requirement or unique circumstances, may be taken into account.
Full disclosure is mandatory. If you are not honest about the information you provide and the child is registered on the basis of incorrect or fraudulent information they will be liable to have their British citizenship taken away, and you may be prosecuted. It is a criminal offence to make a false declaration.
Is registration for citizenship always necessary?
Children who have automatically acquired British citizenship, either by descent or otherwise, do not need to be registered. There are several ways a child can automatically be a British citizen without needing to register, in particular where they acquire British citizenship by way of descent, ie; where this is passed on to one generation born abroad.
A child can also acquire citizenship otherwise than by descent, for example, where they are born in the UK to a parent who is either a British citizen, settled in the UK at the time the child is born or a member of the UK armed forces.
Need assistance?
Given that there are various different ways in which a child can be granted British citizenship, it is always best to seek expert legal advice from a specialist in immigration law.
It is also important to understand that before continuing with your application, under the nationality laws of some countries an individual will automatically lose their nationality if they become a citizen of another country.
Further, if the country of which the child is currently a citizen continues to recognise them as one of its citizens, they may continue to be subject to the duties of citizens of that country when they are in its territory. This may include obligations to undergo military service.
As specialist immigration solicitors, we can advise on the options open to your child and support with completing any Home Office application.
For advice with an application for British citizenship, contact us.
Form MN1 FAQs
What is Form MN1?
Form MN1 is a UK Home Office application form used to register a child under 18 as a British citizen. It applies to children who were not automatically British citizens at birth but meet eligibility criteria.
Who can apply using Form MN1?
Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a child under 18. The form is used for children born in the UK or abroad who meet the conditions set out in the British Nationality Act 1981.
When should Form MN1 be used?
It is used when a child is eligible for British citizenship but was not automatically granted it at birth. Common scenarios include a child born in the UK to non-British parents who later gain settled status or citizenship.
What documents are needed for Form MN1?
Documents may include the child’s birth certificate, proof of the parents’ British citizenship or settled status, and evidence of residence in the UK.
How much does it cost?
The application fee includes processing costs and may include a citizenship ceremony fee if applicable. Check the Home Office website for the current fee structure.
Does the child need to attend a biometrics appointment?
Yes, the child may need to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application process.
How long does the decision take?
The Home Office typically processes Form MN1 applications within six months, but this timeline can vary.
Can a rejected application be appealed?
There is no formal appeal process, but you can request a review or reapply with additional supporting evidence if the application is rejected.
Does registration through Form MN1 grant full British citizenship?
Yes, once the application is approved, the child is registered as a British citizen and is entitled to all associated rights.
Is a citizenship ceremony required for children?
Children under 18 are usually not required to attend a citizenship ceremony unless the Home Office specifies otherwise.
Glossary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Form MN1 | A UK Home Office application form used to register a child under 18 as a British citizen. |
British Nationality Act 1981 | The legislation governing British citizenship and nationality, outlining eligibility for registration or naturalisation. |
British Citizen | A person with British nationality, entitled to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. |
Settled Status | A legal status granted to individuals who have lived in the UK long enough to remain permanently, often referred to as Indefinite Leave to Remain. |
Biometrics Appointment | A required process where applicants provide fingerprints and a photograph to confirm their identity. |
Birth Certificate | An official document used to verify a child’s birth details, including parentage, for citizenship applications. |
Citizenship Ceremony | A formal event where individuals over 18 pledge allegiance to the UK, required to complete the citizenship process. |
Legal Guardian | A person legally responsible for the care and well-being of a child, often authorised to make immigration applications on their behalf. |
Eligibility Criteria | The specific conditions that must be met for a child to qualify for registration as a British citizen. |
Residence Evidence | Documentation proving a child’s presence in the UK, such as school records or utility bills. |
Home Office | The UK government department responsible for immigration, citizenship, and security matters. |
Certificate of Registration | A document issued by the Home Office confirming a child’s registration as a British citizen. |
Naturalisation | The process by which an adult becomes a British citizen, distinct from registration for children. |
Fee | The cost of submitting a Form MN1 application, which may include additional fees for biometrics or ceremonies. |
Rejected Application | An application that the Home Office has not approved, often due to insufficient evidence or failure to meet eligibility criteria. |
Reapplication | The process of submitting a new application after a previous one has been rejected, often with additional supporting documents. |
Additional Resources
UK Government: Register Child as a British Citizen
https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-child
Official guidance on registering a child as a British citizen, including eligibility, how to apply, and necessary supporting documents.
British Nationality Act 1981
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/61
The full text of the British Nationality Act 1981, which outlines the legal framework for British citizenship, including provisions relevant to children.
UK Visas and Immigration: Nationality Policy Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nationality-policy-guidance
Comprehensive guidance on UK nationality applications, covering the good character requirement and other relevant policies for Form MN1.
Home Office: Fees for Citizenship Applications
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fees-for-citizenship-applications
Details of the costs associated with citizenship applications, including Form MN1 fees and additional services.
UK Parliament: Immigration Rules
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules
The full set of UK immigration rules, providing context and requirements for citizenship applications involving children.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
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- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/
- Anne Morrishttps://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/