At First Law Solicitors, we help parents secure British citizenship for children born in the United Kingdom who are not automatically British at birth. Our solicitors specialise in identifying the correct legal route, preparing full evidence of eligibility, and managing every stage of the registration process with diligence and empathy.
Registration gives a child lifelong citizenship, a British passport, and the security of belonging in the country they call home.
Under section 1 of the British Nationality Act 1981, a child born in the United Kingdom is automatically British only if, at the time of birth, at least one parent was a British citizen or was settled in the United Kingdom.
If the parents were not yet British or settled, the child can still be registered later under section 1(3) or section 3(1) of the Act once certain conditions are met.
The right to register is not time limited but must be supported by evidence of lawful residence and parental status.
A child born in the United Kingdom may register as a British citizen when:
The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 reaffirmed that the child’s best interests must guide every decision. The Home Office must consider each case holistically, not purely by technical residence rules.
Our solicitors ensure that both statutory and discretionary routes are fully explored to maximise your child’s chances of success.
To support a registration application, we prepare and submit:
We also advise parents who obtained settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme on how to rely on that digital status as proof of eligibility.
All applications are submitted digitally through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) platform. Each application is linked to the parent’s digital identity and supported with evidence uploaded via the secure portal.
Our solicitors prepare and review every document, ensuring that the submission complies with Home Office evidential standards and that all identity checks are completed under the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA).
Once approved, the child will receive a digital certificate of registration confirming British citizenship, which can then be used to apply for a British passport.
The good character requirement applies only to children aged ten or older at the time of decision. For younger applicants, the Home Office focuses instead on residence and welfare.
Where a child is ten or older, we carry out a good character assessment before submission, resolving any potential issues arising from school disciplinary matters, youth cautions, or minor offences.
This proactive step prevents unnecessary refusals and ensures transparency throughout the process.
Not all children have an automatic right to registration. In many cases, the Home Office exercises discretion under section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 to grant citizenship where it is clearly in the child’s best interests.
Our solicitors prepare detailed written representations addressing:
By presenting a compelling case that focuses on welfare and identity, we have achieved successful outcomes even where parents have limited or unsettled immigration status.
Since the introduction of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, the nationality system operates digitally. Citizenship certificates are now recorded electronically in the UKVI database.
At First Law Solicitors, we ensure that each application meets DUAA standards through Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) and encrypted document transmission, protecting your child’s personal data at every stage.
Comprehensive Eligibility Review: We identify the most secure and time-efficient route to citizenship for your child.
Evidence Excellence: Every submission is cross-checked against Home Office requirements to eliminate risk of refusal.
Child-Centred Advocacy: Our team prepares compassionate legal representations highlighting the child’s welfare and stability.
Digital Precision: All documents are managed through DUAA-compliant systems to ensure secure and efficient handling.
At First Law Solicitors, we combine legal expertise with empathy, providing clarity and peace of mind for families securing their children’s British future.
If your child was born in the United Kingdom and you wish to secure their British citizenship, contact First Law Solicitors today for confidential, expert advice.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a consultation with a senior nationality solicitor.
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