Page 1 of 1
Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 4:05 pm
by amar2k05
Hi Omkar,
Hope you are fine.
I have similar situation where I am applying ILR for myself, my wife and Son(Born in India) together, but will apply Naturalization for my daughter born in the UK immediately after I get ILR. My question is that do we need to add covering letter along with my ILR application that I will be directly applying naturalization for the UK born baby? I am asking this as one of my known person got a query on his ILR application asking the reason he didn't apply ILR for their baby where they wanted to apply directly naturalization after they get ILR.
Thanks,
Amarnath
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 4:11 pm
by CR001
1. Do not tag your questions onto other users topics.
2. If the child holds a visa, then yes, useful to add a letter explaining briefly.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 4:19 pm
by amar2k05
Thank you and noted.
As I can see Home office has asked below questions, is there anything specific I need to add/attach in the cover letter to prove arrangements/welfare needs are met for my UK born daughter? My daughter's Visa expires on 10/Apr/2026. I am hoping to obtain ILR for myself, wife & Son(Born in India) by 1st week of Feb/2026.
I must be satisfied with the travel, reception and care arrangements for your dependant child <MY Daughter name>. I also need to be satisfied that the welfare needs of <MY Daughter name> are still met once they are in the UK.
It has been noted that you have not submitted an application for settlement for your dependant child <MY Daughter name>
Please could you confirm if you intend to submit an application for settlement for your dependant child <MY Daughter name>
Regards,
Amarnath.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 7:26 pm
by zimba
Children do NOT naturalise, they get registered. Simply saying that you intend to register the child when you get ILR will suffice
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 8:34 pm
by contorted_svy
Why are you not applying for daughter's ILR? How long has she lived in the UK?
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 8:42 pm
by CR001
contorted_svy wrote: ↑Mon Jan 05, 2026 8:34 pm
Why are you not applying for daughter's ILR? How long has she lived in the UK?
Daughter is UK born. She doesn't need ILR to register as British once parent gets ilr. The OP has stated this clearly.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 8:53 pm
by amar2k05
Thanks. My daughter is born in the UK and has Indian passport & visa(till 10/April /2026). Is it still called as registering as British Citizen not naturalization? Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 10:13 pm
by alterhase58
Children (under 18s) are always registered as British - adults (18+) are naturalised and involves much more exacting requirements. The result is British citizenship in both applications. This has always been the case.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2026 10:42 pm
by amar2k05
Thanks

Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2026 2:23 am
by secret.simon
Naturalisation is one specific route for adult non-British citizens to acquire British citizenship. It has specific requirements on absences, physical presence, English language and LITUK tests spelt out in law.
Registration is another set of routes to acquire British citizenship. It is restricted to children and certain specific groups of adults (with family relationships to the UK dating back decades) spelt out in law. Registration typically has fewer requirements than naturalisation (so no absence or physical presence requirements or English language or LITUK requirements, etc).
Your spouse and you would naturalise as you are adult non-British citizens. Your children would register as British citizens.
Re: Citizenship for UK born child
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2026 6:38 am
by amar2k05
Thanks again for detailed explanation
