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Naturalization of children born outside of UK under 18 parents on ILR
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2026 5:01 pm
by tekprince
We have received our Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for both parents and our dependent children. I have a question regarding my children, who were born outside the UK and are under 18 years old. Can I apply for their British citizenship immediately without waiting for one year while we (the parents) are still on ILR? If yes, what documents are required, particularly concerning the referees?
Re: Naturalization of children born outside of UK under 18 parents on ILR
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2026 7:06 pm
by contorted_svy
Unless one of the parents applies for citizenship they have to wait for a year
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... le-version
Children with settlement and residence
Children will come within this category if:
the child has completed a period of lawful residence in the UK of more than 5 years
the child has been granted settled status in the UK, and held that status for at least 12 months
the child’s parents have completed a period of 5 years residence and are settled in the UK (“settled” usually means that the parent has indefinite leave to remain in the UK)
both parents give their consent to registration (unless good reasons are provided)
there is no reason to refuse on character grounds.
Re: Naturalization of children born outside of UK under 18 parents on ILR
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2026 2:41 pm
by tekprince
Thanks but when I did a google search I found below
"
Yes, you can apply for your children's British citizenship immediately. You do not need to wait for a year, even though you and your partner must wait 12 months on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before you can apply to naturalize as adults.
The 12-month waiting period applies specifically to adult naturalization. Children under 18 do not naturalize; instead, they are registered as British citizens, which follows entirely different rules.
"
Re: Naturalization of children born outside of UK under 18 parents on ILR
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2026 4:04 pm
by contorted_svy
What you found on Google isn't in line with the official government guidance I just linked. In your case, unless a parent also applies for naturalisation, they have to wait for a year. Don't trust Google AI.
Re: Naturalization of children born outside of UK under 18 parents on ILR
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2026 8:58 pm
by secret.simon
You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Based on the official government guidance quoted by
@contorted_svy , we on these forums advise against applying for your children now, as they do not meet the requirements listed in the official government guidance.
But if you are more persuaded by Google's AI response, be it far from us to stop you from spending your money on trying it out. What's an unrefundable £1000 between you and the government?
If you succeed, let us know here and the floodgates of those in similar condition who use these forums will open up.