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Get a citizenship application fee waiver if your child is under 18 and cannot afford the British citizenship application fee.

The British citizenship fee waiver for children is a big help for families wanting UK citizenship for their children under 18. It gives a UK citizenship fee exemption to those who can't afford it, making sure the cost doesn't stop families from getting important citizenship rights.

You must make this fee waiver request before making your child's British citizenship application.

Not all children under 18 qualify for a fee waiver. There are specific criteria that need to be met to be eligible. If you're uncertain about your child's eligibility, please reach out to our British citizenship solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for assistance.

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What is the British citizenship fee waiver for children under 18?

The Home Office introduced a British citizenship fee waiver for children under 18 who qualify for British citizenship but cannot afford the usual £1,214 fee.

The British citizenship fee waiver is a special program that is especially helpful for low-income families who can't afford the application fees. Under this program, families can apply for their child's British citizenship without paying the usual £1,214 fee.

Who is eligible for the fee waiver?

Children under 18 who are eligible for British citizenship can get the fee waiver if their families can't afford the child's British citizenship application fee.

To get a fee waiver, you need to meet certain criteria:

  • The child must be under 18 years old.
  • The child must be eligible for British citizenship.
  • The family must be experiencing financial hardship.
  • It must be in the child's best interest to acquire British citizenship.

What does financial hardship mean in this context?

Financial hardship means the family can't afford the Child's British citizenship application fee without it affecting their basic needs.

Families that may qualify are those:

  • Getting public funds or state benefits.
  • Having a low household income.
  • Having to pay for essential things like rent and bills.

How to apply for the British citizenship fee waiver?

Applying for the fee waiver is different from applying for citizenship. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure that your child is under 18 and meets the criteria for British citizenship. Your family must show they can't pay the fee without struggling.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect the necessary documents to support your child's British citizenship fee waiver application including proof of income and evidence to demonstrate your financial situation.

Step 3: Complete the Fee Waiver Application Form

You can request the child citizenship fee waiver by completing an online form or by filling in a Child citizenship fee waiver request form to apply by post.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After submission, the Home Office will review your application. You will receive a decision via email or post. This process can take serval weeks.

Child citizenship fee waiver request form

You can apply for the child citizenship fee waiver by submitting the request form either online or by post.

To request a citizenship fee waiver by post you need to fill in a Child citizenship fee waiver request form and send it to the address on the form.

You can make a British citizenship fee waiver request online. Submitting fee waiver requests online is generally quicker than submitting an application by post.

Advantages of online fee waiver applications

Submitting your child's citizenship fee waiver online has many benefits. It's fast and efficient, letting you fill out forms quickly. You can easily track your application's progress. It's also designed to be accessible to everyone.

  • Fast submission of the child citizenship fee waiver form.
  • Immediate confirmation of receipt, eliminating uncertainty.
  • Ability to track the application status conveniently.
  • Accessible for individuals with different needs, providing various formats.

How long does it take to receive a decision on the fee waiver?

There's no fixed time, but it usually takes a few weeks. Make sure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Documents required for the fee waiver application

When you apply for the British citizenship fee waiver, you need to provide certain documents. Submitting all the supporting documents in an acceptable format can greatly improve your chances of getting your fee waiver application approved.

Essential documents you need for citizenship fee waiver application

To apply for a fee waiver, you must include these important documents:

  • Proof of income, such as payslips or tax returns.
  • Evidence of the child's identity, like the child's birth certificate or passport.
  • Details of any financial support you are currently receiving.
  • Proof of your residency status in the UK.

Additional evidence that may strengthen your application

Adding extra information can make your application stronger. Consider including:

  • Letters from social workers about the child's situation.
  • Medical records showing the child's specific needs.
  • Legal documents proving the child's status, such as adoption papers or custody agreements.

What happens after a fee waiver application?

If your fee waiver application is approved, you'll get an email or letter with a unique code. This code is needed when applying for your child's British citizenship.

This unique code will be valid for 28 days and You must apply for your child's citizenship within 28 days of getting your decision email or letter.

Otherwise, your code will expire, and you'll have to make a new fee waiver application.

You must first apply for and get approval for the fee waiver. Then, you can apply for citizenship without paying the fee.

What happens if my fee waiver application is rejected?

If your application is turned down, you can apply for British citizenship for your child. But you'll have to pay the full fee.

There's no formal appeals process. But you can reapply if you have new financial information or if your situation has changed.

Applying for the British citizenship fee waiver for a Child can be complex. If you need help or have questions, Call Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 for detailed legal advice and assistance.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors offer custom services to help with your fee waiver application. Our highly experienced team of immigration solicitors provides:

  • Initial consultation to understand your situation.
  • Full checks of the documents you need.
  • Help in preparing your fee waiver application.
  • Support in reapplying if your application is denied.
  • Strategic advice for complex cases.

Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors

Contact our lawyers at 0203 959 7755 for help with the British citizenship fee waiver application for your children and boost your chances of getting approved.

There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:

We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre. 

FAQs about child citizenship fee waiver request

No, you must first apply for and get approval for the fee waiver. Then, you can apply for citizenship without paying the fee.

After approval, you can apply for British citizenship for your child without paying the fee within 28 days. Just follow the usual steps for applying online or by post.

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver for each child under 18 if you're applying for their British citizenship. You must meet the financial hardship criteria for each child.

No, getting the fee waiver doesn't change your child's rights as a British citizen. Once they get citizenship, they'll have the same rights as any British citizen.

If applying by post, you can click here to download the child citizenship fee waiver request form from the official UK Government website. Make sure to fill it out fully and include all necessary documents.

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