How Your Child Can Become British After ILR Under the 7-Year Child Rule

ILR does not make a child British automatically, but it is usually the step before citizenship. A UK-born child can often register as British under section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1981 once a parent becomes settled or British, or under section 1(4) after living in the UK for their first 10 years. A child born abroad usually applies under the discretionary section 3(1). The child registration fee is £1,000 from 8 April 2026.

Citizenship is a separate legal step from ILR, with its own form, fee and rules. This page explains which route fits your child. For the immigration route that comes first, see our 7-year child route guide.

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Does ILR make my child British?

No. ILR gives permanent permission to live in the UK. British citizenship needs a separate registration or naturalisation application.

Benefits of citizenship over ILR include:

• A British passport
• No risk of losing status after a long absence abroad
• The right to vote in all UK elections once 18
• Citizenship that can pass to the child's own children

Which citizenship routes are open to a child with ILR?

There are three main routes, depending on where the child was born and the parents' status.

• Section 1(3): for a UK-born child. An entitlement. A parent became British or settled after the birth, and the child is still under 18.
• Section 1(4): for a UK-born child. An entitlement. The child lived in the UK for the first 10 years of life, with limited absences; any age.
• Section 3(1): for any child under 18, including one born abroad. Discretionary. The Home Office considers residence, ILR, parents' status and the child's future.

An "entitlement" means the Home Office must register the child if the conditions and good character requirement are met.

How does section 1(3) work?

A child born in the UK can register as British under section 1(3) if a parent becomes British or settled while the child is under 18. The child does not need ILR themselves.

• A parent gets ILR, for example on the 10-year parent route
• The child, born in the UK, is still under 18
• An application is made on Form MN1 before the 18th birthday

This is why linking the parents' applications to the child's case matters. See can parents stay.

How does section 1(4) work?

A UK-born child who has lived in the UK for their first 10 years can register under section 1(4), whatever their parents' status. Absences should generally be no more than 90 days in each of those 10 years, though the Home Office has discretion over longer absences.

• Available at any age, including after 18
• No need for ILR
• Uses Form T, with the same £1,000 fee for under-18s

For a UK-born child on the 7 year route, this can be the next step a few years after ILR. See UK-born child 7 years ILR.

How does section 3(1) work for a child born abroad?

Section 3(1) gives the Home Office discretion to register any child under 18. A child born abroad who has ILR under the 7 year route usually applies this way.

The Home Office looks at:

• How long the child has lived in the UK
• Whether the child has ILR
• The parents' immigration and citizenship status
• Whether the child's future is clearly seen to be in the UK
• Good character, for children aged 10 and over

See child born abroad.

How much does registration cost?

Registering a child as British costs £1,000 from 8 April 2026, down from £1,214. A fee waiver is available for child registration where the family cannot afford it.

• Child registration (MN1 or Form T, under 18): £1,000
• Citizenship ceremony (if 18 or over when registered): £130
• Adult naturalisation (Form AN): £1,709 + £130 ceremony

See all costs on our application fees page.

What about young adults aged 18 or over?

Adults usually naturalise rather than register. After ILR, an adult can generally apply once they have held ILR for 12 months and meet the residence, absence, English and Life in the UK requirements. A UK-born adult may still use section 1(4). See half life rule for 18 to 24 year olds.

When should we apply?

Apply before the child's 18th birthday wherever the route depends on age. Section 1(3) and section 3(1) are only for children under 18 at the date of application.

1. Secure ILR for the child, or for a parent where section 1(3) applies.
2. Check which citizenship route fits.
3. Gather residence, identity and parental consent evidence.
4. Apply online with the fee or a fee waiver request.
5. Attend biometrics and, if 18 or over by the decision, a ceremony.

Does good character apply to children?

Yes, from age 10. Criminal convictions, cautions or immigration breaches by the child can affect the decision. Parents' history is not usually held against a child, but any deception in the child's own applications can be.

Need advice on your child's British citizenship application?

If your child has been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under the 7-year child route, they may be eligible to apply for British citizenship through registration. The requirements depend on factors such as your child's age, place of birth and individual circumstances.

Speak to Moeen & Co. Solicitors for expert immigration advice. Call us today on 0203 959 7755 to discuss your child's eligibility for British citizenship and get guidance on the registration process.

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