Having a child in the UK is an exciting milestone, but for families on immigration visas or temporary status, it can also raise important questions: “Is my child automatically British? How can they stay in the UK? When can they become a citizen?”
This guide explains what happens when a child is born in the UK while their parents are on an immigration status.
Is My Child Automatically British?
In the UK, being born in the country doesn’t automatically make a child British. Citizenship at birth depends on the parents’ status:
- If at least one parent is a British citizen or has settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR), the child is automatically a British citizen.
- If neither parent is British or settled, the child is not automatically British, even though they were born in the UK.
This means that most children born to parents on temporary visas — such as work, student, or family visas — will need to wait until the parents’ status changes before applying for citizenship.
Staying in the UK Before Citizenship
Even if your child is not automatically British, they usually have the right to stay in the UK as a dependent of their parents:
- If you are on a visa, your child can usually be included as a dependent.
- Their ability to remain is tied to your immigration status — if your visa expires or conditions change, you will need to renew or adjust your child’s status as well.
In other words, the child’s legal right to live in the UK is linked directly to your visa.
Registering Your Child as a British Citizen
Once a parent gains settled status (ILR), you can typically register your child as a British citizen, even if they were not British at birth. This process gives them the same rights as any other British citizen:
- The ability to live, study, and work freely in the UK.
- Access to public services, including healthcare and education.
- A British passport.
Registration is usually straightforward if the parent already has ILR, and it ensures that the child’s future in the UK is secure.
Key Takeaways
- Not automatically British: Children born to parents on visas or temporary status are not automatically citizens.
- Dependent status: Children can stay in the UK as dependents until parents’ status changes.
- Path to citizenship: Once a parent gets ILR or settled status, the child can be registered as British.
For families on immigration visas, being proactive about status and registration is essential. While the process may seem complicated, planning ahead ensures that children born in the UK can grow up with stability, opportunity, and the rights they deserve.
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