British Citizenship Fee Waiver for Children Under 18

The British citizenship application fee waiver provides financial relief to families and ensures that every child (under 18) has the opportunity to claim their rightful place as a British citizen.

At Wembley Solicitors, we understand the importance of securing British citizenship for your child. Our immigration solicitors in London can guide you through the process of obtaining a fee waiver for your child's British citizenship application.

If you are considering applying for a citizenship application fee waiver for your child, contact our British citizenship solicitors today at 0203 417 3700.

1. What is a British citizenship fee waiver for children under 18?
2. Who qualifies for a citizenship application fee waiver?
3. What documents are needed to support a citizenship fee waiver application for a child?
4. How to apply for a citizenship application fee waiver for children under 18?
5. Can all children under 18 apply for a fee waiver for British citizenship?
6. What are the grounds for rejection of a citizenship application fee waiver request?
7. What happens if the fee waiver application is approved?
8. What happens if the fee waiver application is denied?
9. How long does it take to process a citizenship fee waiver application?
10. Why choose Wembley Solicitors?

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

A British citizenship fee waiver allows eligible children under the age of 18 to apply for citizenship without paying the standard application fee.

A citizenship application fee waiver means that children under 18 are exempt from paying the standard fee associated with applying for British citizenship due to financial hardship or other qualifying circumstances.

Securing a fee waiver for your child's British citizenship is a straightforward process that can help alleviate the financial burden of the application. By obtaining this waiver, you can ensure that your child's future in the United Kingdom is secure, opening up a wide range of opportunities for them.

Who qualifies for a citizenship application fee waiver?

Children under 18 may qualify for a fee waiver if their family is experiencing significant financial hardship that would make paying the application fee unreasonable or if paying the fee would prevent basic needs (like housing, food, and healthcare) from being met. Each case is assessed individually.

To qualify for the British citizenship fee waiver for children under 18 and receive UK child citizenship fee relief, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application.
• They must be a resident of the United Kingdom.
• At least one of their parents must be a British citizen or settled in the UK.
• Children under the age of 18 can apply for a citizenship application fee waiver if their parent or guardian cannot pay the fee because:
• you do not have a place to live and cannot afford one.
• you're unable to afford essential living costs like food and heating.
• you do not have enough money to pay the fee after paying for your accommodation and other essential living costs.
• paying the fee would mean a child's needs cannot be met.

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances.

At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced team is well-versed in British citizenship fee waiver requirements and can help you navigate the entire process smoothly. For personalised guidance and support, please don't hesitate to contact us at 0203 417 3700.

What documents are needed to support a citizenship fee waiver application for a child?

When applying for a fee waiver for your child's UK citizenship, it is essential to submit the required supporting documents to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here is a general list of the documentation you will need:

• Original birth certificate or adoption certificate.
• Valid passport or travel document.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs of your child.
• Proof of the child's current immigration status.
• Proof of your child's continuous residence in the UK.
• Evidence of your financial circumstances.
• Evidence to show you get public funds.
• Evidence of your household earnings.
• Evidence of your household expenses.

You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your circumstances.

Evidence of your financial circumstances

You'll need to provide evidence of your financial situation. This could include bank statements, benefits letters, evidence of debt, housing costs, and any other relevant information that demonstrates your financial hardship.

How to apply for a citizenship application fee waiver for children under 18?

Before making a child citizenship fee waiver request, thoroughly review the eligibility criteria to ensure that your child qualifies for the fee waiver.

You can make a child citizenship fee waiver request either online or by post. Follow these steps to apply for a citizenship fee waiver:

• Gather the necessary documents.
• Fill in the child citizenship fee waiver request form accurately and completely.
• Submit your application including the completed application form, supporting documents and cover letter.
• Write a compelling cover letter to explain the reasons why you are seeking a fee waiver for your child's citizenship application.
• Wait for the decision, it may take several weeks or months.

If you need further guidance or have any questions throughout the process, don't hesitate to reach out to Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you in securing the relief your child deserves.

Can all children under 18 apply for a fee waiver for British citizenship?

No, not all children under 18 are eligible for a fee waiver. There are specific criteria that must be met to qualify for the waiver.

If you're unsure about your child's eligibility, contact our British citizenship solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for guidance.

What are the grounds for rejection of a citizenship application fee waiver request?

The British citizenship fee waiver can be rejected for a range of reasons, including:

• not provided enough evidence of financial hardship.
• intentionally disposed of funds.
• sufficient savings to pay the fee and income above their essential needs.
• been purchasing items within their income but outside of what is essential or spending excessively.
• not taken reasonable steps to ensure they have sufficient funds to pay a foreseeable fee.

What happens if the fee waiver application is approved?

If your child's citizenship fee waiver application is approved, you'll get an email or letter with a personalised code (called a 'token').

You must submit your child's British citizenship application within 28 calendar days of the actual date of the fee waiver decision along with this token.

Failure to submit a British citizenship application within 28 calendar days could result in the token no longer being valid and a new fee waiver application may be required.

What happens if the fee waiver application is denied?

If the fee waiver request is denied, you will be required to pay the full application fee to proceed with the citizenship application. If the fee is not paid, the citizenship application cannot be approved.

How long does it take to process a citizenship fee waiver application?

Currently, the processing time for British citizenship fee waiver applications is around 2-4 weeks. However, it may take longer even several months to receive a decision. It's important to submit a complete and accurate application to minimise any delays.

Why choose Wembley Solicitors?

When it comes to matters as important as securing a fee waiver for your child's British citizenship, it's important to seek assistance from experienced professionals. At Wembley Solicitors, we have a proven track record of success in immigration law, and our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our clients.

• Eligibility Assessment: We can provide expert guidance on whether a child is eligible for a fee waiver based on their family's financial situation and the child's circumstances.
• Expertise: Our team comprises highly skilled immigration lawyers who specialise in British citizenship applications for children.
• Documentation: Our solicitors can help identify and compile the necessary documentation to support the fee waiver application, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Detailed Statements: We can help prepare detailed statements outlining the family's financial hardship, ensuring the presentation is clear, compelling, and supported by evidence.
• Application Forms: We can assist in accurately completing application forms, reducing the risk of delays or rejections due to errors or omissions.
• Personalized Approach: We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to your specific needs and tailor our guidance accordingly.
• Follow-up: We can follow up with the Home Office, keeping the application process moving and addressing any issues promptly.

If you have any further questions or need professional assistance regarding the fee waiver for British citizenship for children, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Wembley Solicitors. Our experienced professionals are here to provide you with professional guidance and support.

To contact us, please call us at 0203 417 3700 of fill in our online contact form. Whether you require clarification on the fee waiver process, assistance with the application, or any other related matter, we are ready to help.