British Citizenship for Children: A Guide from KIND UK
Updated 19 February 2025
In this guide:
3. The Illegal Migration Act (2023)
> 4. The Good Character Requirement
- The ‘Good Character Requirement’
- Case Example
5. Useful Resources & More Information
4.1 The ‘Good Character Requirement’
Most children and adults applying for British citizenship have to show they are of ‘good character’ if they are 10 or older (but not if applying on the grounds of statelessness).
There is no fixed definition of what ‘good character’ means, but some criteria are set out in Home Office guidance:
- The Home Office must consider evidence of ‘good character’ as well as serious bad actions.
- The child’s best interests should always be considered as a primary consideration.
- Having committed criminal offences does not always mean a child won’t be eligible for British citizenship – it depends on the type of offence, how long ago committed, and other circumstances.
- The Home Office must consider a child’s history and any mitigating circumstances which may mean certain behaviour or offences should be given more or less importance.
- Violations of immigration laws may affect the assessment of an adult’s character; but for children, the Home Office will usually disregard immigration breaches outside the child’s control.
- Changes from 10 February 2025
In February 2025, the Home Office updated its guidance to state that anyone applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025, who previously entered the UK illegally, will normally be refused, regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry. There is no express exemption for those who entered as children. However, the Home Office should still consider the criteria relevant to children’s ‘good character’ set out above such as whether the illegal entry was outside the child’s control. We do not yet know how the new guidance will be applied to children. If you think that it may affect you or a child or young person you are supporting, we encourage you to seek legal advice.
Below is an example from KIND UK’s work of a kid who got in trouble with the police but was granted British citizenship.
4.2 Example
All names have been changed to protect privacy. The case study below is a shortened version of a longer case study, which can be found here.
Marco
Marco was born in the UK and has lived here all his life. His parents were from another country, and he wasn’t a British citizen at birth.
Sadly, Marco was abused and neglected, starting when he was a baby. His mum was an alcoholic and died when Marco was 7. His dad has learning disabilities and wasn’t able to take care of him properly. In his teens, Marco was taken into care and went to live with a foster family.
Marco was referred to KIND UK for legal advice about his immigration and citizenship issues when he was 16. Marco could apply for British citizenship as a child who had been born and lived in the UK up to age 10. But he had several criminal convictions, youth cautions and had served non-custodial sentences. His offenses included use of harmful/threatening words, anti-social vehicle use, and theft.
To support his application for British citizenship and show that he was of good character even though he had criminal convictions, his solicitor included a detailed letter from Marco’s social worker confirming that he was a fantastic young person who was developing practical skills like building, helped his foster family around the house, and was great with children. The letter emphasised the harmful effects of neglect and abuse and that becoming a British citizen was in Marco’s best interests.
Letters of support from a children’s services team manager also helped to confirm Marco’s history and the progress he was making.
Marco’s application for British citizenship was granted.
