If you or your child are under the age of 18 and eligible to register as a British citizen but cannot afford the application fees, you may be able to apply for a British citizenship fee waiver. Here is a guide on the eligibility criteria, application routes, and processing time for a citizenship fee waiver.
On 26th May 2022, the Home Office published a new policy called “Citizenship fee waiver for individuals under 18”. It allows applicants under the age of 18 who are eligible to register for British citizenship to have their application fee waived if they cannot afford the Home Office British citizenship application fees.
The primary consideration on whether someone is eligible for a British citizenship fee waiver is an affordability test to assess whether the applicant and parent(s) have credibly demonstrated that they cannot afford the fee. This applies when the applicant and parent(s) do not have sufficient funds at their disposal, after meeting their essential living needs, to pay the fee.
An affordability test is to assess the amount of income and savings available once accommodation and essential living need for the applicant, parent(s), and any of their dependents have been met.
The total amount of resources available to the applicant and parent(s) must be considered, including any savings the individual(s) may have. This should be applied to the total amount required by the applicant and parent(s) to pay for the applicant’s application.
In completing the British citizenship fee waiver request form, the applicant and parent(s) must provide details and supporting evidence for both their own financial circumstances and those of any individual on whom the applicant is dependent for financial support. It is the responsibility of the applicant and parent(s) to provide a full account of their financial circumstances and to demonstrate that those who are supporting them are reasonably unable to provide funding to support the payment of the fee. It is ultimately at the Home Office’s discretion as to whether these considerations have been adequately demonstrated.
Anyone under the age of 18 who is eligible to register for citizenship under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981 may make a request for the British Citizenship Fee Waiver.
To apply for a British citizenship fee waiver, you can visit the Primus Solicitors website or call their immigration solicitors at 01612225860 for legal advice.
Hire our specialist immigration lawyers to help you through this process and ensure a successful outcome for your British Citizenship Fee Waiver for Individuals Under 18 application. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your immigration matter.
