How to apply for UK citizenship fee waiver

The UK government has outlined the process for children under 18 to apply for a fee waiver when seeking British citizenship if they are unable to afford the application fee. Applicants can apply online or by post, with parents or legal guardians allowed to apply on their behalf. Eligibility requires the applicant to be under 18 and meet one of several criteria for British citizenship, such as having a parent who is a British citizen or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

To be eligible for a fee waiver, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship in one of several ways, including not having a place to live, being unable to afford essential living costs, or if paying the fee would prevent meeting a child's needs. The application process involves filling out a Child Citizenship Fee Waiver Request Form and providing evidence of financial circumstances, such as bank statements, letters from local authorities, or proof of receiving public funds.

Upon approval, applicants will receive a personalised code to use in their citizenship application. If applying online, the fee waiver decision must be received before applying for citizenship. If turning 18 before receiving a decision, applicants can still apply for citizenship as a child and receive the fee waiver. However, children being looked after by a local authority should not apply for a fee waiver, as their application for citizenship will be free.