How to apply for UK citizenship fee waiver

The UK Government has clarified the process for children under 18 to apply for a fee waiver when seeking British citizenship. Eligible applicants can complete the application process either online or by mail. Eligibility for the fee waiver is granted to those who cannot afford the application fee due to various reasons such as lack of housing, inability to meet essential living costs, or insufficiency of funds after covering accommodation and other necessities.

Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of their children, and all necessary documents must be submitted alongside the application. These documents include proof of identity, such as a passport or national identity card, and financial information demonstrating the applicant's inability to pay the fee. After submission, applicants receive a confirmation email and, upon approval, a personalised code (token) is provided.

This code must be used when applying for British citizenship. If the applicant turns 18 before receiving a decision on their fee waiver application, they can still apply for citizenship as a child and qualify for the fee waiver. However, children being looked after by a local authority are exempt from applying for the fee waiver and should provide evidence of this status when applying for citizenship.