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FAQ
I have (pre-) settled status, is my child British?
It depends on the nationality and immigration status of your child’s parents, and on when and where they were born.
If the child was born in the UK, and at the time of their birth at least one parent was British or had settled status (or permanent residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement), then your child is British and does not need to have status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
There are many complex criteria depending on the date of birth of your child, and the nationality and immigration status of the parents. Check this Government website https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship/born-in-the-uk-from-1-july-2021-onwards for more detailed information on whether your child is British. See also this very helpful page from PRCBC - https://prcbc.org/children-and-their-rights-to-british-citizenship/
If your child is not British, for example if both of your baby’s parents only have pre-settled status rather than settled status, and had not achieved permanent residence rights at the time of the baby’s birth, then - if your baby is eligible - you must apply for pre-settled status for your baby within 90 days of their birth. You will need proof of their identity - for example a passport or national identity card - and proof of their relationship with you. See https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/apply-settled-status-for-child for more information.
NOTE: If you are unable to get an identity document in time, then you can contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre to get a paper application - see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-to-the-eu-settlement-scheme-by-post-or-email. It is important to submit an application in time, because otherwise your baby may become liable to being charged for NHS Secondary Healthcare after 90 days.
NOTE: Your child may not be eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme, please read the following FAQs:
- I have (pre-)settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. I’m an EU citizen but I only came to the UK after the end of the transition period. Can I apply for status for my new-born child?
- I have (pre-)settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. I’m not an EU citizen, can I apply for status for my new-born child?
- Are there scenarios where I cannot apply for EU settlement scheme status for my new-born child?