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• Becoming a foster parent in England

  Foster carers look after children when their parents are not able to - becoming a foster carer, money and support available, fostering agencies, foster parents

  • Who can foster

    Being a foster parent means caring for a child as part of your family. To…

  • Types of foster care

    There are many types of foster care. The application process is the same…

  • Help with the cost of fostering

    All foster parents receive a foster care allowance to cover the cost of…

  • Applying to become a foster parent

    The process starts when you apply to become a foster parent and finishes…

  • Your fostering assessment

    Before you can foster a child you must pass an assessment by a social…

  • After you've applied

    The fostering service will contact you to tell you the result of your…

• Returning to the UK

  This page provides information about some of the actions you may need to take if you are a UK national living abroad and you are returning to the UK permanently.

  • Updated: 29 March 2021
• Apply for citizenship if you have a British parent

  Apply for British citizenship if you have a British parent - who's eligible, fees and how to apply

  • Who can apply

    You may be eligible for British citizenship if you have a British parent.…

  • You were born on or after 1 July 2006

    You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

  • You were born between 1983 and June 2006

    You’re automatically a British citizen if you were born outside the UK and…

  • You were born before 1983

    You may automatically be a British citizen if you were born before 1…

  • After you've applied

    You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take…

• Dual citizenship

  Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. Read the rules and how to apply.
• Check if you're a British citizen

  Check if you're automatically a British citizen - it depends on where and when you were born and your parents' immigration status.
• Check if you can become a British citizen

  There are different ways to apply for British citizenship, including ‘naturalisation’. Check your eligibility to apply.
• Getting your birth certificate information before adoption

  Application form to get your birth certificate information from before your adoption, if you live in the UK.
• Register a birth abroad

  Parents must register the birth in the country where the child was born - find out if you can also register the birth in the UK.
• International parental child abduction

  This guidance outlines options to consider and who to contact if your child has been taken or kept abroad by their other parent or a relative without your permission.

  • Updated: 31 August 2022
• Using the NHS when you return to live in the UK

  Complete a GMS1 form to register with a GP near your home. Bring proof that you are eligible for free healthcare.

  • Updated: 27 March 2019