New guides launched to help social workers resolve children’s immigration status

New resources aim to empower social workers to support young people in navigating complex legal processes and preventing them from facing life-altering barriers as they approach adulthood.

The guides are available now, but will be officially launched at an event on 11 September 2025, where social workers are invited to learn more about how they can put this guidance into practice.

Without legal status, children face significant challenges as they transition into adulthood. Turning 18 is a critical “cliff edge”—after this point, many pathways to citizenship and settlement close. Without permission to stay in the UK, young people may be unable to access university, employment, housing, or benefits and could even face removal or deportation.

“We are working with local authorities in Greater Manchester to ensure that they identify children in care with insecure immigration status and support them to make those all-important applications to resolve their status,” GMIAU said.

“We started this work with Manchester City Council over five years ago, and they adopted a pledge to identify all children in care with insecure immigration issues, support them in getting legal advice, and support them on a pathway to citizenship. We hope that all local authorities in Greater Manchester will sign this pledge.”

Because there is a nationwide shortage of free legal immigration advice, GMIAU says it is equipping social workers to play a more proactive role.
The team supports local authorities by:
- Meeting with service leads to ensure children’s immigration status and nationality are properly recorded in case management systems,
- Training social work teams to spot potential immigration issues and provide informed support, and
- Offering consultation sessions for advice on complex cases.

In some situations, social workers can complete applications themselves—particularly for citizenship—because of their parental or guardian role. For more complex cases, however, securing expert immigration advice remains essential.

The two newly published guides aim to give social workers the confidence and knowledge to understand children’s immigration options, complete straightforward applications independently, and support applications requiring legal representation.

The first guide focuses on applying for British citizenship for children in care. It explains the benefits of citizenship, when a child may already be automatically British, and when they can apply to register. It also answers frequently asked questions and provides step-by-step advice on gathering evidence and completing applications.

“We want all children in Greater Manchester to leave care with the most secure form of immigration status possible,” GMIAU said.