even if a child is born in the uk on or after 1 january 1983 but does not acquire british citizenship at birth, the child is considered a lawful resident in the uk and is not required to apply for leave to remain. the child, however, is subject to immigration control and the child's parent(s) can choose to apply to regularise the child's immigration status through the granting of leave to remain (for the same period as that held by the parent(s)). if the child leaves the uk, he/she must hold leave to enter or remain in order to return to the uk.