Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
Jan 21st 2009, 8:23 pm
#1
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Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
I was born in England in the mid-1950s to US parents (both US born) while my father was active in the US military. We relocated to the US soon thereafter and I have been holding US citizenship ever since.
I have read alternate takes on this situation, most significantly one citing the need for one of the birth parents to have been British or residing there.
Any first hand knowledge of this situation or best guess would be appreciated.
I have read alternate takes on this situation, most significantly one citing the need for one of the birth parents to have been British or residing there.
Any first hand knowledge of this situation or best guess would be appreciated.
Jan 21st 2009, 8:31 pm
#2
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
What birth certificate do you have?
Jan 21st 2009, 8:36 pm
#3
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
I have a "Certified Copy of an Entry of Birth" from the local Registration District, and also a Birth Certificate from the US Air Force hospital in which I was born.
Jan 21st 2009, 8:49 pm
#4
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/bri...utcitizenship/
"A British citizen by descent cannot become a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
The position may be different for people born before 1 January 1983. In most cases, if you have a passport issued before 1983 which describes you as a British subject (or Commonwealth citizen) citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies with right of abode in the United Kingdom, you will automatically be a British citizen."
Soooo... not sure! I assume you don't have a British passport, but what you do basically have is a British birth certificate (that's what the "certified copy of entry" thing is).
Not the most refined way to find out, but your best bet may be to simply apply for a British passport. If you get turned down and/or simply can't produce the evidence they request, then you'll know.
My 2 cents based on no in-depth knowledge...
"A British citizen by descent cannot become a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
The position may be different for people born before 1 January 1983. In most cases, if you have a passport issued before 1983 which describes you as a British subject (or Commonwealth citizen) citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies with right of abode in the United Kingdom, you will automatically be a British citizen."
Soooo... not sure! I assume you don't have a British passport, but what you do basically have is a British birth certificate (that's what the "certified copy of entry" thing is).
Not the most refined way to find out, but your best bet may be to simply apply for a British passport. If you get turned down and/or simply can't produce the evidence they request, then you'll know.
My 2 cents based on no in-depth knowledge...
Jan 21st 2009, 8:54 pm
#5
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/bri...utcitizenship/
"A British citizen by descent cannot become a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
The position may be different for people born before 1 January 1983. In most cases, if you have a passport issued before 1983 which describes you as a British subject (or Commonwealth citizen) citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies with right of abode in the United Kingdom, you will automatically be a British citizen."
Soooo... not sure! I assume you don't have a British passport, but what you do basically have is a British birth certificate (that's what the "certified copy of entry" thing is).
Not the most refined way to find out, but your best bet may be to simply apply for a British passport. If you get turned down and/or simply can't produce the evidence they request, then you'll know.
My 2 cents based on no in-depth knowledge...
"A British citizen by descent cannot become a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
The position may be different for people born before 1 January 1983. In most cases, if you have a passport issued before 1983 which describes you as a British subject (or Commonwealth citizen) citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies with right of abode in the United Kingdom, you will automatically be a British citizen."
Soooo... not sure! I assume you don't have a British passport, but what you do basically have is a British birth certificate (that's what the "certified copy of entry" thing is).
Not the most refined way to find out, but your best bet may be to simply apply for a British passport. If you get turned down and/or simply can't produce the evidence they request, then you'll know.
My 2 cents based on no in-depth knowledge...
If you were born in the United Kingdom before 1 January 1983, you are almost certainly a British citizen. The only exception is if you were born to certain diplomatic staff of foreign missions who had diplomatic immunity.
Jan 21st 2009, 8:56 pm
#6
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/bri...yingterritory/
If you were born in the United Kingdom before 1 January 1983, you are almost certainly a British citizen. The only exception is if you were born to certain diplomatic staff of foreign missions who had diplomatic immunity.
If you were born in the United Kingdom before 1 January 1983, you are almost certainly a British citizen. The only exception is if you were born to certain diplomatic staff of foreign missions who had diplomatic immunity.
Sounds as though SwindonLad is in the right place since he is quite possibly a British Expat
Jan 21st 2009, 9:24 pm
#8
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
Apply for a passport at the British Embassy in Washington. Read www.richw.org/dualcit to acquaint yourself with dual nationality issues from the US perspective. (There really aren't any from the UK perspective!)
Jan 21st 2009, 11:05 pm
#9
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Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
Thanks very much for so many prompt responses.
I guess a fuller investigation is in order before I make any next step.
Now that I think about it though, could/am I conceivably be considered a British citizen without making a “claim” via passport application?
I guess a fuller investigation is in order before I make any next step.
Now that I think about it though, could/am I conceivably be considered a British citizen without making a “claim” via passport application?
Jan 21st 2009, 11:25 pm
#11
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
I tell everyone I'm a Canadian even though I'm not officially yet and don't have a passport. And act of gov't will change that 'soon'.
Unfortunately, it has not netted me any free maple syrup. Yet!
Tip: hang around your thread to see what JAJ posts back to you.
Jan 22nd 2009, 12:54 am
#13
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
Dude. Seriously.
It's a family joke. I think I ate all of Nova Scotia's allotment the summer I lived there. That and these wicked egg rolls from the Chinese place, with plum sauce.
mmmmmmm
But I still get spontanious butter tarts sent any time someone's been there. I have a reputation. They probably notified you in that official Journal of Canadians where you all keep tabs on each other, huh.
Nom!
It's a family joke. I think I ate all of Nova Scotia's allotment the summer I lived there. That and these wicked egg rolls from the Chinese place, with plum sauce.
mmmmmmm
But I still get spontanious butter tarts sent any time someone's been there. I have a reputation. They probably notified you in that official Journal of Canadians where you all keep tabs on each other, huh.
Nom!
Jan 22nd 2009, 3:31 am
#14
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Posts: 34,649
Re: Eligible for British citizenship by birth?
Most U.S. military personnel in Britain were "visiting forces" but not entitled to diplomatic immunity. Hence there are quite a few people in your situation, born in the United Kingdom before 1983 to military parents.
Your British birth certificate (with appropriate ID) is evidence of British citizenship, but you should apply for a British passport too if you want to use your citizenship in any way.
Have you got any U.S. born children of your own? If so, when were they born and were you married to the mother?
