rilhouse

Hi All,

I have read your wiki and it seems based on that I would be eligable for UK citizenship by descent. But I can't find any offical UK information, it all refers to being born by a british mother (pre 1983). My situation is:

- Born in Canada in 1981
- Father was born in the UK and holds dual Canadian/UK citizenship

So:

1. Am I eligable for UK citizenship by descent?
2. Can anyone point me to an offical UK web site that would confirm that?

Thanks!

JAJ

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/br.../bornoverseas/

Although if your parents are unmarried, you are probably out of luck.

bewillow

If you are British, great! Note that if you have children in Canada, they can be registered as British citizens if you do it within 365 days of their birth. If you have children in the UK, they will automatically be British citizens.

JAJ

Not if you're a British citizen by descent and have never lived in the UK or a British territory.

bewillow

Sorry. I stand corrected. In a couple of cases I know, that is the case.

Keith

My grandson born in Canada has UK citizenship because his father (my son) was born in the UK. He got his UK passport 3 years ago.

JAJ

I wasn't suggesting anything to the contrary ...

JAJ

Full explanation of law/options is at:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Britis...hip_by_Descent

rilhouse

My parents were married so it looks like I'm British!


So if what I've found is correct that means I don't need to apply to become a citizen, I just need to get a passport? Is that correct?

JAJ

That appears to be correct. Don't assume anything until you have your passport and don't leave things until the last minute. If your parents married after you were born, then you will have a lot more hassle in terms of documentation.

antonyclark

Has that 365 days been changed to 18 years? The Borders Citizenship and Nationality Bill became law on 21 July 2009. See Clause 43.

antonyclark

I edited this slightly to take account of the recent change to British law (see clause 43 of the Borders Citizenship and Nationality Act 2009). JAJ, please check I got it absolutely right.

JAJ

True ... except that element of the law is not yet in force.