Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
Dec 13th 2013, 2:12 am
#16
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
If you were born after 1983 to a British-born mother overseas then you have been a British citizen by descent from birth. As others have said all you need to do is make an application for a British passport.
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
You'll need your mother's full British birth certificate. A certified copy is available from the General Register Office in the UK for a nominal fee. You can order this yourself at their website.
http://www.gro.gov.uk/
Providing your mother's maiden name appears on your US birth certificate you shouldn't require any further documentation apart from your 'long form' US birth certificate containing the details of your parents including their places of birth. You don't need a photo of your mother if you are applying for the passport, just yours.
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
You'll need your mother's full British birth certificate. A certified copy is available from the General Register Office in the UK for a nominal fee. You can order this yourself at their website.
http://www.gro.gov.uk/
Providing your mother's maiden name appears on your US birth certificate you shouldn't require any further documentation apart from your 'long form' US birth certificate containing the details of your parents including their places of birth. You don't need a photo of your mother if you are applying for the passport, just yours.
I had no idea I could order a copy of hers without actually having to request it in person with her. This helps tons.
Dec 13th 2013, 10:15 am
#17
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,219
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
I had no idea I could order a copy of hers without actually having to request it in person with her. This helps tons.
Dec 20th 2013, 6:38 am
#18
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,009
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
If you qualify for citizenship through your mother you will remain eligible no matter what your age. My parents are British (Scottish) but I was born in Canada. I didn't apply for my British passport until I was in graduate school and it arrived without any problems (well they did misspell my middle name but that is another issue altogether).
Would I be able to apply for right of abode at least?
The only concern I have is my mom probably has her birth certificate in the UK with her, whereas mine is over here in the USA.
Do I have to provide the originals, or would a full color photocopy work?
Originals.
I needed my long form Ontario birth certificate. When I received it the thing was in my mother's handwriting...Ontario's version of a long form birth certificate is the birth registration form that the parent fills out in the hospital!
Last edited by colchar; Dec 20th 2013 at 6:51 am.
Dec 20th 2013, 7:54 am
#19
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Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
If you qualify for citizenship through your mother you will remain eligible no matter what your age. My parents are British (Scottish) but I was born in Canada. I didn't apply for my British passport until I was in graduate school and it arrived without any problems (well they did misspell my middle name but that is another issue altogether).
You qualify for that but why not just get a full passport?
Doesn't matter in the least.
Put your package together, send it to your Mum, have her pop her birth certificate into the package, and then she can mail it off for you.
Originals.
I needed my long form Ontario birth certificate. When I received it the thing was in my mother's handwriting...Ontario's version of a long form birth certificate is the birth registration form that the parent fills out in the hospital!
You qualify for that but why not just get a full passport?
Doesn't matter in the least.
Put your package together, send it to your Mum, have her pop her birth certificate into the package, and then she can mail it off for you.
Originals.
I needed my long form Ontario birth certificate. When I received it the thing was in my mother's handwriting...Ontario's version of a long form birth certificate is the birth registration form that the parent fills out in the hospital!
Dec 20th 2013, 8:07 am
#20
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,219
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
Dec 20th 2013, 12:56 pm
#21
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Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
Done, it kinda helps when shes the only one with her name combination in Rochdale in its entire existance.
Also, I am not sure Walgreens does UK sized passport photos anymore in the USA. If this is the case, what shall I do?
Also, I am not sure Walgreens does UK sized passport photos anymore in the USA. If this is the case, what shall I do?
Dec 21st 2013, 3:09 am
#22
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,219
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
Also, I am not sure Walgreens does UK sized passport photos anymore in the USA. If this is the case, what shall I do?
The photo requirements are quite strict so you'll need to comply with them in order to get your passport.
Dec 21st 2013, 4:17 am
#23
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,009
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
If you are talking about citizenship you do not need to obtain it as you are a British citizen. Just apply for the passport as they are very quick and you'll have it in a couple of weeks (after all documentation is submitted). It is easier, and cheaper, to fill out all of the paperwork, send it to your mum to have her include her birth certificate, have her forward the package through the mail, and you'll have the passport within a couple of weeks. And remember, you will need the passport photos signed so it is easier to do that where you already live.
Dec 21st 2013, 4:18 am
#24
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,009
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
I can't advise from my own experience but other BE posters have been able to get UK sized photos at Walgreen's recently. It has been the case that the shop assistant isn't aware that it's a service they offer so it's worth getting a second opinion and/or speaking to the supervisor.
The photo requirements are quite strict so you'll need to comply with them in order to get your passport.
The photo requirements are quite strict so you'll need to comply with them in order to get your passport.
I got mine done at Walmart (here in Canada) and there was no problem.
Dec 21st 2013, 11:35 am
#25
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Finally moving!
Posts: 1,236
Re: Want to move to the UK from the US, Mother is a UK Citizen
As others have indicated, you will probably have to prove that you were your mother's "live birth" as contrasted with adopted. Because American birth certificates can be changed and reissued after adoption.
One way is if YOUR birth certificate is an old "original" issued when you were less than six months old.
Another way is if you can obtain and provide photocopies of hospital or midwife records of your birth.
There are other (more obscure) ways if neither of those is possible..
One way is if YOUR birth certificate is an old "original" issued when you were less than six months old.
Another way is if you can obtain and provide photocopies of hospital or midwife records of your birth.
There are other (more obscure) ways if neither of those is possible..
