Citizenship
#31
Re: Citizenship
We are just now getting round to applying for a Brit passport for our youngest - he was born in NZ in 2005, a couple of years after we moved here.
As we are both British citizens, he qualifies through us, but I suppose at some point that allowance might change, and I reckon if he gets a passport now, he will be able to carry on having one for whenever he might want it?
For instance, if either of our two wanted to go and do an 'OE' they wouldn't actually have to they would just go and live in Britain as long as they liked - compared to the time limit on young people form NZ who are 'just kiwis'. Seems a bit odd, since all they've ever really known is NZ - but I think they are in a fairly fortunate position to be dual citizens of two fairly desirable places to live in the world.
As we are both British citizens, he qualifies through us, but I suppose at some point that allowance might change, and I reckon if he gets a passport now, he will be able to carry on having one for whenever he might want it?
For instance, if either of our two wanted to go and do an 'OE' they wouldn't actually have to they would just go and live in Britain as long as they liked - compared to the time limit on young people form NZ who are 'just kiwis'. Seems a bit odd, since all they've ever really known is NZ - but I think they are in a fairly fortunate position to be dual citizens of two fairly desirable places to live in the world.
If your youngest is 11 now then the passport would be valid for five years, so it would expire about the time he or she turns 16. If he or she then wants to renew their passport and have a ten year adult passport in order to spend time in the UK (or Europe although that's up in the air at the moment) then it would be easier for them to do so then if they had to apply for the first time after turning 16.
#32
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Rugby
Posts: 18
Re: Citizenship
We've attained citizenship purely for the kids so they will be dual nationals and have options in the future to live in UK and NZ if they wish
#33
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: North Shore, Auckland
Posts: 688
Re: Citizenship
If your youngest is 11 now then the passport would be valid for five years, so it would expire about the time he or she turns 16. If he or she then wants to renew their passport and have a ten year adult passport in order to spend time in the UK (or Europe although that's up in the air at the moment) then it would be easier for them to do so then if they had to apply for the first time after turning 16.
#34
Pilottinker
Joined: May 2010
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Posts: 38
Re: Citizenship
We had to have a very thorough interview. Didn't help that my Husband ticked the box saying he had been involved with Weapons of Mass Destruction. ( Doctor on Nuclear Subs ) Shhhh !
#35
Re: Citizenship
As we have now passed our 5 years here, I'm thinking along the lines of applying. Can anyone enlighten me on the ceremony process, not really sure what it entails (assuming we are lucky enough to gain Citizenship)
#36
Re: Citizenship
The ceremony itself entails shaking hands with the mayor and being handed a citizenship document. Plus some speeches and stuff.
Is that what you meant?
Is that what you meant?
#38
Re: Citizenship
Yeah it is, you're given a piece of paper with everything you need. Or it's on a big screen
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 526
Re: Citizenship
So help me God.
#41
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 0
Re: Citizenship
You don't have to mention god if you don't believe in one!
Sing the national anthem in English and Maori, words provided. Not much to it really.
We enjoyed our day.
Sing the national anthem in English and Maori, words provided. Not much to it really.
We enjoyed our day.
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: Lower North Island
Posts: 86
Re: Citizenship
I've been here 30 years but don't have citizenship, I don't see the point (for me) as I can do anything a kiwi does have the same rights, vote etc. Except I have to get a visa if I want to go to Australia which I've only visited once and I certainly don't ever want to live there. Plus it is really expensive to get citizenship. My kids were born here so they don't have a problem. Husband was a baby when he emigrated but still has his British and his parents who've never got it after 51 years. We were going to get it a few years ago but couldn't find our marriage certificate which we needed for process, then the price went up quite a bit after we found and just decided we couldn't be bothered. I have been to the ceremony with a Brit friend and it was quite interesting especially the bit where she swore allegiance to the Queen!!! Really don't think I would do it now as the cost is $600 +. My father in law said they only take the last 5 years into consideration anyway when you apply, unless that has changed and in his words were "nonsense"!!
#44
Re: Citizenship
Whilst I would reiterate that the law simply won't change enough to remove British citizenship from the first generation born abroad holding a British passport won't prevent a future loss of citizenship if the law does change. It'll simply become null and void. Where it is helpful to obtain a passport when your children are under 16 is that trying to apply for a first time British passport as an adult born abroad is only going to get more difficult in terms of proving your identity/entitlement as one gets older.