Applying for dual citizenship

Michelle's right. After all of my searching and calling, it turns out that I was a British Citizen all along. You seem to be in the same boat I am. (British Dad and I was born in '77) The woman at the British High Commission in Canada told me that I've been a British Citizen since birth, I just don't have any proof of it. So just apply for the UK passport and all your woes will be over.

Not really - you have to get your hands on all the documentation to prove it!!! Bureaucracy is not that simple. And if your dad does not have his british birth certifcate at hand - you have to write away for it (and it costs as well).

Well, yeah, but that's all just part of the passport application process. I had to send away for my own long form birth certificate, my parent's marriage certificate, and as soon as I get my Dad's b.c. (which thankfully my dad still has) I'm all set for my passport application!

Jaylily, Sounds like you are getting all set. Glad to hear it's coming together.

Jeggoes, Yes you do have to get the documentation and even pay for it. It's all part of the application process. Considering the hell some people go through to get to the UK, I'd say your situation is pretty easy.

By the way everyone, you are welcome for the info and for doing the research for you!

Sorry to be cheeky but I've had a long hard day of travelling to London from Scotland and back-starting at 4am and dragging a toddler along with me. This was an American Embassy visit and cost me over £500, so I'd have loved to have just had to send away for some forms and documentation.

My dual citizenship situation is somewhat different. My mother was born in England, not my father. People born to British mothers after 1983 would automatically get British citizenship. I was born between 1961 and 1983 so I was allowed to register as a British citizen. People born before 1961 are not eligible. I have the certificate of British citizenship which allows me to apply for a passport. If my father was British, it would saved me $400.

Duncan - I totally understand. I fall into the area where it is not so easy, and hence I have to service my 5 years and go through my grandfather (grandparents visa). Unfair really. And it did cost me £££ and $$$ and took a long time. No, it wasnt as simple as someone else has noted earlier. As well, I am now renewing my Canadian passport over here, and frankly, it is hell. Worse than getting over here really. The rules change all the time. Lesson learned - make sure your face in the passport photo is no more than 1 1/4 inches wide and 1 1/2 long. Trust me!

J

What is the deal if you are born to a British Mother after 1983? Is it still as simple as registering? or just applying for a passport?

You are a citizen, apply for your passport, no registration needed.

Hey guys,

I'm sure you've answered this question a million and one times, but I'm a little confused as well. Can you guys help???

I am a Canadian citizen looking to work and live in Britain. My mother has been a Legal Landed Immigrant here in Canada since 1963 and still holds a British passport. I understand that the law has changed and that you need to be born before January 1, 1983 to qualify for dual citizenship; my birthday is December 29, 1983. I would like to know if I can qualify for dual citizenship because my mother is still a British subject regardless of my birthday. Or am I hooped and should just apply for a visa??

Thanks for any help!

As long as your mother was born in UK< you are a citizen of UK by descent. The rules changed in 1983, but actually, they changed in your favour, as before the fathers citizenship was what mattered.

You can and should apply for a UK passport.