Dual Citizenship (Canada-British)

I am Canadian. My mother is British. I am eligible to become a dual-citizen. As far as I can tell the cost to do this has dramatically risen from about $250 to $936 in the last year. The British High Commission of Ottawa's website told me so.

I hope to find a way to make this possible using less money. I guess that means that I hope that I am wrong and that I am looking for someone to show me a more pleasant truth.

Show me what's up.

Woah! Almost $1000!? That seems a bit ridiculous. What are you intending to get for that cost? Are you applying for Citizenship and a Passport?


I just went through this myself a few weeks ago. I was born after December 31 1983 so obtained my British Citizenship automatically at birth through my mum. I did not have any citizenship documents as my mum did not register my birth.but I was still a citizen.

When I applied for my passport at the end of Jan I provided my mum's and my birth certificates proving that she was British and also my parentage. I was charged $265 Canadian for the cost of the passport and shipping, exactly what they quoted on the Ottawa British High Commission website. Where are they saying it is going to cost that much. I would definitely look into that and make sure you are only paying for services that you need!

I was born before 1983 so I need to apply for citizenship using the UKM form. I would like to do so to make work and travel simpler in Britain an the EU. I got that $1000 price quote on the British High Commission website that Canuck Abroad will not let me link too.

I guess after I get citizenship I will need to fork out more cash for a passport. CRAP

^^ i am absolutely in the same boat. something i should've done in university. as i am here now, there is no choice but to pay the piper. and yes, i too wish it were a mistake.

Wow! That is crazy. I am soooo glad I was not born a year earlier. I do want to clarify my dates just for anyone else who may be reading this thread for information. It is an automatic claim through the mother if born on or after January 1 1983.not December 31 1983 like I stated.

I'm not sure what year either of you were born, but they have made it possible to apply retroactively. This is a direct quote from the Britain in Canada portion of the British High Commission UK website:


Many British women resident overseas were unaware of the announcement in 1979 and missed the opportunity to apply for citizenship on behalf of their minor children. Consequently, an amendment to the British Nationality Act 1981 has now been put into effect allowing all persons who would have been under 18 on the date of the announcement (7 February 1979) to register now.

All those born overseas to a British mother between 7 February 1961 and 31 December 1982 are now eligible to register as British citizens retroactively.


I assume this is what you are going through that is costing such an absurd amount? Sorry if I am posting info that is of no use.I'm just trying to include anything I found out during my year of planning to apply.

yeah, am applying retroactively. i was born in '75. my mom got her cdn citizenship in 74 but assumed her brit citizenship was automaticaly revoked. i had to force her to go to the BHC and ask. luckily, once a citizen, always a citizen (unless you revoke, which you also have to pay for, LOL).
i would happily pay 10000$, as now i live visa to visa, and have no stability. at least with an EU country passport, you can basically be anywhere in the EU legally, for ever.

I know this is an older post, but I just showed this to my dad and he qualifies for the whole 'retroactive English citizenship' thing. By 14 days. But he qualifies.

So -now- we're wondering (because he WANTS his citizenship), how does he go about becoming a citizen through this amendment? I have NO clue seeing as this is the only place I've seen it. So if someone can link me or tell me how my dad would go about doing this, that'd be awesome! Thanks!

this time its free, but the next i'll have to charge
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/britis ... ishmother/

My father was born in England in 1948 and moved to Canada about 20 years later. I was born in Canada in 1980. Is it the same process as if you were born to an English mother? I'd like to get dual citizenship/British passport, or whatever I can that will all me to more easily obtain work and travel in Europe.

Appreciate any assistance provide.
Dave

Dave,

From all I found out, it is essentially the exact same process. You just fill in a different part on the form as you are claiming through your dad and not your mum. I found this website that had the answers to almost all of my questions, and also all the info regarding forms and fees etc. I'm pretty sure I still can't post the URL but if you'd like I can PM you the address.

From all I found out you gained your citizenship at birth. You don't need to apply for it. All you will have to do is submit proof of your eligibility by descent through your dad when applying for your passport (his and your Birth Certificates etc) and you're good to go. It took 10 days from the day the High Commission received my application to when I received my passport back from them. Totally painless.

Also - I noticed that you are located in Fort McMurray. I was born there and lived there for 8 years before heading to BC. I don't envy you the winter you're probably still having!