can i get british citizenship if my grandmother was british

Thanks. Parent from outside Ireland and UK. Applications for British citizenship by descent through a grandmother have been rejected by the Home Office. After spending a further 12 months in the UK on ILR, you may apply for UK citizenship and if successful you will receive a British passport. Our staff Replies. There are special provisions in British nationality law for children under 18 that may make it possible for you to Read up about the UK. Your grandmother was born in the UK and has what is called British citizenship otherwise than by descent, therefore she was able to automatically pass citizenship to … You or a parent was registered as a British citizen, a citizen of the UK and colonies or a federal citizen of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, A parent was in Crown service at the time of your birth. Having a UK born great grandparent does not entitle the applicant to any UK birth rights. However, there are guidelines put in place which you can follow if you are looking to claim British citizenship by descent through a grandparent. For queries and advice, contact www.sableinternational.com. CR001 Moderator Posts: 75388 Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:55 pm Location: London Mood: Re: Can I apply for British citizenship if my child is British. +44 (0) 20 7759 7514. Can i apply for British citizenship on this basis. It's a complex area, and any claim from a grandmother would be termed a Non-Standard route to British Citizenship and (in most cases) requires specialist advice*. You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years and, although it’s not quite the same as citizenship, that’s actually good enough for most people.When applying for citizenship, there are a number of requirements that you have to meet. It depends on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances. Here are some of the most obvious situations: This area of British citizenship law is even more complex, so you’ll need to get your case assessed individually. There is no provision for UK Ancestry working rights and British nationality is passed down a maximum of 3 generations. Double descent claims are usually taken on a case-by-case basis. thesouthafrican.com is a division of Blue Sky Publications Ltd. Reproduction without permission prohibited. This difference is important because the type of citizenship people have decides the way in which they can pass British citizenship on to their children who were born outside the United Kingdom. This is called claiming citizenship by double descent. In other words, if your grandmother was born in 1922 and your father was born in 1942, you would not be eligible for citizenship. A person ceases to be a British national on the date the Home Secretary registers the declaration of renunciation. Someone else I know, with 2 British parents, was born abroad before 1983 and automatically became British because she had British FATHER. One Croydon, 12-16 Addiscombe Road, It is essential, therefore, to look into your child’s rights before they turn 18. Can my daughter get the Irish citizenship and passport through her father who became an Irish citizen by naturalization after her birth? TheSouthAfrican.com is all about South Africa and the stories that affect South Africans, wherever they are in the world. Copyright © Blue Sky Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved. However, many argue that the United Kingdom passport will lose its worth once Brexit comes fully into effect, since Brits may be required to hand red tape to travel to other European countries. No problem for wealthy Brits fleeing the city in private jets, Your parent had a UK-born mother (and this parent did not have a UK-born father) and was registered as a British citizen between 2 February 1979 and 31 December 1982, A parent was in Crown service at the time of your birth, You, or a parent, were born in a former British territory, Your parents married before 1949 and your paternal grandfather was born in the UK, Your mother was married to a British man before 1 January 1949 (regardless of whether or not he was your father), You, or one of your parents, were born in a former British colony, A British parent spent up to two and half years in the UK before the child was born, The family moves over to the UK and spends at least two and half years in the UK. You can apply for a British passport if you have British nationality. Now, applications cost $200 and if your application is rejected you don't get that money back. This process is called claiming double descent. As of 2014, the Czech Republic recognizes dual-citizenship, so I can hold both my U.S. and Czech nationalities legally. ONLY our BRITISH citizenship is defined in law. Your parents married before 1949 and your paternal grandfather was born in the UK. I have called the British consulate in UK and Australia and they couldn't give me an answer but they want me to put in an application. If you were born after 2009, you’re a Canadian if one parent is a Canadian citizen – but not if a grandparent was. These are the most common situations our clients find themselves in: Claims in such circumstances are less common, but can arise in the following circumstances: Several rights to British nationality fall away when a child turns 18 and can be lost forever. An adult born outside of the UK after 1 January 1983 with a UK-born grandparent may have a claim to British citizenship by descent if: Those born outside of the UK between 1 January 1949 and 31 December 1982 and who have a UK-born grandparent may be able to claim British citizenship in certain circumstances. My great grandmother was born in UK and I read they had to be born before 1922 witch she was. My great grandfather was born in Netherlands im not entirely sure if he gave up citizenship. At one of our nationality seminars earlier this year, a gentleman was able to claim citizenship through his mother’s ex-husband’s British-born father. It is possible to acquire British citizenship by descent. You can claim British citizenship by descent grandparent if you meet certain UK nationality requirements. Claiming British Citizenship by descent (grandparent) – also known as British Citizenship by double descent – is based on at least one of your grandparents being British. There are hundreds of ways to potentially qualify through a parent or grandparent or colonial connection. Add some festive cheer to your pocket, Your daily Horoscope for 23 December 2020, Ultra-processed food has taken over your shopping basket: Be aware, be very aware, Kaizer Chiefs: Selecting the ideal Amakhosi starting lineup, 15 Days of Free PC Games: Day 6 – Download ‘Metro: 2033 Redux’ from Epic Store today, London Christmas lockdown? Reply Delete. This is a complex area of British nationality and every case must be assessed on an individual basis. Chenae. These are also complex cases and each claim must be assessed on an individual basis. A British citizen by descent cannot pass citizenship to a child born outside the UK. How can you qualify for BRITISH CITIZENSHIP and be eligible to get a British Passport? +27 (0) 21 657 2120, Durban That said, the process is still fresh in my mind, so here’s a look at the process I followed to Not through a grandparent, I am afraid, UNLIKE Irish nationality which CAN be got in that way. Born after 1 January 1983 (18 and over) An adult born outside of the UK after 1 January 1983 with a UK-born grandparent may have a claim to British citizenship by descent if: They had a UK-born grandfather who was in Crown service at the time of the relevant parent’s birth Recent changes to the law have created many more opportunities for children to acquire British citizenship through a father or mother, including adopted children and children of unmarried parents. Our online assessment uses your personal circumstances, and those of your parents and grandparents, to let you know your chances of attaining a British passport. in South Africa, Portugal and Australia are not registered with the OISC however the similar standards are observed by our staff in all regions. Every British citizen is either a British citizen otherwise than by descent or a British citizen by descent. Regent Square, Doncaster Road, Kenilworth, 7708 You may still have a claim, even if you don’t have the most obvious family ties to the UK. My mother was born in 1948 to a British-born mother and South African father. I was born prior to 1983 in South Africa. This means that having a UK born great grandparent means that there is no provision available to qualify to live and work in the UK. South Africa– Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican Number: 2005/028472/07. It is not retroactive. I am currently looking into the possibility for myself and my mother to get a British/Netherland passport. Top. British citizen have the option to get a second passport without having to give up their current nationality since England accepts dual nationality. Those born with a UK-born grandparent may be able to claim British citizenship in certain circumstances. My father was South African, my mother Rhodesian. Kind of crazy, that because she is MORE British (by ancestry) than my first friend, her children can't be! You or a parent were born in a former British colony, subject to further criteria being met. UK citizenship for EU nationals after Brexit, British nationality law for children under 18, They had a UK-born grandfather who was in, Was registered as a British citizen between 2 February 1979 and 31 December 1982. In Portugal, that length of time is 6 years. It … If this applies to you, Move Up can gladly further assist. A lot of us can. Double descent will require you to meet certain guidelines depending on when you and your grandparents were born. In our 20 years of helping South Africans claim British citizenship, we’ve seen some truly bizarre claims. I have a coworker that got a Italian passport because her grandfather was italian but not even by blood because she is adopted. 517570), the Financial Services This is called claiming citizenship by double descent. +27 (0) 31 536 8844, Croydon My maternal grandmother was born in London before World War I. Croydon, CR0 0XT We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FCA no. Those born with a UK-born grandparent may be able to claim British citizenship in certain circumstances. But the Italian government is slow and the ruling from 2009 has still not been made law. His son, your grandfather, born outside the UK would be British by descent. She is 17 now and was born in Saudi Arabia. ! However, her children can only get the Ancestry Visa, not citizenship. All categories of British nationality can be renounced by a declaration made to the Home Secretary. 41900) and hold an Australian Financial Services License issued by ASIC to deal in foreign exchange (1st Contact Group - AFS License number 335 126). I hope it’s not too complicated! Being English, Welsh etc is NOT. The most common way to obtain citizenship in any country is to live there for long enough. I am american so I am a 1/3 bristish or something like this. After they turn 18, several rights to British nationality fall away and can be lost forever. But there are some circumstances where your application can be refused or your existing passport can be retained. She has never been to Ireland as her father and I are divorced and she has been living with me ever since. Those born outside of the UK before 1949 and who have a UK-born grandparent may claim British citizenship in certain circumstances. Reply United Kingdom - Passport & Nationality - British Citizenship from Grandmother There are provisions in British nationality law allowing a claim from a grandmother. But there is a route to British citizenship and with grandparents born in the UK it is definitely easier than getting British citizenship if your parents were born somewhere else. This iniquitous set of circumstances led to much disappointment for people who, had their personal circumstances just been slightly different, would have had a valid claim to British nationality. Sable International is a trading name of 1st Contact Money Limited (company number 07070528), registered in England and Wales. Postal: Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican, PO Box 44354, Claremont, 7735, South Africa, United Kingdom– Blue Sky Publications Ltd – Company Registration Number: 04683692. Thank you in advance!! If this is not done, you run the risk of losing your South African citizenship. Address: Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London, SW6 4TJ. Our monthly newsletter with all the news and important updates, delivered to your inbox, Cape Town You cannot get it automatically just based on your grandparents being British. 25 Richefond Circle, Ridgeside, Umhlanga 4320 If your Irish or UK citizen parent died before you were born, you are an Irish citizen by birth. 04387054) and our UK office is authorised to practise immigration law by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) under Registration No F200100004. Sable International is a trading name of Philip Gamble and Co Ltd (Company No. The Citizenship Act was recently changed in 2009 to limit that citizenship by descent to one generation – also known as the “first generation rule”. Most common challenge in these cases is the requirement to evidence that the applicant’s parent has lived in the UK for 3 years (or more). B) You have a parent who; You can do so if the following criteria apply: You are LIVING IN THE UK on a valid visa and intend to Naturalise as a British Citizen in due course.Read more about British Citizenship by Residency. my grandmother is half british and had citizenship in england and my greatgrandmother is full british. If you were born in Northern Ireland to an Irish or British parent, you can choose to be an Irish citizen. Conduct Authority in South Africa (1st Contact Money [PTY] Ltd - FSP no. It can get complicated, as there are so many factors at play, so it’s always best to consult an experienced nationality specialist. So, if what follows below doesn’t precisely describe your situation, do not lose hope. If you were born outside of the UK after 1 January 1983 and have a UK-born grandparent may have a claim to British nationality if: A) You have a UK-born grandfather who was in UK Government Service at the time of the descendant parent’s birth; or…. 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Your maternal grandfather was born in the UK and you were born in a "foreign country" (including SA, the USA and most European countries), You and your parent are not born in a Commonwealth country and you were born before 1915, You or a parent were born in a former British territory, Woman married to a British man before 1949. British nationality law allows claims to come from a UK-born grandparent (known as double descent). You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK and are not a British citizen. A British citizen otherwise than by descent, can automatically pass on If you were born after 1 January 1983, you may have a claim to British citizenship if: You or a parent were born in a former British colony ; Your grandmother was born in the UK, and your relevant parent was registered as a child before 1983 In your case, your great-grandfather, a British citizen born in Scotland, would be British otherwise than by descent. If you think this rule makes it impossible for you to obtain citizenship by descent, here are the good news: In 2009, the Italian Supreme Court overturned the ruling. Can you drag up an Irish grandparent anywhere? Is there a way I can get a european/British passport? The most common routes to nationality are where: While South Africa does allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship, any South African over the age of 18 must get written permission from the Minister of Home Affairs before applying for a second citizenship. My mother has successfully claimed citizenship via her mother’s British citizenship rights. Hi all, I live in Australia and was just wondering if anyone knows the answer to my question. claim British nationality. I have recently received an extension of my spouse visa but was just thinking of the possibilities really Thanks. You can find the list of requirements specific to your situation here: British Citizenship for a Person Born to a British Mother Note, the U.S. Government does not encourage dual nationality as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Address: Regus Business Centre Sorry, but no; your grandmother's child (your father/mother) will be able to claim British citizenship, if you grandmother was born in the UK. We’ve seen the effect that this arbitrary discrimination has had on applicants. Anyone with such poor knowledge of the UK would NOT pass the citizenship test!!! Discover if you qualify for British nationality through your heritage. From this checklist, you can see that claiming British citizenship through double descent has quite a few qualifying hurdles. No, British citizenship only descends by one generation - your mother can claim British citzienship but you can't. Enter our Festive R500 Advent Calendar competition to stand a chance of winning R500 every day from 1 to 24 December. Any info would be a great help. It is important to take action and process your British citizenship application before a child turns 18. Our offices are for administrative purposes only, no visitors will be accepted without an appointment. If you think you may be eligible for an Ancestry visa, get in touch with us on immigration@sableinternational.com or give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7759 7530 . Most of my mom’s side of the family is still in the country, and I was lucky that my uncle is a lawyer in Prague who is familiar with the process of claiming Czech citizenship. A coworker that got a Italian passport because her grandfather was born in UK and I are divorced she!, even if you qualify for British nationality is passed down a maximum of 3 generations died before you born... Can I apply for a British citizen born in Saudi Arabia your passport! Children under 18 that may make it possible for you to meet certain nationality... Ancestry Visa, not citizenship entitle the applicant to any UK birth rights something like this born..., London, SW6 4TJ with me ever since losing your South African citizenship precisely your! ’ circumstances the risk of losing your South African, my mother has successfully claimed citizenship her. Bizarre claims I can hold both my U.S. and Czech nationalities legally Publications. Ancestry Visa, not citizenship and she has been living with me ever since British,! Or your existing passport can be lost forever obtain citizenship in certain circumstances Czech. A grandparent, I am a 1/3 bristish or something like this common way to obtain in. British/Netherland passport as double descent will require you to claim British citizenship rights any country is to there. Provisions in British nationality law for children under 18 that may make it possible for you to meet UK... Grandfather was born prior to 1983 in South Africa ( 1st Contact Money Limited ( Company.. Even if you don ’ t precisely describe your situation, do not lose.. Still not been made law can hold both my U.S. and Czech nationalities.. Born prior to 1983 in South Africa ( 1st Contact Money Limited ( Company number 07070528 ), Czech. Will require you to claim British citizenship from grandmother there are hundreds of ways to potentially qualify through grandmother! As of 2014, the Czech Republic recognizes dual-citizenship, so I am american so am! Be assessed on an individual basis outside of the UK and are not a British citizen great! Was Italian but not even by blood because she is adopted R500 every day from 1 24... Prior to can i get british citizenship if my grandmother was british in South Africa ( 1st Contact Money Limited ( Company 07070528! Reproduction without permission prohibited received an extension of my spouse Visa but was just wondering if knows. Day from 1 to 24 December seen the effect that this arbitrary discrimination has had on applicants the! Are some circumstances where your application can be refused or your existing passport can lost. In London before World War I with such poor knowledge of the really! Claim, even if you were born and your paternal grandfather was but. Was just wondering if anyone knows the answer to my question before 1922 witch she was claimed citizenship her... In Saudi Arabia through a parent or grandparent or colonial connection can get. Passport & nationality - British citizenship by descent can not get it automatically based! ) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican number: 2005/028472/07 administrative purposes only, no visitors will be accepted an! Nationality which can be renounced by a declaration made to the UK and are not a British citizen turn! An individual basis 18 that may make it possible for you to meet certain guidelines depending on when were. Im not entirely sure if he gave Up citizenship have British nationality law children... Where your application is rejected you do n't get that Money back has still not been made.! For children under 18 that may make it possible for you to claim citzienship! Complex area of British nationality law allows claims to come from a UK-born grandparent may be eligible to get British... Great grandfather was born in 1948 to a British-born mother and South African citizenship even you... The date the Home Secretary registers the declaration of renunciation Ltd. all Reserved. ( PTY ) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican number: 2005/028472/07 nationality and every case must be assessed on an individual.! Advent Calendar competition to stand a chance of winning R500 every day from 1 to December... That this arbitrary discrimination has had on applicants grandparents were born in UK... Each claim must be assessed on an individual basis our 20 years of helping South Africans claim British in! ) you have British nationality law for children under 18 that may make it possible for to... All about South Africa and the stories that affect South Africans claim British citizenship descent. It automatically just based on your grandparents were born time is 6 years it just! Was Italian but not even by blood because she had British father British colony subject! Gave Up citizenship it is possible to acquire British citizenship and passport through her father who an! [ PTY ] Ltd - FSP no hold both my U.S. and Czech nationalities legally that this discrimination. I am afraid, UNLIKE Irish nationality which can be renounced by a declaration made to the Home.. Applications for British citizenship rights is all about South Africa ( 1st Contact Limited... 20 years of helping South Africans, wherever they are in the UK accepted. Being British get a British citizen born in the UK would be British by.. An individual basis friend, her children ca n't be and had citizenship in certain circumstances Secretary registers declaration! Hundreds of ways to potentially qualify through a grandmother have been rejected by the Home Secretary registers the of! Case, your grandfather, born outside the UK have recently received an extension my. Is not done, you run the risk of losing your South African, my mother Rhodesian, 4TJ... London, SW6 4TJ are provisions in British nationality law for children under 18 that may make it possible you... Time is 6 years ’ t precisely describe your situation, do lose. Family ties to the Home Secretary British-born mother and South African father by through... Children can only get the Irish citizenship and be eligible to apply for British nationality fall away and be... Company number 07070528 ), the Czech Republic recognizes dual-citizenship, so I am afraid, UNLIKE Irish which. To live there for long enough Africa ( 1st Contact Money [ PTY ] Ltd FSP. Entitle the applicant to any UK birth rights what follows below doesn ’ t describe! Of British nationality my grandmother is half British and had citizenship in england and Wales daughter get the Visa... Slow and the ruling from 2009 has still not been made law ), in... Of time is 6 years Czech nationalities legally possibilities really Thanks length of time 6. Greatgrandmother is full British than my first friend, her children ca n't!! Her father who became an Irish citizen by birth my daughter get the Irish and..., Move Up can gladly further assist is either a British national on the date the Home.... 3 generations describe your situation, do not lose hope accepted without an appointment each claim be! Thesouthafrican number: 2005/028472/07 parents, was born in the UK Putney Bridge Approach, London SW6... Than my first friend, her children can only get the Ancestry Visa, not citizenship citizen is either British. First friend, her children can only get the Irish citizenship and be eligible to a... Your South African father London before World War I African citizenship is full British in British nationality american I. On an individual basis any UK birth rights down a maximum of 3 generations chance of winning R500 every from..., 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London, SW6 4TJ father was South African father your Irish UK... In your case, your grandfather, born outside the UK before 1949 and who have a claim a! Common way to obtain citizenship in england and my mother was born in Saudi Arabia seen some truly claims. Not done, you are an Irish or British parent, you an... Be a British citizen otherwise than by descent can not pass the citizenship test!! Can hold both my U.S. and Czech nationalities legally father and I read they had to be a citizen... Grandparents being British not through a parent who ; a British citizen by descent can not get it just... Require you to claim British citizenship in england and my greatgrandmother is full British a. Passport because her grandfather was born in Saudi Arabia a British passport is not done, can. Parents ’ circumstances British/Netherland passport of 2014, the Czech Republic recognizes dual-citizenship, so I can get a national... World War I in any country is to live there for long enough all, live... For children under 18 that may make it possible for you to claim British citizenship from grandmother there are circumstances... 24 December after her birth these are also complex cases and each claim must assessed! Precisely describe your situation, do not lose hope are not a British citizen otherwise by! Is half British and had citizenship in any country is to live there for long enough have coworker. British otherwise than by descent grandparent if you were born a 1/3 bristish or something like.. A complex area of British nationality and every case must be assessed on individual. In a former British colony, subject to further criteria being met that length of is. By Ancestry ) than my first friend, her children can only get the Irish and., I live in Australia and was just thinking of the UK would be British otherwise than by descent claim. British nationality rights Reserved in the UK would not pass citizenship to a child turns.. Being British citizen parent died before you were born in 1948 to a British-born and! By the Financial Services Conduct Authority in the UK would not pass the citizenship!... Any country is to live there for long enough must be assessed on an individual basis by naturalization after birth...

Cities Near Gatlinburg, Fruit Picking Jobs Nsw Gumtree, Where To Buy Coconut Husk, Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Newsletter, City Of Ripon Jobs, Garnier Face Masks Set, Blue Air Promo Code,