UK CITIZINSHIP

There are two main types of British citizenship:

• Otherwise than by descent – which means you were usually born in the UK to British parents and can pass on your nationality to the next generation.
• By descent – means you were born overseas to someone British ‘otherwise’ than by descent. Whilst you yourself are British, you will not be able to pass this on to any children born outside of the UK.

Determining whether someone is entitled to British nationality is often complex. It can depend on where you were born, when, the type of British nationality held by your parents and even by your grandparents. We will work with you to gather the relevant information to determine whether or not you have a claim to be British.

You can consider applying for British Nationality, if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settled status) or Permanent Residence in the UK. You will need to prove that:

• you have been in the UK lawfully for the past five years (or three if married to a British national)
• your absences from the UK are not too high
• you are a person of good character and do not have any serious criminal offences or civil penalties
• you speak a sufficient level of English and have passed the Life in the UK test

Children under 18 year can usually be registered as British, if they were born in the UK and one of their parents is either settled or British. There are a number of other ways that a child can be register as British and Home Office have a significant level of discretion to allow this when it is clear in child’s best interests and future.

For our expert advice on this area of immigration law and how it applies to your individual circumstances, please contact on 0161 465 1814 or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.