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British by descent, British Passport for child?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 6:08 am
by raican
Hi there

I am British citizen by descent ( was born outside UK before 1980 and my father was British citizen by naturalization) and living in Canada.
My husband/father of the child is Canadian Citizen.

I gave birth to my son, who is Canadian Citizen.
Is there any way I can get him the British Passport and/or get his birth registered with British authorities?
I heard there are some recent changes, something about a MN1 application etc?

Any help would be appreciated.

What ways does my child have to get the British passport even in future?

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 6:59 am
by John
You have missed out some very important information! Simply ..... where was the child born? In the UK, or outside the UK?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 12:30 am
by raican
Sorry

my child was born in Canada. Not UK. And we live in Canada. thnx

Would also like to know IF IT IS not possible at this time, what options does my child in future have to obtain the British passport? Can he go and live/study in UK and get it?

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 8:25 am
by John
Had your child been born in the UK they would have been British from the moment of birth, and indeed British otherwise than by descent.

But born outside the UK, and given that you are British by descent, your child is not British at all. The only way to rectify that is to move to the UK, and after 3 years it will be possible to Register your child as British, under section 3(5).

This link gives more details .... click here.

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 8:33 am
by jimbo_uk
Your child cannot become British at this stage, UK citizenship to children born outside the UK is only through parents who are 'Citizens other than by Descent' (i.e. born or naturalized as British).

There are some exceptions to this, I think if the child would otherwise be stateless, or if the Parent who is a citizen by descent has lived/settled in the UK the home office may grant UK citizenship to the child.

snap...now i see Johns post has answered the question!