Am I British Citizen?
Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:45 am
My mother came to this country in 1991, also the year I was born. At the time of my birth she (and dad) did not have British citizenship or ILR.
She didn't register me as a British citizen (she was not aware of the 1981 Act and thought I had the citizenship from being born in the country).
In 2001, I got my first British passport from the IPS (my mother can't remember if they asked for British citizenship but she went through the application process and I was granted one so not sure what's gone on).
Before this my passport was within my mother's passport of her home country.
My mother was naturalised as a British citizen in 2005 (when I was 14).
My passport expired in 2005 and so I had to get it renewed, received my 2nd British passport with no problems.
A few months ago I sent my passport to the IPS to update my photo (look quite different to before) but they contacted me back asking if I've got British citizenship and that they suspect my passport was issued to be in error and that they can't issue me a passport until I prove I am a British citizen.
I'm really puzzled by this and would really like some information.
First of all, do I become a British citizen when my mother is naturalised whilst I was a minor?
Secondly, the IPS suggested that before doing a (rather expensive) application, it's worth checking the Home Office for my citizenship status first. I've had a look at the status check form and they do ask details of my parents' citizenship (as they're naturalised, does that give me entitlement?). Is this a possible way to confirm my British citizenship?
What can I do? All advice would be much appreciated.
She didn't register me as a British citizen (she was not aware of the 1981 Act and thought I had the citizenship from being born in the country).
In 2001, I got my first British passport from the IPS (my mother can't remember if they asked for British citizenship but she went through the application process and I was granted one so not sure what's gone on).
Before this my passport was within my mother's passport of her home country.
My mother was naturalised as a British citizen in 2005 (when I was 14).
My passport expired in 2005 and so I had to get it renewed, received my 2nd British passport with no problems.
A few months ago I sent my passport to the IPS to update my photo (look quite different to before) but they contacted me back asking if I've got British citizenship and that they suspect my passport was issued to be in error and that they can't issue me a passport until I prove I am a British citizen.
I'm really puzzled by this and would really like some information.
First of all, do I become a British citizen when my mother is naturalised whilst I was a minor?
Secondly, the IPS suggested that before doing a (rather expensive) application, it's worth checking the Home Office for my citizenship status first. I've had a look at the status check form and they do ask details of my parents' citizenship (as they're naturalised, does that give me entitlement?). Is this a possible way to confirm my British citizenship?
What can I do? All advice would be much appreciated.