Citizenship by descent question - Commonwealth member

[Learning1]

Hi thanks for adding me to the forum and for reading my question. I would like to learn if I am eligible for British Citizenship.

I am currently a dual New Zealand / Australian citizen born in 1970's.

My Great Grandmother was born in the UK 1890's and emigrated to New Zealand. My Grandparents was born in the 1920's in New Zealand. Great Grandad fought in WW1 (gassed in trenches in France), Grandad in WW2 (drove tanks, active service).

I am in touch with cousins in the UK, know where the family farm is etc. Relatives in history were members of UK parliament etc.

As I understand it, because it was my Great Grandmother who was born in the UK (not my grandmother), I am not eligible to apply? Even though the extensive connection/ service?

Thanks.

[secret.simon]

The general rule of thumb is that British citizenship can only be transmitted down one generation outside the UK. Furthermore, before 1983, it was only transmitted down the father's side. So, given the fact that it was your great grandmother, things are already looking weak.

But the history of British citizenship is very complex with multiple changes over time. To address your query, we would need a more complete picture of your whole family (details of your relevant parents' birth places and month/year, likewise for your grandparents').

Also have a read and look through the further reading list in a thread with a similar question.

People who have at least one grandparent born in what is now the UK (including the whole of Ireland before 1922) can apply for an Ancestry visa, not direct citizenship. After five years of residing and working in the UK under the Ancestry visa, the person can then apply for ILR, followed a year later by British citizenship.

[Learning1]

Thanks for the information. I'll have to look it up when I get home for more detailed information.

Dads family were Welsh - Full name and link to persons wiki information removed by moderator

I think my Dad may qualify for a visa but I can't. Mums side were from Somerset.

[Learning1]

A look at my reference material shows both my mother and father have at least one grandparent born in the UK (in the 1890s). All other relatives also originate from the UK, freely settled to AUS/NZ, but at earlier dates.

We served Britain in the Napoleonic wars, Boer War, WW1, WW2 and beyond.

As I understand it, this unfortunately makes me ineligible to apply for a UK ancestry visa.

[CR001]

As I understand it, this unfortunately makes me ineligible to apply for a UK ancestry visa.

Correct yes. It has to be a UK born Grandparent.

[Learning1]

Okay thanks for the confirmation. It is not possible.

When my direct paternal 4th Grandfather (who's name I share) returned to Wales after serving the British in India and Java it was recorded:

"Captain XX" had just re- turned from a long residence in India (and Java), where
he had served with great distinction, that justified his making
a home for himself near his native place"

I'm afraid that same native place cannot be mine. Even though I was born a British subject.

[Learning1]

Pondering .. as an indigenous person of the British isles (which I claim to be) is the denial of access (through Visa or citizenship) a violation of my rights. Can this (or has this) been challenged through the forum of United Nations?

While others are granted access for economic purposes, indigenous persons are denied?