If you are wondering how to get British citizenship by double descent, you are not alone. Several are British citizens, and they are British by birth. This post will show you how British citizenship by double descent works, who is eligible, and how to apply.
What is British Citizenship by Double Descent?
British citizenship by double descent You can get British citizenship by marrying your grandparent (rather than just your parent). This is the route you have if your grandparent was born in the UK or British, and if the requirements are met.
British citizenship passes down from your parents to you for most, but with double descent, you can be a citizen of your grandparents if they fit certain criteria.
Who is Eligible for British Citizenship on Double Descent?
British citizenship by double descent: You will be asked to explain a few things to establish if you qualify as a British citizen by your grandparents. Here’s a breakdown:
If You Were Born After 1st January 1983:
- If one of the following describes you, you may be a double descendant British citizen:
- Your grandfather was born in the UK and had Crown Service (government jobs, military jobs) when your parent was born.
- You were born in a former British colony, or you were your parents.
- Your British-born mother was born in Britain between 2nd February and 31st December 1982.
If You Were Born Before 1st January 1983:
- If: You could still be a candidate for British citizenship by double descent, but only if:
- You or your parent were born in an ex-British state (except Commonwealth states).
- You or your parents were naturalized British citizens.
- Your parents were Crown Service workers when you were born.
- Your parents were married before 1949 and your father was born in the UK.
- The father of your mother was born in the UK but you were born outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Double Descent Application For British Citizenship (British Citizenship)
Applying for British citizenship through descent works in the same way as other routes. But you’ll have to establish your lineage and submit all the documents you can. This is a trickier one as you’ll need to have evidence of your grandparent’s Britishness and any connections to the UK.
The most important application process is this:
- Prepare Documents: You’ll need to produce birth certificates, your grandparent’s papers, their marriage certificates, and evidence of their UK citizenship or Crown Service history. Thisis to show that you are related to the UK.
- Apply: You’ll have to apply to the Home Office, with all the necessary documents. A decision might take around 6 months or more if the Home Office requires more information.
- Visit a Citizenship Ceremony: Once you have an application approved and are 17 or older, you will be taken to a citizenship ceremony.
- Wait Until You Decide: The Home Office may contact you for more information. “It’s critical to get it right or you’ll get late.
The whole process is a lot to handle, so consult an immigration expert such as Law and Visas to get your application completed properly. This can save you time and snag you the one wrong step that can get you denied.
Alternatives to Double-Descent British Citizenship
If you are British but aren’t double-descendant eligible for citizenship, you might try the UK Ancestry Visa instead. You’ll live and work in the UK on this visa and can eventually become British a few years down the line. This is what you need to have for the Ancestry Visa:
- Must be over 17 years old.
- You have to be a Commonwealth citizen.
- You need a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft.
- You have to prove you’re working or are a sole trader in the UK.
- You need to establish that you and your dependents can survive without the assistance of public money.
- Ancestry Visa — £637, and dependents are allowed if you’re wealthy enough.
You can apply for British citizenship by double descent if you are a British citizen or born in the UK grandparent. But that isn’t as straightforward and you need the right documents to support your argument.
If you feel that you are a potential candidate for double descent British citizenship, Law and Visas can assist you through the application process and if you’re going to get your case off the ground. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you!
