Dual Citizenship?

Question

Here's my situation: I am an American citizen by birth and I believe that I have the eligibility to apply for a British citizenship as well (my father and grandparents are citizens of the Crown). I do not plan on moving to Britain in the near future, but I would like to have the citizenship. Where do I go to apply/ register? Where can I get the form to apply? Can you please give me some tips or pointers to get me started? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

If I recall correctly, the United States does not recognize dual citizenships. Other countries do, but not the US. So, if you're a dual British and US citizen, then as far as the UK us concerned you'd be a dual citizen, US and UK. As far as the US is concerned, you're a US citizen only.

Answer 2

My wife and I moved to Britain for a year (I am dual citizen by birth in the UK, and got my US later in life)

Here's how I understand it.

The only way the US recognizes dual's is to be born in a foreign country to Americans (usually a militay base), the child can choose to be a citizen of the other country up to a certain age (usually 18), and the US will recognize it. But the child must activily choose it.

Based on your situation, this doesnt apply.

Next, you can move to Britain, complete the requirements for citizenship (be prepared to live there for many years, up to 10) and get British citizenship, then return to the US.

But be careful, the use of a foreign passport to re-enter the US negates your American citizenship, because acquiring a foregin citizenship means giving up your American, but they will only know this if you enter using the other passport. (I actively have to do this every time I leave and re-enter)

While Ireland will re-patriate decendants of their emmigrants, the UK doesnt, mainly because immigration to the UK is a current problem their and they have very strict rules on becoming a citizen (believe me, they wouldnt let my wife even get a work permit while we where there).

The only way my children will have British citizenship is to either have them in the UK, or return shortly afterwards and claim it for them.

The only other 'backdoor' method is to find a EU country (of 27 possible) that has an easier method of gaining citizenship, and go for it. Because of the EU, Britain has to let their citizens live, work, and vote for EU elections in the UK (there are some small exceptions).

So, unless your prepared to go for a while, Im sorry, it cant be done.

Answer 3

You are an American by birth and can be a British citizen by blood since your father is a British. You can acquire British citizenship by applying at the British Embassy in the US by presenting the documents of your father. However, you must take your allegiance to the British crown.

Answer 4

Children born in the United States to a father (or, if born after 31 December 1982 to either a father or a mother) who is a British citizen by birth, registration, naturalisation or settlement in the United Kingdom are British citizens by descent.

Minors who are United States citizens and possess a second nationality by birth or descent do not, under present legislation, stand to lose citizenship of the United States simply because they possess the second nationality. However, if the person concerned should, after reaching full age exercise certain rights or privileges connected with his second nationality, loss of U.S. citizenship may result.

It is considered advisable for parents not to take any steps which may be regarded under U.S. legislation, to be an act conducive to loss of U.S. citizenship. Therefore, it is recommended that parents of British children born in the United States obtain U.S. passports for their children. This will avoid raising doubts about their status as U.S. citizens, and at the same time, after visits abroad, ensure returnability to the United States. For further information contact the U.S. State Department.

In respect of current United Kingdom law such children cannot lose the status of British citizenship without making a formal declaration of renunciation after reaching the age of eighteen years.

Answer 5

The British Nationality Act 1981
(c) by birth outside the UK to a parent who is a British citizen "otherwise than by descent";
in order to get the forms ? you will have to contact the nearest British Embassy in the US ,if you cannot find it ? please come back here and i will find it for you ...
you must have your father's orginal birth certificate ,your mother's, and yours ,they will also ask for pictures ,the Embassy will give you the format required
proof of residence in the US , electric bills, driver's license ,
i think that may be all ; if you have an US passport , keep at reach also ,
and YES you may become a UK cititizen .
if all necessary papers have been submitted ? it will take about :2 months ,but yet it may take longer ,

Answer 6

My experience, is that once you reach 18 years of age, the US does not recognize dual citizenship. So "if" you were to obtain British citizenship, and if they do recognize dual citizenship, then keep your American citizenship as primary and your British as secondary.....good luck,,,

Answer 7

First go to this website and get all the information you need to obtain a dual citizenship:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html


You might also have to go to your local Immigrations Center located in your state. Try this site also to find the nearest locations that are best for you if you do have to file some paperwork with them:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

Answer 8

WE Have been told when you travel to the U.K. use that passport and when you return use the U.S. one.I would try the U.K. embassy closest to you or go online and get info.My children can get dual as their grandmother was British.