How do I get my UK citizenship? What's the process? What are the websites?

Question

I was born in Australia in 1985 so I automatically have Australian citizenship. However, my mum is a UK citizen with only permanent residency in Australia - not Australian citizenship. She came to Australia with her parents (both UK citizens) at the age of 9 back in the 1950s. She has lived here ever since.

I know that I should be able to get UK citizenship because of this connection, but I am not sure how to go about doing it.

What are the web addresses I should visit?

I want my UK citizenship because I'm in my final year of university studying to be a teacher. I know there is a shortage of teachers in the UK, particularly in inner London (though I'm happy to go anywhere theres a need). I may wait a year or two to get some experience in teaching before I go overseas. However, I want to go to the UK to visit my cousins within the next year, and because I would be applying for citizenship later anyway, I may as well do it now rather than messing around with visas.

Sorry, I know that I need to tell "them" my mum is a UK citizen, but who do I tell? How or where do I get the forms? Is there an official website?
Cheers!

Answer 1

You're automatically British via Descent through the mother because you're born in 85 (rules change every so many years) but you should be fine since you're born after 83.

You just need to go to the British High Commison website and download the C1 form (for a passport), checklist and apply. In the passport it will say that you're a British citizen and that's how you claim it. It's $325 (including the courier fee) so I suggest you start saving a bit and start getting all your paperwork together. Your Birth certificate, mom's etc.

Get the passport before you go so you can go through as a British citizen (make sure you have an Australian passport to get back to Australia as well). The British passport is the only thing you need proving that you are British.

Be warned it takes 40 working days to process a application for a passport. They're within the time limit though. I had no problems except I got a bit anxious when waiting for the kid's first time passports. Also if you decide to call the embassy have your credit card ready (they charge you).

Oh and welcome to the British/Australian club. :þ

Answer 2

Apply for a British citizenship by citing that you are a child of the British citizen.