The following changes to British nationality law, in respect of registration, came into force on 13 January 2010. The requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen are not changing at this time. The ‘earned citizenship’ provisions will not commence until July 2011.
1. Children of British mothers: After 13 January 2010, a person who has a British mother will have a right to register as a British citizen under section 4C of the British Nationality Act 1981, if they would have become a British citizen at birth had women been able to pass on citizenship in the same way as men.
2. Children born overseas to parents in the armed forces: A child born outside the UK after 13 January can register as a British citizen if: n they were born to a foreign and commonwealth member of the UK armed forces
– that parent was serving outside the UK at the time of birth
– both parents consent to the registration
In addition, the law has changed so that anyone born in the UK after 13 January 2010 to a parent in the UK armed forces will automatically be a British citizen.
3. Children born outside the UK to British citizens by descent: After 13 January 2010, children of British citizens by descent can be registered under section 3(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if an application is made at any time before their 18th birthday.
Immigration Studio
020 3397 0231
www.immigrationstudio.com
