People who have been staying in the UK for a long time dream of becoming a citizen of the UK. There are different processes to become a British citizen. However, you can also claim British citizenship based on your ancestry. British Citizenship by Double Descent is the process through which you achieve that. You can still become a British Citizen if you and your parents were not even born and brought up in the UK, because of your grandparents. We will explain in this blog how British Citizenship by Double Descent works, the eligibility criteria, and the application process. Let’s explore what this is and how you will be able to apply for it.
What is British Citizenship by Double Descent?
British Citizenship by Double Descent means you can become a British Citizen if one of your Grandparents was a British Citizen or connected to the UK even if your parents were born outside of the UK. Normally, a person can become a British Citizen if their parents are British or born in the UK. You can still even apply for Citizenship If your Grandparent was born in the UK but shifted to another country and your parent was born in that other country later because your Grandparent’s link was connected to the UK.
Who is eligible for British Citizenship by Double Descent?
Let’s break down who is eligible for British Citizenship by Double Descent. This part is essential to understand because there are some key rules. Here are some situations where you might be able to apply.
- Your Grandparent was born in the UK:
You might be eligible for citizenship by Double Descent if one of your Grandparents is born in the UK. If you are trying to get your British citizenship by Double Descent, this is the most straightforward way to apply. Your Grandparent’s connection to the UK could make you able to apply even though your patient was not born in the UK.
- Your Parent did not become automatically British
Your parents should not have automatically become British Citizens at Birth. This is a little bit confusing. This happens when your parent was born outside of the UK and didn’t get British Citizenship at Birth. You could still apply for citizenship because of any one of your Grandparents being citizens of the UK.
- Your parents became British citizens later.
You could be eligible for the application even if your parent wasn’t automatically a British Citizen but became one by registering later. This process is called ‘Registration’. Through this process, people apply to become citizens even though they were not one at Birth. You may be eligible for the application for double descent even if this applies to your parents. However, in this case, you can simply claim British citizenship by being the direct descendant of your parents.
- Your grandparents worked for the British Government.
You might be able to apply for citizenship by Double Descent if your grandparents worked under the British government, the military, or another British Organization outside the UK. Their job would have kept a strong connection to the UK which helps the process.
- British Nationality Act
Many citizenship rules have been changed as per the British Nationality Act, of 1948. You might be able to claim citizenship through Double Descent if your parent or Grandparent was affected by the British Nationality Act. This act gives you certain rights to people born in British Colonies or Protectorates. You will need to check your case in detail to know under which criteria you will be able to claim citizenship.
How to apply for British Citizenship by Double Descent
The process to apply for British Citizenship by Double Descent is not too complicated. But some careful steps are required for the process. We have listed the steps such that it will make it easier for you to follow.
- Check your Eligibility
It’s very important to check your eligibility before you apply. You can do this process by gathering information about your family history. It’s important to find out whether your Grandparent was born in the UK your parents became British Citizens or your family was connected to the British Government in some way.
- Prepare your Documents
You need to gather the required documents after eligibility confirmation. Required documents are
- Your birth certificate along with your parents and your Grandparent’s birth certificate.
- Marriage Certificate (If applicable)
- Proof of your Grandparent’s Connection to the UK. Like: Their passport, birth certificate, or government records.
- Proof that your parents became British Citizens. (If applicable)
Documentation is critical since it will allow you to make the claim. So, ensure that there is no gap in the documentation which might lead to the application being rejected.
- Fill out the Application Form
An application form is provided by the UK Government for people applying for British Citizenship by Double Descent. You will need to clarify your connection with the UK in this application form by clarifying your relationship with your grandparents and their relationship with the UK.
- Pay the Application Fee
You will need to check the application fee at the time of applying since this keeps getting updated. It also might be free of cost in your case under certain criteria, depending upon where your grandparents were living when they were citizens of the UK. It is best to consult the official UK website of the Home Office on this.
- Submit your Application
You will need to submit everything to the UK Government after completing the form fill it up and collect all the documents. It’s important to double-check everything before you submit and make sure you have not missed anything.
- Wait for a Decision
You need to wait once you have submitted your application. It’s important to be patient because it can take several months to get a response. They will contact you if they need more information. Generally, the decision will be given within 6 months at most.
- Attend a Citizenship Ceremony (If Required)
You might be invited to a citizenship ceremony if your application is approved. This is a special event where you have to take an oath of loyalty to the UK and you will officially be a British Citizen.
How long does it take?
The processing time for British Citizenship by Double Descent can vary. It can take a few months. Sometimes it can take longer depending on how many application forms are being processed at the time. It’s important to be patient during the whole process.
Conclusion
British Citizenship by Double Descent is an exclusive opportunity for those who have ancestors who used to be citizens of the UK. It allows them to claim British citizenship without having to go through the regular naturalization process. While the process can be a bit time-consuming, it is certainly worth the wait.