How to Get Dual Citizenship to the United States and the United Kingdom
Those Americans who were born in the U.K. and lived there until the age of 10, or who were born to at least one British parent, or those who have been married to a British citizen for over three years are eligible to apply for dual citizenship to both the U.S. and U.K. While the U.S. does not overtly endorse dual citizenship, there is no law against it. U.S. citizens can can apply for dual citizenship without fear of losing their U.S. rights, as long as they do not explicitly renounce their American citizenship when applying for dual nationality.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Notify the U.S. State Department that you intend to apply for dual nationality in the U.K. Make clear that you do not intend to renounce your American citizenship.
-
2
Go to the U.K. Border Agency website (see the Resource section of this article). Depending on your claim to dual citizenship, there are different forms to fill out. Download the appropriate form.
-
-
3
Fill the form out and take it along to the local authority offices, if you live in the U.K. Each local authority has a National Checking Service that will ensure you have filled out the correct sections, and will send your application onward. Alternatively, if you are living in America, you should post the forms to the nearest British Embassy. This incurs an additional cost since the forms have to forwarded to the U.K.
-
4
Include copies of the necessary documents with your application. A fee is also required to cover administrative costs. Each form clearly specifies the documentation and fee that is required. If you take your form to the National Checking Office, a clerk will ensure you have included the correct documentation and fee.
-
5
Wait for a decision on your application. Almost all applications are processed within six months. However, be wary of sending an application if you are planning a trip abroad, because you will need to include your passport. The U.K. Border Agency sends a letter of receipt within four weeks notifying you that your application has been received.
-
6
Contact the U.K. Border Agency if you have not gotten a receipt after four weeks. Also, let the agency know if your marital status or address has changed while your application is being processed.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit uk passport and currency image by Christopher Nolan from Fotolia.com
