Immigration Corner | How to register as a UK citizen if your mother was a UK citizen before January 1, 1983

Dear Mr Bassie,

My mother is British and I would like to know under what circumstances would I be able to register as a British citizen, based on her status. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

GF

Dear GF,

Persons can apply by post to register as a British citizen, if they were born before 1983 to a British mother. Those persons would have to register as a British citizen using form UKM.

APPLYING BY POST

Persons should use this form if they live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British overseas territory, or if they live elsewhere and want to apply by post. Please be advised that applicants will need to submit their documents with the application.

It should be noted that persons can only apply if they would automatically have become a British citizen on January 1, 1983, if women were able to pass citizenship on to their children at the time of their birth. It is advisable that applicants should read the UKM guidance to check if they can apply. They should also read the nationality forms guide to help them fill in the form.

The applicants should send the form and payment slip (including the fee) and their documents to the lieutenant governor, if they are in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or they should send it to the governor of the territory if in a British overseas territory. Persons who reside elsewhere should send it to the UK Visas and Immigration at the following postal address:

Department 1

UK Visas and Immigration

The Capital Building

New Hall Place

Liverpool

L3 9PP

APPLYING ONLINE

Persons who do not live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British overseas territory can apply online. Those persons can get help to make their online application if they are in the United Kingdom and if they do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete an online immigration application form.

Please be aware that most people who live in the UK and apply online are able to keep their documents while their application is processed.

All the best.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com