If there’s one thing that I’ve come to learn about the United Kingdom, it’s that the concept of citizenship can be quite complex. While many people born in the country may assume that they are automatically British citizens, the reality is often far more complicated than that. For example, did you know that anyone born in the UK before 1983 to parents who were not British citizens could be considered stateless if they’ve never acquired citizenship elsewhere?
It’s not just people born in the UK who face citizenship challenges, either. Those who come to the country as refugees, asylum seekers, or through other means may find it difficult to obtain citizenship, even if they’ve lived in the country for years. Additionally, the rights of British citizens living abroad can be murky, especially when it comes to issues like voting and taxation. Overall, it’s clear that being a “British citizen” is not always as straightforward as it may seem.
That being said, there are certain populations who may face especially significant hurdles when it comes to obtaining or maintaining British citizenship. For example, EU citizens who have lived and worked in the UK for years may find themselves facing deportation as a result of Brexit, while Commonwealth citizens who came to the UK in the aftermath of World War II may have been denied citizenship and other rights. In this article, we’ll explore some of these challenges in greater detail, and what steps are being taken to address them.
Types of British Citizenship
British citizenship is a status that comes in different forms, each with its rights and responsibilities. The different types of British citizenship include:
- British citizens by birth – these are individuals who were born within the United Kingdom or its territories and did not acquire citizenship of another country at birth.
- British citizens by descent – These are individuals who were born outside the United Kingdom, but one or both of their parents were British citizens.
- British overseas citizens – These are individuals who were formerly British citizens connected to former British colonies or protectorates, such as Hong Kong or Macau. They do not have the right to live or work in the United Kingdom, unless they obtain their citizenship by other means.
- British subjects – This category is similar to British overseas citizens. British subjects are, however, individuals who have a connection with former British colonies and protectorates such as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. They do not have the same rights as British citizens, but their status enables them to apply for British citizenship in certain circumstances.
It’s essential to understand that having British citizenship may not automatically give an individual the right to live or work in the United Kingdom. The type of citizenship obtained also determines what rights an individual qualifies for.
Requirements to become a British citizen
Becoming a British citizen is a goal for many individuals who come to the United Kingdom to live, work or study. However, the process of obtaining British citizenship can be complex, and applicants must meet a range of criteria to be eligible for citizenship in the UK. In this article, we will explore the requirements to become a British citizen, focusing primarily on the following subtopics:
- Residency requirements
- Language and knowledge requirements
- Good character requirements
- Financial requirements
Language and knowledge requirements
One of the main requirements for obtaining British citizenship is meeting the English language and knowledge of life in the UK requirements. Applicants are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language by passing an English language test at or above level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In addition, applicants must take the ‘Life in the UK’ test to demonstrate their knowledge of British culture, history, government, and institutions. The test assesses applicants’ understanding of British society, including the law and the political system. The ‘Life in the UK’ test consists of 24 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an approved center in the United Kingdom.
It is worth noting that exemptions to the English language and knowledge requirements may be available for certain applicants, such as those over the age of 65 or those with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from meeting the requirements.
Overall, meeting the English language and knowledge requirements is a key step for anyone looking to become a British citizen. It demonstrates a level of engagement and understanding of British society and culture that is considered essential for citizenship in the UK.
British citizenship by birth
Being born in the UK or a British overseas territory does not automatically grant British citizenship. The following categories of people are considered British citizens by birth:
- A child born in the UK to a parent who is a British citizen or settled in the UK at the time of the child’s birth.
- A child born outside the UK to a parent who is a British citizen by descent, but only if the parent is working abroad for the UK government or an international organization in which the UK participates.
- A child born outside the UK to a parent who is a British citizen by descent, but only if the parent was born in a British overseas territory or was previously a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
The rules around British citizenship by birth can be complex, and it is important to seek professional advice if you are unsure about your status. In addition to the categories outlined above, there are also special provisions for individuals born before 1983, as well as for those born to British parents who are not married or in a civil partnership.
It is interesting to note that British citizenship by birth is not a concept that has been around forever. Prior to 1983, a child born in the UK to non-British parents would not automatically become a British citizen. Instead, the child would typically take the nationality of their parents. However, a number of high-profile cases during the 1970s brought attention to this issue, and the rules were subsequently changed to ensure that children born in the UK had a clear path to British citizenship.
| Year | Number of British citizens by birth (thousands) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 118 |
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2020 | 158 |
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of British citizens by birth has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. In 2000, there were 118,000 British citizens by birth. By 2020, this number had risen to 158,000. It is likely that this trend will continue in the future, as more and more children are born to parents who are British citizens or settled in the UK.
British citizenship by descent
British citizenship by descent is when an individual automatically acquires British citizenship because they were born to a parent who is a British citizen. The parent, in this case, passes their citizenship on to their child at the time of their birth, regardless of where the child is born.
There are several scenarios in which an individual can obtain British citizenship by descent:
- If one or both parents are British citizens and the child is born outside the UK
- If one or both parents are British citizens and the child is born inside the UK, but the parents were not born or naturalized in the UK
- If the child’s grandparents are British citizens by birth or through descent, and the parent obtained citizenship by descent
Here is a table that summarizes the different scenarios in which a child can acquire British citizenship by descent:
| Situation | Child’s Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Child born inside the UK to parents who are British citizens, but neither parent was born or naturalized in the UK | British citizenship by descent |
| Child born outside the UK to parents who are British citizens, at least one of whom was born in the UK | British citizenship otherwise than by descent |
| Child born outside the UK to parents who are British citizens, neither of whom were born in the UK | British citizenship by descent |
| Child born outside the UK to parents one of whom is a British citizen by descent | British citizenship by descent |
It’s important to note that British citizenship by descent cannot be passed on to the next generation born outside the UK. To acquire British citizenship, the child of an individual with British citizenship by descent must be born inside the UK.
British Citizenship by Naturalization
Individuals who are not born British citizens can still obtain British citizenship through the process of naturalization. This means applying for citizenship and meeting the eligibility criteria. Usually, one can apply for naturalization after living in the UK for a certain period of time and meeting certain requirements.
To be eligible for British citizenship by naturalization, an individual must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have lived in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen)
- Not have spent more than 450 days outside of the UK during the five-year period (or 270 days during the three-year period)
- Have no serious criminal convictions or immigration offenses
- Pass the “Life in the UK” test and meet the English language requirement
Those who are married to a British citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of living in the UK, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The “Life in the UK” test examines the applicant’s knowledge of UK customs, history, and government. The English language requirement can be met by passing an approved English language test.
Once an individual has met all of the eligibility criteria and been granted British citizenship by naturalization, they will have the same rights and responsibilities as those who are born British citizens. This includes the ability to work, vote, and access public services.
| Advantages of British Citizenship by Naturalization | Disadvantages of British Citizenship by Naturalization |
|---|---|
|
|
Overall, obtaining British citizenship by naturalization can be a lengthy and costly process, but it can provide many benefits for those who are eligible and willing to meet the requirements.
Dual citizenship and British citizenship
Dual citizenship occurs when a person holds citizenship of two or more countries at the same time. It is a common practice in many countries, including the United Kingdom. However, the rules vary depending on the country and citizenship combinations.
In the UK, the government allows dual citizenship. This means that a person can be both a British citizen and a citizen of another country. The UK government also does not require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship in order to become a British citizen.
Who qualifies as a British Citizen?
- People who were born in the UK (including Northern Ireland)
- People who were born outside the UK but have a parent who is a British citizen
- People who have lived in the UK for a certain period of time and have been granted citizenship through naturalization
- People who were born in a British overseas territory
- People who were born in a former British colony and have a connection to the UK through their ancestry
- People who were previously British subjects or protected persons
Benefits of British Citizenship
There are numerous benefits to holding British citizenship, including:
- The right to live and work in the UK indefinitely
- The ability to travel freely within the EU and vote in UK elections
- The right to apply for a British passport
- Access to free healthcare and education
- Protection by the UK embassy when traveling abroad
Dual Citizenship Countries
Some countries do not allow dual citizenship, while others have restrictions or requirements. Below is a table of some countries and their stance on dual citizenship with the UK.
| Country | Dual Citizenship Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Australia | Yes |
| Canada | Yes |
| India | No |
| New Zealand | Yes |
| South Africa | Yes with conditions |
| USA | Yes |
It is important to research the specific rules for dual citizenship in each country before pursuing it.
British citizenship and Brexit
British citizenship is the legal status given to individuals who are recognized as British nationals. With the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, understanding who is considered a British citizen has become more important than ever.
- British citizens: those who are born in the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or born to at least one British parent
- British Overseas Territories citizens, such as those from Bermuda or the Cayman Islands
- British Nationals (Overseas): a category created after Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997
- British subjects: this category is rarely used and is generally limited to those who were considered British subjects before 1949
- British protected persons: people who do not have any other nationality but have a connection to a former British protectorate, such as Kuwait or Iraq
It is important to note that EU citizens who were living in the United Kingdom before Brexit are eligible to apply for settled status, which would allow them to continue living and working in the country. Individuals who are not eligible for British citizenship but have a connection to the United Kingdom, such as those who have lived in the country for a certain amount of time, may be able to apply for permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain.
Additionally, the rights and status of British citizens living in the EU may be impacted by Brexit. For example, they may lose their rights to work, study, and access healthcare in EU member states. It is important for British citizens living in the EU to stay informed about any changes to their status.
| Category | Requirements for British citizenship |
|---|---|
| British citizens | Birth in the United Kingdom or to at least one British parent |
| British Overseas Territories citizens | Birth in a British Overseas Territory or connection through a parent or grandparent |
| British Nationals (Overseas) | Connection to a British Overseas Territory before 1997 |
| British subjects | Connected to a former British colony before 1949 |
| British protected persons | No other nationality and connected to a former British protectorate before 1983 |
As Brexit continues to impact the rights and status of British citizens, it is important to stay informed about any changes and ensure that all necessary applications and paperwork are completed in a timely manner.
Who Are Considered British Citizens FAQs
1. What is the definition of a British citizen?
A British citizen is someone who holds British nationality and has the right to live and work in the UK.
2. Who is eligible to become a British citizen?
There are several ways to become a British citizen, such as being born in the UK or having a British parent or grandparent. You can also apply for citizenship after living in the UK for a certain period of time.
3. Are people born in the UK always considered British citizens?
Not necessarily. If you were born in the UK to parents who are not British citizens or settled in the UK, you may not automatically be considered a British citizen.
4. Can non-UK citizens become British citizens?
Yes, anyone can apply to become a British citizen if they meet the eligibility criteria and go through the proper application process.
5. What is the difference between a British citizen and a British subject?
A British citizen is someone who holds full citizenship rights in the UK, while a British subject is someone who is connected to the UK and its territories but does not necessarily have full citizenship rights.
6. Are there any benefits to being a British citizen?
Yes, British citizens have several benefits, such as the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely, the ability to apply for a UK passport, and access to certain services and benefits.
7. Can British citizens lose their citizenship?
Yes, in some cases, British citizens may lose their citizenship if they become citizens of another country or engage in behavior that is deemed detrimental to the UK or its citizens.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that these FAQs have provided you with a better understanding of who is considered a British citizen. Whether you are a British citizen yourself or interested in becoming one, be sure to consult with the relevant authorities to ensure that you are aware of all the requirements and processes involved. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you again soon for more informative content!