UK citizenship by decent

Question

I was born in Canada and my dad was born in the UK (specifically Northern Ireland) and as far as I can tell this means I qualify for British Citizenship by decent. I have been searching online and cant even figure out where I need to start in order to get this officially. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm sorry Kellie, but your question really made me chuckle ... you say "citizenship by decent" ... decent means "respectable, suitable, appropriate" ... I am sure both you and your dad are very respectable ... and I think what you really meant to say was descent

you'll find information about citizenship by descent on these pages

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_nat...

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/british...

if you think you fulfill their criteria, then you should contact your local British High Commission who will be able to help you further

http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/

Answer 2

Yes if your father had British citizenship when you were born you probably are a dual-citizen. But your father would need to have been married to your mother (before you turned 18). It might even be the case that you will qualify for Irish citizenship as well - as those who are born in Northern Ireland are usually entitled to have British and Irish citizenship. Try applying for a British passport - that's probably the easiest way to find out for sure if you have citizenship. :-)