Countries > South Africa
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South Africa
As a South African Citizen, there are several ways in which to claim British Nationality. These are:
- British Citizenship by Birth: based on birth in the United Kingdom
- British Citizenship by Descent: based on having a parent born in the UK, or a British mother or father.
- British Citizenship by Double Descent: based on having a grandparent born in the UK.
For British Nationality purposes, the Republic of Ireland is included in the definition of the United Kingdom before 31.03.1922. For these and other forms of British Nationality available to South Africans, click on British Citizenship for South Africans.
STATUS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROVINCES
The Cape
Between 1815 and 30.05.1910, the Cape Colony was within the British Crown Dominions.
Natal
The Natal Colony fell within the British Crown Dominions from 1844 until 30.05.1910.
The Transvaal
The Transvaal was within the British Crown Dominions between 1877 and 1881.
From 1881 until 31.08.1900, it was a British Protectorate. Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in Transvaal when it was a British Protectorate).
From 01.09.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.
The Orange Free State
The Orange Free State was within the British Crown Dominions between 1848 and 1854.
Between 1854 and 23.05.1900, it was a foreign country.
From 24.05.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.
Other Territories
Other areas within South Africa that were, at some time or another, under the control of the British were:
SOUTH AFRICA
Prior to 31.05.1910, South Africa comprised of four separate territories (above).
From 31.05.1910 until 31.12.1948, South Africa was within the British Crown Dominions.
Between 01.01.1949 and 30.05.1962, it was an independent Commonwealth country. Click here for more information about the consequences of being born in a Commonwealth country.
From 31.05.1962 until 25.07.1994, it was a foreign country.
From 26.07.1994 until the present day, it was a independent Commonwealth country. Click here for more information about the consequences of being born in a Commonwealth country.
South Africans aged between 18-30 qualify for a Working Holiday Visa for Canada.