United Kingdom - flag United Kingdom - Passport & Nationality - British Citizenship by Birth (US Father)

Listen to our RECENT WEBINAR where our two British nationality experts - Philip Gamble and Mishal Patel - discuss a family birth in the United States and its implications for claims to British nationality in the modern day.

In normal circumstances, a birth in the UK before 1 January 1983 means the automatic acquisition of Citizen of the UK & Colonies (CUKC) status at birth and the automatic reclassification as a British citizen on 1 January 1983. However, the position is complicated if the birth took place at a time that the father was stationed in the UK on account of their active service for the US Military.

The Visiting Forces Act 1952 (commencement date 12 June 1954) details to what extent servicemen from overseas are subject to UK Jurisdiction. It is clear from this Act that the UK reserved rights of jurisdiction in at least some cases and so US Servicemen in the UK were not afforded the same rights as foreign diplomats in the period between 12 June 1954 and 1 January 1983.

In broad terms, if you were born in the UK to a father who stationed there on account of their position in the US military, then:

 - if you were born before 12 June 1954, it is unlikely that you acquired CUKC status and it is unlikely that you were reclassified as a British citizen on 1 January 1983;

 - if you were born after 11 June 1954 and before 1 January 1983, it is likely that you acquired CUKC status and you can now claim British nationality in the modern day.

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Ask Philip Gamble whether you (or your children) have a claim to British nationality.

ASK PHILIP GAMBLE NOW!
Learn more about these routes to British Nationality:

WhatPassport.com is a specialist UK Nationality and British Citizenship site offering an online search and assessment. Claims to hold a British Passport can be complex and the site offers a quick, simple search to give you the answers. While many people qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa based on holding a Commonwealth passport with a UK born grandmother or grandfather, we have found that if you have a grandparent born in the UK, or if your mother is British or your father is British, then there are several scenarios where you can claim British Nationality and the right to hold a British Passport. This stems from Britain’s collection of British Colonies, British Protectorates and British Protected States in the middle of last century and the Nationality rules concerning what are now the countries of the Commonwealth.

WhatPassport.com is a subsidiary of Sable International.

Sable International offers a range of services relating to UK and Australian immigration. For over 20 years, we have been helping people with their UK and Australian visa applications. We assist with applications for Ancestry visas, spouse visas, work visas, Tier 1 visas, UK working holiday visas, UK dependant visas, Tier 4 visas, UK Visitor visas, sponsorship visas or UK permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain. We also specialise in UK visa extensions. If you’ve overstayed your visa, our Overstayer Status Trace service can assist to regularise your visa status.