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Parent born in Ireland before Irish independence
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:50 pm
by Brigid from Ireland
What is the procedure for the child of a parent who was born in Ireland before Ireland gained independence, to get a British passport? Do you just fill out the normal application form?
What is the procedure for their child (the grandchild of the British citizen)?
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 11:37 pm
by JAJ
Citizenship of the U.K. & Colonies did not exist when what is now the Republic of Ireland became independent in 1922.
When the British Nationality Act 1948 was enacted, it defined the U.K. based on frontiers as of 1949.
Hence, there is no special entitlement to British citizenship before those born in the Republic of Ireland before 1922. Except in certain exceptional cases where they were not domiciled there on December 6, 1922.
Or, if you were born in a colony with a pre-1922 Irish born parent or grandparent, this would usually be enough to make you a British citizen.
Most people born in the Republic of Ireland before 1949 can apply for British subject passports. However, this status is not transmissible.