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Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:34 am
by arc-stop
Hi,

I'm not sure if I am on the right board here but I thought I would give it ago. My naturalisation application has now been accepted and I have received a letter to book my citizenship ceremony which I have yet to arrange.

However, I have a couple of questions relating to my situation and one that doesn't. I'd appreciate it if anyone gets back to me on this. If I am on the wrong board I do apologise!

My first query is regarding dual citizenship. I've been trying to find information but I can't find anything solid and consistent but then again I'm not sure where I can get decent information on this.
If you have had experience regarding dual citizenship then I would appreciate your insight.

I've been considering getting dual citizenship and I have a couple of questions regarding this:

- How does this affect my current state?
- How would I go about applying for one?

Once I have attended my ceremony I plan to apply for a British passport almost immediately:

- Would the process of applying for a British passport be the same as a UK born citizen's application?
- Would I need to provide proof that I am now in fact a British citizen?
- Would I need to attend an interview?

Lastly, this question is regarding my younger sibling's future citizenship application. He is now 18 years old and is set to apply for naturalisation within the coming months. He is yet to do is Life in the UK test but he is at college completing his A-Levels. What would his proof to meet the English language criteria required in the application? For mine I submitted my degree certificate and transcripts but he has none of those. Are GCSEs or A-Levels sufficient?

I understand that I've asked an abundant amount of questions here but I would appreciate if someone got back to me or maybe point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:54 am
by alterhase58
Some quick points:
- you don't apply for dual nationality. Once you have your BC and haven't rescinded your other nationality you are dual nationality. UK laws allows dual and there is no impact on status, you are BC. But check whether your home country allows dual nationality.
- for passport you use the same form from the Post Office as everyone, but only include your Naturalisation Certificate and any uncancelled passports. Certificate proves you are BC
- your brother will need English test, irrespective of school english. It's a B1 level test from a test centre approved by the Home Office, check out the details on gov.uk
I have been through it all - very straightforward.

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:58 am
by arc-stop
alterhase58 wrote:
Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:54 am
Some quick points:
- you don't apply for dual nationality. Once you have your BC and haven't rescinded your other nationality you are dual nationality. UK laws allows dual and there is no impact on status, you are BC. But check whether your home country allows dual nationality.
- for passport you use the same form from the Post Office as everyone, but only include your Naturalisation Certificate and any uncancelled passports. Certificate proves you are BC
- your brother will need English test, irrespective of school english. It's a B1 level test from a test centre approved by the Home Office, check out the details on gov.uk
I have been through it all - very straightforward.
Exactly what I needed. Brilliant. Thank you so much!

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:52 pm
by dhyperion
As alterhase58 wrote you don't apply for dual nationality. If you already have a nationality and successfully apply and receive another one then you become a dual national. You can also be a triple national in some cases.

The key thing to check is whether any of your nationalities does NOT allow you to have a second nationality. For instance - German nationals are generally not allowed to hold a second nationality (although as I understand it they can make an exception if your second nationality is an EU one?).

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 1:12 pm
by LadyRenoir
Dual nationality depends on your country too- my country f.ex does allow it in a way where they do not recognise other nationalities, so in the eyes of the law over there, I will forever be a national of that country, and will need my documents to enter and leave (and have heard stories of people who came on British passports and were not allowed out without the passport of the country). So check the regulations beforehand!

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 1:17 pm
by dhyperion
Yes, it very much depends on the country - as a general rule if you visit a country of which you are a national then you are subject to all laws and regulations related to being a national of that country. This can include - but not limited to - military service (conscription). So just because you're a dual national does not mean you get some sort of special status :)

Re: Dual Citizenship/British Passport Application

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 2:47 pm
by arc-stop
These insights are very helpful. I appreciate all the info!

Edit: My original country of Nationality is the Philippines so I will have to check over how a dual citizenship works with the Philippines.