It is quite simple actually.
A British citizen otherwise than by descent can pass on his citizenship to his children (born after his acquisition of British citizenship) wherever in the world they are born automatically.
A British citizen by descent can't.
Who is a British citizen otherwise than by descent?
- A person who has acquired his British citizenship either by birth in the UK or by (adult) naturalisation in the UK is a British citizen otherwise than by descent.
Who is a British citizen by descent?
- Broadly, anybody born abroad who is a British citizen only because of the British citizenship of one of his parents. They can not pass on their British citizenship to their children automatically.
The legal definition of British Citizen by Descent is given in
Section 14 of the BNA 1981. Any citizenship acquired other than by the specific routes listed in Section 14 are "otherwise than by descent".
Registration is a different kettle of fish all together. Section 14 lists that certain types of registration (such as Section 3(1) registration) lead to British citizenship by descent. Ones that are not listed in Section 14 (such as Section 1(3) registration) are British citizens otherwise than by descent.
Broad and simple rule of thumb
British citizenship can be passed only one generation outside the UK.
- Birth or (adult) naturalisation in the UK - British citizen otherwise than by descent -> Can pass citizenship to children born abroad.
- Birth abroad (or registration following birth abroad) - British citizen by descent -> Can not pass citizenship to children born abroad.
Stockholm Syndrome does come in handy some times.
I am not a lawyer or immigration advisor. My statements/comments do not constitute legal advice. E&OE. Please do not PM me for advice.