Father just received citizenship, am I eligible?

[tingalinga]

Hello everyone! Just a quick question as things are a little unclear on the website.

My father was born in the UK, lived there for about three months before he moved to Canada. He's only ever held Canadian citizenship, but decided to apply now after 50 years, and today received his British passport and now holds dual citizenship. He's never resided in the UK though, and still lives in Canada.

I was born in Canada, but I currently am a student in the UK (with a tier 4 visa), and so am interested in getting dual citizenship as well. As he was born here and is now a citizen (though doesn't live here), am I eligible?

Thanks so much!

[Tea_Rocket]

I assume you've already done the Home Office's small survey to check whether or not you are already a UK citizen.

From what I can tell, for you it probably comes down to whether or not your father was recently naturalised as a UK citizen or whether he got the citizenship that he has always held officially recognized. If it's the former, then unless you're under 18, you're probably out of luck in terms of getting your own UK citizenship fast-tracked and you'll have to do the same visas -> indefinite leave to remain -> naturalisation journey that the majority of people on this board have had to take. If it's the latter, or you're under 18, then it might simply be a matter of find you the right forms to establish your own UK citizenship through him.

[vinny]

If your father was born in the UK about 50 years ago, then it's likely that he was automatically British otherwise than by descent, unless your grandfather was a diplomat or an enemy foreigner. So, if your father was also married to your mother, then you may automatically be British since birth without realising it.

[Obie]

Unless of course your father was not married to your mother at the time of your birth, assuming you were born before the 1July 2006.