Seeking clarification.

[Smilemoar88]

Hi guys,

So recently decided to pursue British citizenship for a variety of reasons and was hoping to get some clarification on somethings. I understand you guys are not a fill-in or alternative to an agent etc but I figured people here might have useful advice none the less.

So, for background, I was born in Australia between 1983 - June 2006 to a British Father who was born in Stafford and an Australian mother. They were both married at the time I was born. My grandfather was Welsh (born and raised) and grandmother was Irish.

My understanding is that I would be eligible to claim citizenship in this case and from everything I can read online it would seem that I'd have citizenship automatically (in a sense).

My dilemma stems from the fact that about 3 months from my father's death he and my mother divorced - would this impact my position in any way?

Additionally, in my case would I need to apply for citizenship or confirmation? Or could I (as one UK friend suggested) be able to apply directly for a passport?

Any information provided is much appreciated.

[secret.simon]

As your father was a British citizen otherwise than by descent (by birth in the UK) and both your parents were married at the time of your birth, you are a British citizen by descent automatically and can apply directly for a British passport. Divorce subsequent to your birth is immaterial.

You will need at least the following to apply
a) Your birth certificate
b) Your parents' marriage certificate
c) Your father's UK birth certificate

Be aware that children born to you abroad will not be British citizens automatically, as you are not a British citizen otherwise than by descent.

As an aside, as your grandmother was Irish, that makes your father an Irish citizen by descent automatically and you can acquire Irish citizenship (and passport and also EU citizenship) by registering in the Foreign Births Register. If you have any questions on that front, create a new thread on that topic in the Ireland forum further down the main page.