Registering A Person Born To British Mother Before 1983

Individuals who were born outside the UK before 1 January 1983 and whose mother was a British citizen may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by registration. This process is intended to correct historical limitations in nationality law that prevented British mothers from passing on citizenship in the same way as British fathers. 

Applicants who qualify must apply using Form UKM and will be granted British citizenship by descent if successful. Sunrise Solicitors can guide applicants through the entire Form UKM application process with expert legal support tailored to your case. Call us today to get expert legal advice.  

Eligibility for Registration Under Form UKM 

An individual may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by registration under the Form UKM route if all the following criteria are met: 

• They were born before 1 January 1983. 
• They were born outside the UK. 
• Their mother was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC) at the time of their birth. 
• Their mother acquired that citizenship in her own right. This means she became a CUKC through one of the following: 
  • Being born or legally adopted in the UK 
  • Being naturalised or registered in the UK or in a qualifying territory (such as the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or certain British territories) 
• The applicant did not automatically become a British citizen at birth. 

Before 1 January 1983, British nationality law only allowed fathers to automatically pass on their citizenship to children born outside the UK. Mothers did not have the same legal right at that time. As a result, some individuals born before that date to British mothers did not become British citizens at birth. The current registration process using Form UKM provides an opportunity for those individuals to apply for British citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements. 

How to Apply?

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may apply either online or by post, depending on their circumstances and location. 

Online Application 

Applicants applying online will: 

• Fill in the digital application form 
• Upload copies of required documents via the online system, or choose to have them scanned at their biometric appointment 
• Schedule a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph 

Postal Application 

Applicants may choose to apply by post. This is particularly relevant for those residing in: 

• The Channel Islands 
• The Isle of Man 
• A British overseas territory 

In these cases, applications are submitted either in person or by post, and guidance can be obtained from the local governor’s office. 

After the Application Is Submitted 

Once the application is submitted, the Home Office will review the documents and details provided. 

Processing Time 

• A decision is usually made within six months. 
• If more time is needed, the applicant will be informed before the six-month period ends. 

Requests for Additional Information 

• Applicants may be contacted if the Home Office requires further documents or clarification to support the application. 

Interviews 

• In certain cases, applicants may be invited to attend an interview. 
• If an interview is required, the applicant must attend in person and will be expected to communicate without the use of an interpreter. 

Changes in Circumstances 

It is important to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if there are any changes during the application process, such as: 

• A change of address 
• A change in marital status 
• Any legal issues such as an arrest 

Biometric Information 

As part of the registration process, all applicants must provide biometric information, which includes: 

• A digital photograph 
• Fingerprints 

This information is collected at an authorised biometric appointment and is necessary for the application to proceed. 

Citizenship Ceremony 

If an applicant’s registration as a British citizen is approved and they are residing in the UK, they will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. The Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration) will issue an invitation letter, confirming the local authority the applicant must contact to arrange the ceremony. For applicants living outside the UK, the citizenship ceremony will be held at the appropriate British embassy or consulate in the country of residence. 

Applicants are expected to attend the ceremony within three months of receiving the invitation. If the ceremony is not attended within this timeframe and no valid reason is provided, the invitation will expire. In such cases, the applicant may be required to submit a new application and pay the registration fee again. 

At the ceremony, the applicant will be required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King and make a pledge of loyalty to the UK. Following this, they will be presented with a certificate of registration, which confirms the legal acquisition of British citizenship. This moment marks the formal completion of the registration process. 

Participation in a citizenship ceremony is a legal requirement. Exemptions are rarely granted and only in exceptional cases where an applicant is physically or mentally unable to attend. In such circumstances, the applicant must provide supporting medical evidence when requesting an exemption. 

What Happens at the Ceremony 

• The applicant must make an oath (or affirmation) of allegiance to His Majesty the King 
• They must also make a pledge of loyalty to the UK 
• Upon completion of the ceremony, they will receive their certificate of registration 

Where the Ceremony Takes Place 

• If the applicant lives in the UK, the ceremony is arranged through the local authority 
• If living outside the UK, the ceremony will be held at the British embassy or consulate in the country of residence 

Time Limit to Attend 

• The ceremony must be attended within three months of receiving the invitation. 
• If the applicant fails to attend within this time and does not provide a valid reason, the Home Office may refuse the application. 

Fees 

• There is a £130 fee for the citizenship ceremony, which is a required part of the registration process. 
• No other fee is currently stated in the government guidance for applying under Form UKM. 

After Becoming a British Citizen 

Once registered as a British citizen, individuals may: 

• Apply for a British passport
  If they do so, they are required to use their British passport when travelling into or out of the UK. 
• Apply for a certificate of entitlement, if they choose not to hold a British passport 
• It is important to note that a certificate of British citizenship cannot be used for travel or to enter the UK. 

Citizenship by Descent 

Citizenship by descent means acquiring British citizenship through a parent, rather than by being born in the UK or through naturalisation. Individuals granted British citizenship through this route will become British citizens by descent. This means that, in most cases, they cannot automatically pass on British citizenship to any children born outside the UK. 

How Can We Help?

Our expert team of nationality law solicitors can represent you in your application for registration as a British Citizen and carry out all the work on your British Citizenship application until a decision on application is received from the Home Office. As part of Sunrise legal services in relation to application for registration as a British Citizen, our specialist team of immigration solicitors will carry out the immigration casework:

• We will assess your eligibility for registration as a British Citizen by considering all the relevant information including past immigration history;
• We will advise  you on the chances of success in your application for registration as a British Citizen and would draw your attention to any weaknesses in your application;
• We will advise you on the list of documents to be submitted in support of application for registration as a British Citizen;
• We will assess all the supporting documents to ensure that the documents you provide duly satisfy the Home Office UKVI requirements for registration as a British Citizen;
• We will complete the relevant application form online for your registration as a British citizen, submit the same online, help you pay the Home Office UKVI fee for the application and schedule your appointment with the application centre for enrolment of your biometrics;
• We will prepare a detailed cover letter in support of the application explaining in detail your eligibility for registration as a British Citizen by referring to all the relevant information, documents, laws and requirements;
• We will upload all the supporting documents online to be considered in support of the application including our cover letter prepared to support your application;
• We will carry out all the work on your application for registration as a British Citizen until a decision is received from the Home Office UKVI on your application.

How Much We Charge?

Unless your application is very complicated, our fees for an application for registration as a British Citizen are given in the fee table below:

The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of your registration application. And aslo the volume of casework involved in the application. In addition to our fixed fee for registration application, the applicant will also have to pay the Home office UKVI fees for the registration application.