Picture of US and UK Passports

Dual citizenship refers to having two nationalities. Dual citizenship cannot be obtained on its own with any degree of discretion. The constitution of the country where you intend to seek citizenship plays a big role. Both the United States and the United Kingdom have their own set of terms and conditions to allow someone inside their country.

Dual citizenship UK

Dual citizenship is legal in the United Kingdom; you can keep your original citizenship after becoming a British citizen, and British citizens applying for foreign citizenship are not required to give up their British citizenship.

To become a British dual national, you must seek to naturalise as a British citizen; there is no separate application for dual citizenship. When applying for UK citizenship, you can choose to preserve your present citizenship privileges from your home country. However, there are some conditions to be met to be eligible for dual citizenship.

You must meet the eligibility requirements

If you match the following criteria, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship in the United Kingdom and other countries:

  • The person applying for dual citizenship must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.
  • The applicant must be a permanent resident of the United Kingdom or have ILR.
  • He or she has to meet the English language requirements
  • The applicant must have passed the Life in the UK test
  • The applicant must give proof of his good character, with no felony convictions.
  • The applicant must prove his/her intention to stay in the UK for a long time.

To renounce your citizenship and seek UK citizenship, you must first obtain permission from another nation.

How difficult is it to get US citizenship?

Acquiring US citizenship is a complicated and time-consuming process. It is extremely difficult to get permanent residency in the United States unless one comes through a family member or is a highly skilled worker employed in the country.

You must first become a permanent resident of the United States before you can apply to become a citizen. This is sometimes referred to as having a green card, which is a document that verifies your status as a permanent resident. Immigrating to the United States, or becoming a permanent resident, can be accomplished in one of five methods. Permanent residency can be obtained by studies (leading to employment and later residence), employment, an asylum claim, family, or investment. The diversity green card lottery and military service are not included in this debate, but they do fall under the category of alternative less common means to immigrate.

Those who have obtained permanent residency status for five years can begin the citizenship process by filling out an application and completing an exam that involves knowledge of the history and government, as well as the English language. People must take an oath to the Constitution before becoming citizens. Dual citizenship is legal in the United States. 

What are the immigration routes for obtaining British citizenship?

Adults may be able to register as British citizens under the following conditions:

  • Born on or before January 1, 1983, to a British mother;
  • You have a different type of British nationality.

Adults and children may be eligible to register if they meet the following criteria:

  • They were born in the United Kingdom
  • Neither of their parents was British or settled in the country
  • They spent the first ten years of their life in the United Kingdom
  • They have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in any of the first ten years.

If a non-British kid (under the age of 18) is born in the United Kingdom and one of their parents has been given Indefinite Leave to Remain/Settled status, the child may be able to register as a British citizen.

In some situations, a non-British child born outside the UK to a parent who has been granted ILR may be entitled to apply for registration.

‘90-day rule’ for British citizenship

The applicant cannot have been absent from the United Kingdom for more than 90 days in the 12 months before their naturalisation application as a qualifying requirement for naturalisation as a British citizen.

What are the benefits of British Citizenship?

Becoming a British citizen has several advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the mental peace that comes from knowing that you have the same right to remain in the United Kingdom as someone born here, regardless of future government actions.

Among the other benefits are:

  • You can freely enter and exit the UK for as long as you like.
  • You have the right to vote and can participate in all municipal and general elections.
  • You will be entitled to all state benefits as well as health care.

Why should you choose A Y & J Solicitors to assist you with your British citizenship application?

The British Nationality Act of 1981 is complicated and difficult to understand. Expertise in this highly specialised area of law is required for a successful application for British citizenship. A Y & J Solicitors’ highly experienced lawyers are dedicated to assisting clients in obtaining citizenship. They spend the time necessary to ensure that you understand the procedure and will assist you with all of the application information.

Checkout here top immigration lawyers in uk