Some persons may hold the citizenship of more than one country. For example, a child born to a British citizen father and
Australia - Passport & Nationality - British Nationality for an Australian. Both Australia and the United Kingdom allow Dual Nationality. This means that a person can hold nationality (and the passport) of both countries.
When moving to the UK from Australia, you need to be in possession of a valid passport. You also need to acquire a Visa. The type of Visa you select will depend on your reason for moving to the UK and your intentions in terms of working or studying in the United Kingdom.
From 4 April 2002, it has been permissible for Australian citizens to acquire citizenship of another country without losing their Australian citizenship. While Australia now recognises dual citizenship, there are still many countries that do not allow their citizens to hold an additional foreign citizenship.
UK immigration rules allow an automatic claim to British Citizenship if you have a grandparent (and, in rare cases, a great-grandparent) born in the UK. This is known as British Citizenship by descent, or more specifically, British Citizenship by double descent.
British citizenship is normally automatically passed down one generation to children born outside the UK. For example, you might automatically become a citizen if you're born outside the UK to a British parent.
A British citizen with dual nationality status enjoys the same rights and privileges as all citizens of UK This includes the right to reside in UK permanently, including the right to leave and re-enter the country at any time.
Complete an application form online. Submit the application, along with the fee, which is up to AU$285. When requested, attend an appointment to verify your documents and take the citizenship test or interview.
The Best of Both Worlds
Dual citizenship allows you to receive the benefits and privileges offered by both countries that you are a citizen of. For example it often means that you become eligible for social services in both countries, you can vote and potentially, you could even run for political office.
Entering and leaving Australia
All Australians, including dual nationals, should leave and enter Australia on their Australian passport.
The major drawbacks of dual nationality are the potential of double taxation and getting bound by the laws of the two countries. Furthermore, becoming a dual US citizen can be a long and expensive process, especially if you don't have an immigration lawyer to guide you.
Australian citizens should use their Australian passport to enter and leave Australia. The Australian Border Force has more information on crossing the border. If you have a passport from another country, you can use that after you leave Australia.
Our policy on dual nationality
The United Kingdom: recognises dual nationality. allows British nationals who have dual nationality, to hold a British passport.
The UK government does allow British citizens to hold dual nationality. This means that if you are an overseas national who naturalised as a British citizen you can still retain your original nationality as well.
British citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without any immigration restrictions. You need British citizenship before you can apply for a UK passport.
In order to be eligible for British citizenship by naturalization, you will need to meet the following conditions: Must be aged 18 or above. Must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least twelve months. Must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during your qualifying residency period.
In other words, British Nationality passes two generations - from your UK-born grandparent to you. In some cases, British nationality can pass three (or even four) generations.
Eligibility for British Nationality
Having a UK born great grandparent does not entitle the applicant to any UK birth rights. There is no provision for UK Ancestry working rights and British nationality is passed down a maximum of 3 generations.
You were born – and probably still are – a British citizen. In such situations, the relevant mother is considered as being British other than by descent and passes British citizenship to her children. You can apply for your British passport.
If you renounce your Australian citizenship while in Australia, you will automatically become the holder of an ex-citizen visa. This visa allows you to remain in Australia but does not allow you to re-enter if you leave.
You may cease to be an Australian citizen by: Renouncing under s 33. Engaging in certain terrorist or other related conduct under s 33AA (renunciation by conduct) The Minister revoking under s 34 (for offences or fraud) and s 34A (special residence requirements)
Many countries generally don't allow dual citizenship – Austria, Germany, Japan, India, the Netherlands, and Norway. If you're a national of any of these countries and want Australian Citizenship, you'll most likely need to renounce your current Citizenship.