British citizenship for child now or later

[cen]

Hi all, my husband and I got our British citizenship through naturalisation. We have recently moved back to South Africa and are now expecting our second child. If I understand correctly, I can apply for a British passport for my newborn but she will be British other than by descent. I am wondering if it would be better to wait until we go back to England in about 12 years time as I want them to do their tertiary education in England. If I wait then she could register as a citizen after 3 years of being in the country and get British citizenship other than by descent. Any advice? Thanks

[Amber]

If the child is born abroad, the child will be British by descent. The child can't be registered at a later day as the child will be British. If the child was born in the UK, the child would be British otherwise than by descent.

[Jambo]

If you are (naturalised) British when your child is born, then the child is British from birth. No need to register. If born abroad, the child will be by decent. You can't change this status after birth. Registration after 3 years residence is for children who are not British from birth. This is not your case.

[cen]

Thanks for the clarification. My last question is then...what requirements would my newborn have to go through for her child to get a British passport? Thanks

[Jambo]

(Based on current legislation).

Either the child (your grandchild) will be born in the UK (other than by decent) or your child will spend 3 years in the UK before the child birth and the child born abroad will be British by decent.