Post
by ck4137 » Mon Nov 21, 2011 4:42 pm
3. Is an illegitimate child entitled to British Citizenship?
If, on 20 May 2002, the child was a BOTC other than by connection with the SBAs, he or she automatically acquired British citizenship on 21 May 2002. However, the status of illegitimate children born on and after 21 May 2002 will depend on the status of the mother – as it does at present with BOTC. If she is not a British citizen, she will not be able to transmit the status to a child born outside the OTs or the UK. (But if she is settled in the OTs or the UK, any child born to her there (legitimate or not) will be a British citizen otherwise than by descent). If the father of an illegitimate child is a British citizen, and there is evidence of paternity –for example, the father’s name appears on the child’s birth certificate- it may be possible to register the child as a British citizen