Question for the you guys (and gals) in the UK

Is this true?

[hannamyluv]

Okay, I have a friend who has told me that he is thinking of applying for a UK passport and is eligible due to the fact that his grandfather was Scottish born?

Is this true? I looked all over the internet and really couldn't find any definate information one way or the other so I thought I would ask those that live there if they knew.

[encyclo]

First question is: was he born before or after 1982? The rules changed from 1983 onwards.

I had some links to the citizenship thing (I've got to apply for my son who was born in Canada), but the site is down - I'll see what I can find.

<added>Try this site: [uknationality.gov.uk...] - the rules are extremely confusing, but it will give a good idea. I'm not sure he's entitled just because his grandfather was Scottish.</added>

[encyclo]

OK, the site I wanted is here:

[britainincanada.org...]

See the section C on that page:

(c) Grandparents
British citizenship can be passed to one generation born overseas only. It is not possible to claim citizenship solely through a UK born grandparent. ... However, a Commonwealth citizen with a UK born grandparent can apply for a visa allowing them to enter the UK for purposes of work.

Looks like he's out of luck: but obviously, don't take my advice for granted - your local British consulate or embassy can help decide for the exact case.

[Essex_boy]

I think its called an ancesteral visa, but why come here? It always rains..

[monkeythumpa]

If he is American or Canadian, just apply as normal, it will take a while but chances are he will be approved. It is the African and Indian populations they are trying to restrict. Drop hints that you want to start a business and employ a bunch of Brits and they will welcome you with open arms.

[encyclo]

The trouble with just a visa is that it is for the UK only. If you get a British passport, it is also an EU passport, which means that you can live and work in 25 European countries, including several - Spain, Italy, Greece - where it doesn't rain all the time!

[hannamyluv]

but why come here?

I don't think he actually does want to live there. As encyclo pointed out, it's for the access it gives you elsewhere. Plus, it is becoming increasingly dangerous to travel abroad with a US passport.

It is not possible to claim citizenship solely through a UK born grandparent.

That's what I thought, but he seemed so sure that I had to ask a knowledgable source. Thanks!

[olwen]

I'm a New Zealander and my grandfather was born in Wales (the century before last). It's my understanding that I could get a UK work permit as of right, but not citizenship.
My live-in partner is a pom who arrived in New Zealand at the age of twelve, around 45 years ago. He does not have New Zealand citizenship, or formal permanent residence (didn't need it then). If he left New Zealand he would not get back unless he had applied for a returning resident's visa before he went.