Expert: Graham Thomas - 2/1/2008

Question
Greetings.

I am unsure if you will be able to assist me, but any help right now is most appriciated.

I was born on a US Air Force Base in Lakenheath, England in 1985. As I was told growing up (we moved back to the states in 1989), I had dual citizenship until I reached 18, at which point I would have to declare which I wanted.

Well, I dunno what happed there. I wanted to declare British citizenship, but I never filed any form of papers and never receved any in the mail, so I don't know which I have at the current moment, and no idea how to check.

Anyway. I have always wanted to move back to England for good, but I'm not sure how to go about setting things into motion. I have been adviced to visit for ~6 months, and then decide if I really want to.

I'm okay with that decision. But again, how do I visit another country for 6 months? What preperation do I need?

If you can point me in the proper direction, I would greatly appriciate it.

Thanks so much,
Amanda

Answer
Hi there

I think you are allowed to come into the Uk for six months on a tourist visa but you will not be allowed to work.

Once here I would contact an immigration lawyer to see where you stand as far as claiming nationality.

It might be that as you were born on the base you were not "technically" born in the Uk but in the US?

If you want to do this from the US Iwould speak to an emigration lawyer or look it up online?

Graham