American British Dual Citizenship
American British Dual Citizenship both the UK and US allow dual citizenship so Americans who would like to apply for British citizenship are able to maintain both citizenships. There is no specific application process to apply for American British dual nationality – all you need to do is to apply to become a UK citizen.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual Citizenship is when a person holds British nationality and the nationality of another country at the same time.The laws of both countries must allow dual citizenship. A large number of the world’s countries allow dual citizenships, including the US and the UK.
Having American British dual citizenship allows you to keep your citizenship status in the US while enjoying similar freedoms in the United Kingdom. This means you will have the right to live, work, rent, buy assets, and travel between the two countries with ease.
Rights and privileges of dual citizenship
American British dual citizenship can be beneficial for many reasons, including having access to greater global mobility and improving your quality of life.By holding American British dual citizenship you will be entitled to the same rights as both US and UK citizens. This means that with dual nationality you will be able to live and work in both countries without needing a visa or work permit. Holders of dual citizenship are also able to get access to public benefits if they are entitled to them and will have the right to study in either country as well as vote in their elections.......................................................................................................
Once you have become a British Citizen you will also be able to apply for a UK passport. The advantages of carrying two passports are that you can travel more easily between the two countries. Having a passport removes the need for long–stay visas as well as any questioning about the purpose of your trip at customs upon arrival in the country. Moving between the two countries can be beneficial in situations where for example, a person has family in both countries, or conducts business in both countries.
Individuals who hold British dual nationality will also have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Responsibilities of dual citizenship
Whilst there are many benefits and privileges to holding American British dual citizenship there are also some drawbacks. These include the potential for double taxation and the usually lengthy and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship. Another factor to consider is that you would become bound by the laws of two countries, not just one.
In terms of potential double taxation, you should note that US citizens who have dual citizenship with another country are still required to pay US taxes, even whilst they are not currently living as permanent residents in the US.
This rule requires you to pay U.S. taxes for life – even for income earned outside of the United States. This means that you have to pay double the tax on the same income to both the United States and to your other country of citizenship unless that country has an agreement with the United States permitting dual citizens not to have to pay “double taxation.”
Note also that persons who hold dual British citizenship cannot access diplomatic help from the British government when they are in their home country. This means that the UK government cannot offer help to US citizens who also hold British Citizenship whilst they are in the US.
If you would like to discuss the pros and cons of American British dual citizenship for your particular situation, get in touch with our experienced immigration attorneys, who will be able to discuss the merits as well as drawbacks with you.
Who is Eligible for Dual Citizenship UK?
To be eligible for dual citizenship UK you must be a citizen of a country that also allows dual nationality.
The US does allow dual citizenship, so you are allowed to have American British dual citizenship.
For a US citizen to obtain dual British Citizenship the individual will also need to meet some British Citizenship requirements. These requirements vary depending on the route you are applying under but generally, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have held settled status for at least 12 months (unless married to a UK citizen)
- Be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Have not breached any UK immigration rules or laws
The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws based
on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth. A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.
Intent can be shown by the person’s statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it
as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person’s allegiance.
However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either
country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose citizenship.
Information on losing foreign citizenship can be obtained from the foreign country’s embassy and consulates in the United States. Americans can
renounce U.S. citizenship in the proper form at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
Global Dual Citizenship Laws
Global dual citizenship laws vary widely. Some countries, like the UK, Canada, and the United States, allow dual citizenship without restrictions. Others, like China and India, do not recognize dual citizenship at all. Some countries have specific conditions under which dual citizenship is allowed.