Citizenship for child if I give birth in UK

[Welshcanuck]

Hi there, I am a Canadian citizen by naturalisation, I received my citizenship certificate in 2003 and have been living in Canada for the last 2 years. I am currently pregnant and wish to go back to the UK to give birth for many reasons. Anyway, I'm a little confused as to whether the child will be able to become a Canadian citizen too. I'm fairly sure he/she can but here's the scenario; I was born before 1977 (whatever that means in terms of that citizenship process) I received citizenship before the 2009 change, the father is Canadian and is staying in Canada. Soooo with one naturalised parent and one fully formed Canadian (!) I'm under the impression the kid will be ok? Or shall I make sure I'm back in Canada to pop the wee one out? I'm sure it's easier to get British citizenship for it but I kind of need to be at home for a while due to boring family stuff. I guess I'll need to keep up payments on MSP when I'm at home?

Many thanks for any advice!

 

[sammystorm19]

If the father was a born Canadian, then the baby will be Canadian by birth.

 

[marlasinger]

It is enough on it's own that your baby's father is Canadian by birth, he'll be able to pass on his citizenship.

But, because you became a citizen before the child was born and the child will be born after the 2009 change in law, you as well can pass on your Canadian citizenship. You're covered from both angles, as far as I understand your situation.

No worries

 

[Welshcanuck]

Phew, thanks so much. I had nightmare visions of coming back to Canada and the baby not being allowed...silly I know but my pregnancy brain is all over the place.

I'm separated from the father but he is still the actual father and will be named on the birth cert. if I can I'd rather apply via my own citizenship.

 

[Rob_TO]

Phew, thanks so much. I had nightmare visions of coming back to Canada and the baby not being allowed...silly I know but my pregnancy brain is all over the place.

I'm separated from the father but he is still the actual father and will be named on the birth cert. if I can I'd rather apply via my own citizenship.

You will need to apply for Canadian citizenship certificate while overseas, and also get a Canadian passport for the baby if you intend for him to fly back as a Canadian. Not sure how long this all takes.

Or you could just get him a UK passport since he will also be a UK citizen, fly back to Canada on that, and get his citizenship info sorted out back in Canada.

 

[taffy7]

Don't assume you will be covered for the birth of the baby. Even if you have a british passport you are not covered. I have dual citizenship and i am not covered for any heath in Wales or England. i also have a sin # and my pension is still active but still not a residence. You will have to prove that you have moved back to the U.K.

 

[MadeInCanada]

Not sure how it works in the UK but in Canada you need written consent/form/information and signature from the father to apply for an underage childs passport, unless you have legal custody papers that declare you the sole guardian.

Not to add worries to your list, only trying to make sure you are fully prepared.

Take Care,
MadeInCanada

 

[Welshcanuck]

Ok good advice, thanks everyone. The father and I are on speaking terms so consent will not be a problem.
I really appreciate the heads up on that one! I guess I'll just have to deal with Canadian bureaucracy one more time :

 

[Alurra71]

Ok good advice, thanks everyone. The father and I are on speaking terms so consent will not be a problem.
I really appreciate the heads up on that one! I guess I'll just have to deal with Canadian bureaucracy one more time :

I am not entirely sure that the same rules would apply for obtaining a Canadian passport for a newborn born abroad as they would be for a newborn born in Canada.

 

[MadeInCanada]

Here is the site to download the form for Child General Passport.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/consular_services_consulaires/passports_forms-formulaires_passeports.aspx?lang=eng

This is the link to the home page of the above site as well.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/contact-contactez.aspx?lang=eng

You will find in Section C that the other parents information and signature are required even from overseas. It also asks questions regarding custody/separation ect.

If you want to have the forms filled by him here before you go (to get his signature and what not) just don't date them. Other wise you will have to fill them send them to him, he fills them and sends it back to you in the UK (hassle).

It might also help if he signs a paper( like a declaration/affidavit) giving you permission to obtain the passport and custody agreement you have arranged out of court then get it notarized. I am uncertain if it will pass for obtaining a passport though. They can be pretty strict in that aspect (which is good) with people kidnapping their own children and all...


Take Care,
MadeInCanada