Immigration Corner | How to prove that I am NOT a British citizens

Dear Mr Bassie,

I need to prove to the authorities in my home country that I am NOT a British citizen. Can this be done, and if so, how can I go about it?

I would appreciate any advice on how to obtain such proof.

KK

Dear KK,

Persons are able to apply for confirmation that they have not gained British citizenship and can apply online or by downloading a form. The form used to make this application is 'Confirmation of the non-acquisition of British citizenship: Form NQ'.

If you are a foreign or Commonwealth citizen resident in the United Kingdom and require confirmation for the authorities of your home country that you have not become a British citizen, you should apply using the previously mentioned form. You should send all parts of this form, together with the payment slip from the fees section. You should allow 10 working days for confirmation.

You are advised to pay by debit or credit card or postal order, as payment by cheque will increase the processing time to 20 working days. It should be noted that fees will not be refunded.

The applicant's personal details must be written correctly on Parts 2 and 3 of the form and any alterations on the form will make it invalid. The British authorities processing unit will keep Part 2 as a record of the search of the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) records, and Part 3 will be forwarded to the address given. Persons who want this copy to be sent to their embassy or high commission must include the reference number for the passport application or any other relevant reference number.

Persons who would like the reply to be sent by recorded or special delivery must send a pre-paid envelope. Please be aware that UKVI does not retain records of grants of citizenship prior to October 1986 and it should be noted that this document is only valid for three months from the date of issue.

Persons who are applying for confirmation on behalf of someone else should fill in the appropriate section on the form. If applying for information about someone who has deceased, or is incapacitated, the authorities can only deal with the application if:

- The appropriate form has been completed.

- The appropriate fee has been paid.

- Evidence of death or incapacity is submitted.

The completed form, payment slip and correct fee should be sent to the following address:

Department 101

UK Visas and Immigration

The Capital

New Hall Place

Liverpool

L3 9PP

Please note that persons in the United Kingdom can get help completing an online immigration form if they do not feel confident using a computer or do not have access to one. They can also get help with accessing a computer or the Internet and finding the right information on the UKVI website.

However, they cannot use this service to get advice on whether they are eligible to apply; what information to put in their application; or an application that they have already made.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie

- John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email:lawbassie@yahoo.com