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Bermudians

Author: Chrissy
Date: 04-13-05 21:18

I was born in Bermuda, due to father being in the Airforce, I did have duel citizen til I turned 18, Do I still have any rights as a bermuda citizen or due I need to file some paper work to be able to claim any bermudian citizen.
I will be traveling to Bermuda next summer. My first time back since I was a toddler. Kinda home sick So I have to rely on my Bermuda wall paper and me Bermuda wave screensaver. LOL. Time for me to have some memories, I was to young to remember Bermuda.

Thanks Chrissy

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Re: bermudians

Author: Prospect
Date: 09-07-05 12:39

Hi,
We are a Trinidadian couple resident in the UK, considering moving to Bermuda and would appreciate some advice.

When our baby is born will he or she be a citizen of Bermuda if we decide to move?

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Re: bermudians

Author: Chrissy
Date: 09-09-05 20:33

Your baby will only be a citizen of Bermuda, if the baby is born there. I had Duel Citizenship til I turned 18, as my parents were citizens of the USA and I was born in Bermuda, As for advice on moving to Bermuda I had to call the Consulate to get info on staying a Bermuda citizen.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 09-21-05 20:50

Maybe the questions raised by these two posts have already been settled--but, I'd still like to add my fifty-cents worth. I, too, was born on the now non-existent Kindley Air Force Base in St. Georges, Bermuda.

The Bermuda government is quite strict on who they consider "Bermudian," that is, a citizen with all rights of abode. Being born in Bermuda DOES NOT grant you that right--unless one or both of your parents possess Bermudian status, and/or you fulfill the 7-10 year continuous residency requirement. One can also obtain the status by marriage to a Bermudian with a successive 7-10 residence in Bermuda. Still, the government must grant the status.

Chrissy, you mentioned that you were a "duel citizen." Can you please clarify this? Did you possess a Bermuda or UK passport with the Bermudian stamp? If not, you were never Bermudian, that is, a Bermuda Citizen--even prior to your 18th birthday unless you were resident in Bermuda and a registered voter. In that case, you would have needed to apply for status as Bermudian prior to your 18th birthday. But, you would qualify because you have never been a resident.

You were however, under the British Nationality act of 1983 a British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC).

For years this status was meaningless because it neither entitled you to live in Bermuda nor the U.K. In May of 2002 that, however, changed. BDTC automatically became full British Citizen with rights of abode in the UK/EU. Of course, you will have to apply for a British passport. Please research the details online or through the British Consular Service.

Still, you do not have Bermudian status unless you can demonstrate continuous residency on the island, have a Bermudian parent, or marry a Bermudian.

As for Mr. & Mrs. Prospect (you already may know this by now) it is very unlikely the Bermuda government will grant you leave to reside in Bermuda--unless you have a highly desirable skill--in other words, you've been invited to migrate to Bermuda by an employer with full government assent. Even if that is the case, you are likely NEVER to be granted Bermudian status. Your baby, however, under no circumstance will be a Bermudian or a Bermuda citizen, as outlined above. Again, the immigration laws of Bermuda are very strict. These laws are NOT comparable to UK, EU, or US immigration laws. Birth in Bermuda DOES NOT commend Bermudian status.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 09-21-05 20:55

[Last sentence of 3rd paragraph should read:]

But, you would NOT qualify because you have never been a resident OF BERMUDA.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Chrissy
Date: 10-07-05 21:30

As my understanding to your question, Mike, I had been told that since I was born in Bermuda, AKA Foriegn Born, to American Parents and a resident of America after the Base closed down, I was Entitled to Duel Citizen til I turned 18. May thats not the case, Just what I was told. Thanks for the Info. As far as a passport or anything of that sort, My parents just have papers granting permission to leave the country to move to the US when the base closed down. I'm not sure excatly what Type they call them, But I wasn't allowed to leave Bermuda without the Papers.

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 10-08-05 22:00

Although you are not BERMUDIAN in status, you are entitled, I think, to dual U.S./U.K.-E.U. Citizenship--and that is a significant global status, I think, if one is internationally minded.

(By the way, if you decide to apply for a British Passport you will need to submit a certified copy of your Government of Bermuda Birth Certificate--the U.S. Consular Birth Certificate will not be accepted by the British Consular Service.)

The wonderful thing is that one can visit Bermuda any time, even if it's only as a "tourist." However, I do sympathize with that desire for a connection with one's territory of birth (the ground, the place itself), especially in the case of individuals born to service men and women on this beautiful Island.

For further information please refer to the following web links:

http://www.bermuda-online.org/citizenship.htm

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality/advice_about_nationality/bn12_-_british_citizenship.html?

Caveat emptor &
Good Luck!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Chrissy
Date: 10-09-05 13:56

The only birth certificate that I have is from Washington D.C. The US Consular Birth Certificate. I was born at King Edward Memorial Hospital, how would I go about getting the original from Bermuda. I figured my Consular Birth Certificate would be good enough to get me into Bermuda. BErmuda is very Beautiful and I am very lucky to be born there. BErmuda has been my dream to go back and see my place of Birth. I live in the states and I have seen just about every place in the states to see but its Bermuda that I want to see. I have some pics of bermuda but no memories.

Noone in the states really believes I was born there Til I have to get Out my Birth Certificate. My Husband calls me his Triangle Baby. The address on one of the Birth certificate, from Bermuda that my mom has states my address is Sandy Mount Cottage Bay Baileys Bay Bermuda. Any help on obtaining my original Birth Certificate would be helpful with out having to go through the Us.
Thanks Chrissy

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 10-09-05 16:14

You will need to call the Registry General, Government Administration Building, Hamilton, Bermuda. Call Bermuda directory assistance or find the number on the internet. They'll direct you how to proceed. You'll pay a small fee. You should be able to receive the certificate in the mail.

Note: By the end of 2006, all U.S. citizen will require a U.S. passport to travel to Bermuda.

Good Luck!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Pembroke
Date: 11-15-05 22:39

I am 12 and i am born in bda but my parents are jamaican when will I become a citezen

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 11-16-05 03:11

Pembroke, I'm not sure to which "citizenship" you refer, but I believe the answer to your question would be the same as cited above for all who are born in Bermuda to non-Bermudian parents. (I am assuming you are a current resident of the Island.)

You are already, of course, a Jamaican Citizen through your parents (again, I assume); and you are a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) by right of birth in Bermuda. Sometimes the use of this term can be a little confusing because technically BOTC is Bermuda Citizenship--but we must distinguish between BOTC without STATUS, and BOTC with STATUS--only the latter is truly BERMUDA CITIZENSHIP and it is nearly impossible to obtain outside of birth to a parent who is a Bermuda Status holder, or marriage to a Bermuda Status holder (after ten years).

As for the British Citizenship, I suggest you (I mean, your parents) contact the British Consular Service for details on the qualifications and application procedures for a British Passport. You are not, however, under the current laws, a Bermuda Citizen or a Bermuda Status holder--when or whether or not that will ever happen for you is beyond the scope of this forum. However, it would be prudent for your parents to contact the Bermuda Department of Immigration for authoritive information regarding your circumstances.

As mentioned in the earlier post, please refer to the following very informative online resources:

http://www.bermuda-online.org/citizenship.htm

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality/advice_about_nationality/bn12_-_british_citizenship.html?

Hope this helps.

Best of Luck!

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Re: bermudians

Author: colin young
Date: 12-29-05 21:24

Yo! Mike, you seem to know almost everything about this so i come to you to answer my question. I am a British citizen and born in bermuda. Does that mean that I get any different status. I have heard many stories on how to become a bermudian. One was that if you are british through your parents and had an association with Bermuda (either born there[wether you leave or not] or living there continuously) for 20 years you can apply for bermudian citizenship. Is this true?

I also heard that the bermudian government will allow citizenship if a very large (millions of US dollars) is paid to them. Is this true?

Also are there any good things about being a British overseas territory citizen that you don't get with the normal british passport?

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Re: bermudians

Author: colin young
Date: 12-29-05 21:25

one more thing. If you are british and living in Bermuda can you have an vote or attempt to run for office in Bermuda?

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Re: bermudians

Author: Alison
Date: 01-04-06 19:10

Mike Howard, you should get a medal for all the useful information you have posted!
Since you seem to know all the facts, I would like to see if you can help clear up some of the doubts that are bothering me as I seek my Bermudian "status" & "right of abode".
This is my situation:
My mother and all her family are and always were Bermudians, the kind of Bermudians that came over in the 1600s.
My father was British, now Canadian.
They both now live in marital bliss in Canada.
I was born some 40-odd years ago in Paget in the hospital there.
My first passport was Bermudian.
My second passport was BDTC -- and OH BOY what a misery it was travelling through the US with that thing -- needed a special visa.
My third passport, brand new is British / EEC with British Citizen written in it, no more US B1-B2 Visa neccessary.
Myself I have NEVER lived in Bermuda, but I now want to move there.
I picked up some forms last time I went there for a visit to relatives and the application form stated to the best of my memory that my mother must be "domiciled" in Bermuda.
As I stated above, my mother is a landed immigrant/permanent resident of Canada.
So am I (landed immigrant/permanent resident of Canada).
My mother's passport is a BTDC passport WITH the "right of abode" stamp in it.
So, Mike, what do you think?
Do I have any chance of getting that special stamp in my passport?
I am just about to make the application to renew the BDTC passport -- my new one is British, but I am entitled to both passports (just another CAD$187!) -- it will be that stamp that will be the sticky part, I believe.
I really hope you reply!!
Wow - just goes to show how every case is different!
Best,
Alison

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-05-06 05:28

Hello Colin,

You have not really given all of the specifics regarding your own situation (your age, current residency, parent's Bermuda status, parent's current residency, etc.). However, the answer to what seems to be your principle question (and essentially all of your questions) have already been addressed within this forum and within the websites cited above.

I'm sorry, but I cannot attest as to the accuracy or inaccuracy of rumored Bermuda immigration actions, alleged "stories", or hypothetical experiences with various immigration laws, policies, or procedures.

No, a non-citizen of Bermuda who was not qualified and registered to vote by 1979 cannot vote or run for office in Bermuda.

Kind Regards,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-05-06 05:48

Greetings Alison,

As far as I understand, you are a citizen of Bermuda with full right-of-abode.

According to your post, you were born in Bermuda to a Bermudian parent who still currently holds Bermudian status, therefore you are entitled to Bermudian status. Citizenship status can never be lost neither is it dependent on the current residency status of your irrevocably Bermudian parent. If I were in your position I'd fill out the forms with confidence, provide the supporting documentation and fees, submit the package and be on my way to possessing what is rightfully mine by birth under the current immigration laws. Relax, you have absolutely nothing to lose. Of course, as you know, if you are in doubt as to what any statement on the Bermuda government immigration forms mean, you'd do well to contact a Bermuda licensed solicitor (attorney) for guidance.

There is however one thing I am "curious" about, which you may want to verify with the British Consulate passport authority--Are you certain one is allowed to hold both a BOTC (formally, BDTC) passport and a British passport at the same time? As far as I understand it, one is not. It certainly is unnecessary in any case, you see. Essentially, if you held both, it would mean that you held two types of British citizenship--which is impossible. When I received my British citizenship with U.K./E.U. right of abode my BDTC passport was returned to me cancelled. The 2002 British immigration laws that confer British citizenship on Bermuda born BDTCs (BOTCs) clearly state you can have either BOTC or British citizenship, not both. As you know, either passport can be possessed independent of Bermuda status. But understand, your "Right of Abode" stamp for Bermuda (citizenship) will be placed in your British passport. That is certainly the most advantageous method for you, in my opinion. Therefore, a BDTC passport would be unnecessary.

If any of what I have written above is incorrect, that fact contradicts my experience and my literal understanding of the laws--But that's okay because, as I say, I'm neither an immigration attorney, nor an immigration official.

Anyway, best of luck to you in your new life in Bermuda. Congratulations!

Cheers,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-05-06 06:31

CORRECTION--Alison, my apologies for some misimformation regarding duel BOTC/British citizenship. I am incorrect and you've stated the facts--one can possess both BOTC and British citizenship concurrently. Also, I have misrepresented the British Nationality Act of 2002. I have confused the Bermuda-BDTC Passport with the UK-BDTC passport. One can only have one or the other of these.

Cheers,

MH

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Re: bermudians

Author: chaz
Date: 03-21-06 14:25

Chrissy,

I too was born on Kindley AFB (in March, 1953). I have yet to return to my 'homeland'. ha ha. It seems unfortunate that it would be so hard for someone BORN THERE to get citizenship. Oh well.

Chaz

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Re: bermudians

Author: peggy brown
Date: 06-01-06 01:27

I'm hoping that the informational individual will favor me the request of a reply so late after this topic was started.

I am searching out the credentials it will take for my husband to attain British citizenship or the appropriate title for what he may be eligible for.

He was born in Bermuda to non Bermudian citizens in November of 1980. They were residents for approximately 3 years after his birth. His birth certificate is british and his certificate of naturilisation was attained after his 4th birthday in Conneticut. To the best of my knowledge he never had a passport declaring citizenship to either america, bermuda or britain.

I am very clear that he is not eligible for citizenship to Bermuda but am confused as to his eligibility for an overseas british citizenship and passport. Do you know anything regarding this? I have done marginal research and am going to actively seek getting a second copy of his british birth certificate and am considering writing the home office regarding the matter to see what he is eligible for.

If you can help I would be very grateful, but I will also understand if you cannot.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 06-03-06 03:15

If your husband has a Bermuda Government birth certificate he should be able to obtain a British passport (as long as Bermuda remains a UK protectorate). He is already a British citizen by virtue of the 2002 British Nationality Act. But, caveat emptor...

His wisest move would be to contact the nearest British Consulate for accurate answers to his questions. I have no knowledge why his birth certificate would be British since he was not born in the UK--in my experience, his birth certificate should be a Bermuda Government Birth Certificate (not to be equated with Bermudian status or citizenship). Was your husband born to British parents? Please review the post above; they might give your husband and you some additional insight, but, again, the British Consular Services will have definitive answers for his situation. He will also be able to obtain the appropriate passport application forms and application instructions from the consulate.

I'm curious Peggy: What is your nationality?

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality/advice_about_nationality/bn12_-_british_citizenship.html?

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Re: bermudians

Author: peggy brown
Date: 06-04-06 10:44

You are correct, it is a Bermuda certificate...I mispoke in my last message. I am Irish German by decent but third generation American on both sides of the family. So I hold no claims to international citizenship by birth to the best of my knowledge.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Rosanne
Date: 10-03-06 21:57

I too was born in bermuda in 67 which I was under the impression that I was Bermudian as well. I was born to Canadian parents and I am also a canadian american native indian. Please help me too.... I have a bermuda birth certificate and a canadian military birty cert..which is not valid to getting a canadian passport. I am naturalized to the U.S. by being native as well. (due to the Jay Treaty) But I need to get a passport and where do I get it from?? Canada will not accept mine and it sounds like the British Territory one is hard to deal with.

HELP...... Thank You

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Re: bermudians

Author: Amy
Date: 10-12-06 04:00

My fiance and I have been trying to determine if he is eligible for BOTC status as we hope to move to Europe in a few years after graduate school. He was born in Hamilton, Bermuda in 1971 to American parents, his father was in the military and stationed there. They moved only a couple of years later. He was not born on the base but in the local hospital (I have no idea if that makes a difference...), his birth certificate was issued by the Bermudian government.

From these other posts and my other research, I know that he is not a Bermudian citizen, but I've found conflicting infomation as to whether he qualifies for BOTC status since both his parents have only U.S. citizenship. Some sources say that he does, others say he would only qualify if at least one of his parents do as well (which they don't). I'd appreciate any help with figuring this out.
Amy

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Re: bermudians

Author: Louise Leon
Date: 12-27-06 00:38

Hello Mike....
I hoping you could answer my question... My husband and I are expats here in Bermuda ... We've just discovered that we're going to have a baby. If we decide to have the baby here in Bermuda would our baby automatically have bermudian status or would the baby just carry our nationality even though the baby is born here? would I have problems to get a birthpaper here as well?

thank you

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Re: bermudians

Author: Simon
Date: 12-28-06 12:30

Louise,

Congrats on the new baby!

As you've no doubt discovered by now, since 1990, children born to non-Bermudian parents have no claim to Bermuda status even if they are born here. He/she will have your citizenship assuming your country allows it (most do).

Congrats again and good luck!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-14-07 09:32

Rosanne, as you know by now, you are not Bermudian. Of course, if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, then you should be eligible for a U.S. passport. The statement I've written to Amy below would also generally apply to your situation. However, your situation may offer an additional inroad to British Citizenship through the stateless persons clause in the 2002 Act. I suggest you address your queries to the appropriate consulate for definitive answer.

Amy, by now your question has no doubt been settled. On the off-chance it has not, I'd like to venture a response. Your fiancee is a BOTC; however, he will need to petition the British consulate for British citizenship since he was not a BOTC at the commencement of the 2002 British Nationality Act. In practical terms, what this means is that he should apply for a British passport using his Bermuda issued birth certificate. A BOTC passport is of itself useless for UK/EU (and, Bermuda) residency.

And to further clarify what Simon writes in the thread (because someone is sure to misconstrue the phrase "since 1990"), children of non-bermudians born prior to 1990 also have no claim to Bermuda status. Prior to 1991 one could apply and possibly receive "conditional Bermuda status", which might have been issued based on a number of factors (primarily, long-term [that is, permanent] Bermuda residency). Simply put, only a child born to at least one Bermudian (Status holder) parent is a Bermudian citizen.

Cheers!

MH

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Non-status birth in Bermuda

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-16-07 19:56

My apologies for the delay with the following response. I�d attempted to post it a few days ago, but because of a technical problem it was not attached to the forum thread.

Greetings Louise Leon�to further clarify your questions�you are required (of course) to register the birth of your Bermuda born child with the Bermuda government. You will receive a Bermuda government issued birth certificate. Relax, this is certain. As it has been noted in several places in the forum, under no circumstance will this birth certificate entitle your offspring to Bermuda status.

Since you and your spouse are non-status residents, your Bermuda-born offspring will automatically become a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC). As I wrote earlier in this thread, this designation (that is, passport designation) alone is meaningless for someone born in Bermuda but who is not entitled to Bermudian Status. Such an individual is essentially stateless. What does this mean? Without the Bermuda status stamp, the holder of a Bermuda BOTC passport cannot at all partake in the privileges of Bermuda citizenship. Nor, can that person abode or work in the UK, or EU. There is no country in the world that a non-status holder of a Bermuda based BOTC is entitled to live and work. In order to do live and work in the UK/EU, the Bermuda BOTC must apply for and receive British citizenship, which she or he is currently eligible to do (please see the other post on this topic, or better yet, contact your nearest British Consular office or website).

It is most important for you and your husband to understand that you must register the birth of your foreign born children with your home country. Under some circumstances you may forfeit the opportunity for your child to obtain your citizenship if you delay registration of the child�s birth. (You did not mention your country of origin.) Again, in your particular case, it would mean your offspring might be stateless, at least under the current Bermuda immigration law. I can�t emphasize enough how important it is for you to confirm and follow the birth registration procedures of your home country�s consular service or immigration and citizenship office.

Cheers,

MH

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Re: bermudians

Author: SS
Date: 01-19-07 14:22

Hi MH, I wonder if you can advise me on my situation since the lines at the Immigration Dept have been so long since the intro. of the new laws regarding travel to the US.

I have recently had a daughter by a Bermudian man. He is a Bermudian on the register, domiciled here at the time of her birth and she was born here. We are unmarried but he is named as the father on her Birth Certificate. Can she be registered for Bermudian status? We seem to stumble at the point of "born out of wedlock".

I would appreciate any advice you can give.

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Daughter's nationality?

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 01-22-07 18:13

SS,

This might be a sensitive topic; as such, it is a question really best left to Bermuda Immigration, Personal Services Division (PSD). And the letter of the current laws will prevail, I suspect. My foremost recommendation would be that you be patient, seek, and obtain the definitive answers from PSD. You might also consider contacting a local solicitor (attorney) for a better explanation of the current laws and your family's options.

Are you currently domiciled in Bermuda? Are you employed in Bermuda? What is your nationality? As suggested in the post above, you would do well to register your daughter's birth with your "home" country to insure her citizenship there.

I wish you the best of luck.

Cheers,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Jessica
Date: 02-19-07 16:53

Hi Mike, I'm hoping will be able to help me too!

My mother is a Bermudian (born and bred- her ancestors were some of the first settlers in Bermuda), my father is English and I have been brought up in England. I am 20 years old and in the future I would like to live in Bermuda- how easy will it be to get citizenship, and do I have to apply before I am a certain age?

One problem is that I think my mother got a full English Passport at somepoint before or after marrying my father... so does that mean she is now not registered as Bermudian??

I have been to Bermuda a couple of times and absolutely love it and I'm so proud of that part of my heritage.... let me know what you think regarding my situation.

Thanks.

ps sorry if you feel you are having to repeat yourself!

Jessica

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Re: bermudians

Author: Xana
Date: 03-08-07 12:37

Hello,

I was born in Bermuda to British parents in 1978 and left the island in 1993. I am getting married next summer in France and in order to complete my dossier of documents, I need a copy of my birth certificate - two actually! They won't acccept a photocopy; it has to be a certified copy issued by the office where my birth was registered which, I presume, is in Bermuda. Any ideas on how to proceed? Thanks!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Dr. Frank Hudson
Date: 03-10-07 19:09

Hi Xana,

I too, find myself in need of an original or certified copy of my birth certificate. My original was lost in shipment. I was born in 1959 at Kindley Air Force Base.
If you find out where to apply, please post it or email me.

I will do the same.

Sincerely,

Doc

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Re: bermudians

Author: chaz
Date: 03-12-07 13:24

Hi doc,

I called this phone number, 1-441-295-5151, and asked for the department of records. They connected me and the woman gave me the address to send the money order to by which they would send me my birth certificate.

You were born in the hospital in Hamilton, not on the air base, correct?
I don't remember signing any kind of US naturalization papers when I turned 18. Do you?

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 03-12-07 18:26

Hello Everyone.

There have been some interesting posts over the past few weeks. Much of the information has been discussed in earlier sections of this thread, or in other areas of the web site. I hope everyone has received the answers they wanted.

Jessica, sorry for the delay responding to your question. Your situation is not necessarily unique. You'll need to prove your mother's right to status if she doesn't currently have a Status stamp in her British passport. As mentioned in other post, you'll need to include her birth certificate in your application package for a Bermuda passport or when you apply to have the Bermuda status stamp added to your current Bermuda or British passport. She probably has an old, perhaps expired, passport that shows she formally possessed status. It might be prudent to include that in your application package. It also wouldn't hurt if she has at least one of her parent�s birth certificate (however, it may not be necessary, at all). Most importantly, you should call the Bermuda Government�s Office of Immigration for authoritive clarification on the procedures necessary to obtain your rightful Bermudian status. Perhaps you�ve already taken heed to do just this. Good Luck!

Frank, might I chime in with my opinion? If you were born on the former Kindley AFB, I assume one of your parents was in the U.S. military. If you currently require the birth certificate for a U.S. government transaction (local or federal), I might recommend that you obtain your U.S. consulate birth certificate. The U.S. Consular Services birth certificate (USCS) and the Bermuda Government birth certificate are mutually exclusive. The USCS birth certificate demonstrates that you were born on U.S. soil in a foreign land (and in your case in presume�born to U.S. citizens). It registered your birth and entitled you to U.S. citizenship. The Bermuda Government birth certificate demonstrates that you were born on Bermuda soil and that you are (under the current U.K. immigration laws) entitled to British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC) and full British Citizenship (if you so desire). Again, these two documents are NOT interchangeable. And, just as a kind reminder, neither BOTC nor British Citizenship conveys Bermudian Status (i.e., Bermuda citizenship). You must contact the U.S. Consular Service for information on obtaining your U.S. birth certificate. As mentioned above, you should contact Bermuda Government�s Department of Vital Records to obtain a certified copy of your Bermuda government birth certificate.

Cheers,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 03-12-07 18:34

Typo correction to post above:

...and in your case--I presume--...

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BOTC

Author: Kathy
Date: 02-14-08 23:33

Don't let the Bermuda government keep your BOTC passport when you apply for a full British passport. How do you know that when Bermuda goes independent (we all know it is coming), that they won't deny you your existing status because you now took full British Citizenship and "handed in your existing BOTC passport"? It is only a "status" - not representative of Citizenship.

Get that passport back!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Kathy
Date: 02-14-08 23:36

Mike,

Can you please clarify for me the meaning of "ordinarily resident"? This is only defined in the UK case law and in Bermuda case law. Because the law doesn't read "domiciled" and doesn't read "resident", how does one distinguish what it actually means?

Thanks!

Your posts are most helpful!

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 03-09-08 09:49

Kathy,

There seems to be some misunderstanding. Official Bermudian Status IS representative of Bermuda citizenship. British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC) alone DOES NOT confer any rights to Bermuda citizenship, i.e., "Status".

The Bermuda government does NOT issue British citizenship--the British government does. Furthermore, as far as I'm aware, the Bermuda government DOES NOT confiscate BOTC passports upon a Status holders (Bermuda citizen's) application for, or receipt of, British citizenship. Such action would contravene current Bermuda immigration statutes. If you have knowledge to the contrary please cite a few practical instances. It could be helpful to others.

Again, under the current British and Bermuda laws, one can possess either a BOTC passport issued by the British government (UK/EU), or one can possess a BOTC passport issued by the Bermuda government. One can posses both British citizenship (EU/UK passport) and a separate BOTC passport concurrently--the rub here is that BOTC is the official citizenship designation. But, Bermudian Status (that IS, Bermuda citizenship with all its vested rights granted by the Bermuda government can be designated in any of these three passports: Bermuda issued BOTC, UK/EU issued BOTC, or British issued UK/EU citizenship.

However, IF and WHEN Bermudians vote for independence it is likely the designation British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) will be absolutely meaningless. At that time, as a sovereign nation, the government of Bermuda will announce to what extent it wishes to open the doors of immigration. Those who currently possess citizenship (Bermudian Status) will likely still be irrevocably Bermuda citizens.

Likewise, British citizenship conferred upon Bermudians and holders of non-status BOTC would also likely be rescinded. But really, all this is hypothetical and perhaps goes beyond the venue of this forum.

Finally, regarding your query as to the scope of legal terms within the immigration statutes--I''ll remind you to please contact your Bermuda licensed solicitor for definitions of these legal terms as they apply to your particular immigration case.

Cheers and Best Regards,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Tom Viger
Date: 03-22-08 19:44

Hello All,

Can someone help me on this one,
My Wife was born in Bermuda, her dad was stationed on Kindley Air Base, and her mom is also american. The hospital where she was born burnt down there, and as you all know, Kindley is closed. She was born in 1963, she did have a birth certificate, but has been lost during her childhood years of turning it into the schools for various sports programs. Over the course of the past 20 years I have tried several place to only have my money returned. Where are the Birth Records kept or where can I obtain a copy.
Thanks Tom

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 04-13-08 06:19

Should we assume that your wife wants to obtain her Bermuda birth certificate?

Well, in either case (Bermuda or U.S.), your situation is not unheard of, and has been discussed within the forum. If your wife contacts the U.S. Consular Service she will have no problem obtaining her U.S. birth certificate. Foreign born U.S. nationals in government service were issued Consular birth certificates (which, by the by, are useless for settling any Bermuda immigration business).

To obtain her Bermuda birth certificate, she should contact the Bermuda government. (Please read through the earlier post in this thread for lots more information!)

Cheers,

M. Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Jason Collins
Date: 05-25-08 04:08

Well,

I have certainly stumbled on to a wealth of accurate information here. I hope you have the time to write another couple of lines of advice for yet another long term absentee.

My situation is quite similar to Alison's above so I am hopeful that I will qualify for 'Bermudianship':

My Mother is Bermudian and left Bermuda for England in 1970 once married.
My Father is English.
Both my Parents are still residing in England as am I.
I was born in Paget, Bermuda in 1972.
My birth was registered in Bermuda and I posess a Bermuda birth certificate but was brought over to England (Kicking & Screaming...) after only 6 weeks.
All my passports have listed me as British Citizen.
My Mother has not held a Bermuda Passport since approx 1975.
I have never been a resident in Bermuda.
I expect thet due to the fact that my Mother has not resided in Bermuda since she left then she is not registred.

I am currently approaching the end of my career in the British Armed forces and would dearly like to have the option of possibly returning to my place of birth to start a new career in 3-4 years time.

I woud very much appreciate your informed views on this subject and any other advice. I am currently on deployment but I do intend on making some phone calls to the immigration department once back in the UK.

Thanks for reading.

Jason

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Re: bermudians

Author: Alison
Date: 05-26-08 00:16

Jason - I just wanted to let you and the other on this board know that, although for many years I walked around with a horrid passport which basically left me as a 'woman with no country' (a non-status 'overseas dependent territories citizen'), I have since obtained TWO (2) passports:
1) a passport with the citizenship of "British" (European Union) - with a "Holder is Registered as a Bermudian" stamp.
2) a passport with citizenship "British Overseas Territories Citizen" - also with the registered Bermudian stamp.

It took me years of muddling about, and honestly Mr. Howard's words of wisdom were what encouraged me to proceed with the muddling!

Anyway, basically what it boiled down to is that your mother needs to be a REGISTERED Bermudian.

IF she was born in Bermuda she either already is, or is entitled to be, a REGISTERED Bermudian.

If she is not already registered, you will have to get her registered.
You will also need to provide a copy of your parents' marriage certificate.
You will also need, of course, your own birth certificate.
I think that's it.

My mother lives in Canada, and I had to go in and show her birth cert. to the Imm. office. THEN she had to go in and register with them, and she got her stamp. At that time, she showed them her marriage cert, and I'm not sure what else she did, but when i went back to Bermuda months later, I was able to walk in, say my name and my mother's name and the Immigration worker just went BANG-BANG and stamped both my UK & B.O.T.C. passports with the Registered stamp. She told me it made life easier if I use the B.O.T.C. passport when travelling to the United States, for whatever reason.

;-)

Anyway, I recommend you GO to Bermuda, as it seems rather difficult to get much done over the phone or via mail (even registered mail seems to get ignored).

There is a phont number, which I don't have handy, but you can find on the Internet, and you can call and speak to someone (a human!!) in the Imm Dept.

They are very helpful, but I have to warn you that each officer seems to have slightly different ideas about the rules/requirements.

If you are willing to go through a 'PROCESS', I'm sure you can get your Bermudian status... but I have to warn you, it can be a long and winding road to the point of getting the BANG-BANG done.

It was such a thrill after the bother of figuring it all out.

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Re: bermudians

Author: Jason Collins
Date: 05-26-08 14:00

Hi Alison,

Firstly congratulations on getting the well earned stamps! It is great to hear of your success and how you went about it.

I have spoken to my Mother and she is about to get some of her family in Bermuda to pop down to the immigration office and get her on the way to being re-registered. She doesn't travel well and is hoping that she will be able to get registered without travelling over to Bermuda. She was quite upset to hear that she was not still a registered Bermudian :-)

So as far as I can tell, once she is registered then I can take my British passport into the immigration office with my birth certificate and get the "Holder is registered as a Bermudian" stamp. I think that is correct but I am sure I will find out soon.

Thanks for the help.

Jason

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 05-28-08 20:51

Alison,

Congratulations! And thank-you for your kind words. Your response is simply brilliant. Cheers!

There is really nothing more one can add. You've said it all so well.

Jason, Alison's advice is premium: when you come to the island please bring copies of your mother's Bermuda government birth certificate, marriage certificate, as well as your own Bermuda government birth certificate--just as a precaution. If she manages to get her passport endorsed prior to your arrival, bring a copy of that too. Remember, you are navigating a bureaucracy. Your application may go smoothly without a hick-up, but come prepared to met any contingencies!

Well,... take care... and enjoy your forthcoming Bermudian status.

Kind Regards,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Christine
Date: 08-05-08 05:39

I have a rather unusual case. I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me out and answer some questions for me.

I am coming to Bermuda to take up a position as a school teacher and I was wondering what status I will hold when I come and if I choose to stay in Bermuda (longer term)? I was also wondering what status my mother holds?

My family�s history in Bermuda:
My Grandfather is a Bermudian as was his mother.
He married my Grandmother during WW2 in Bermuda. She is a British citizen.
All my aunts and uncles were born in Bermuda.
However my mother was born while in England 1958.
She has a British birth certificate.
My mother lived in Bermuda for 12 years.
They left Bermuda as a family in the early 1970's and moved to Australia.
My Mother became an Australian citizen as a minor.
My Mother and Father (he is Australian) now live in Australia.

Any help would be appreciated as this confuses me quite a bit.

Thanks,
Christine

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 08-05-08 15:53

Christine, you failed to mention your age and your birthplace (current nationality [passport status]). We'll assume you hold an Australian passport and citizenship.

In any case, your "status" when you come to the island to work as a school teacher is very simple: Whatever terms are on your current Bermuda immigration papers and work permit ARE the terms in effect during your tenure--unless that status changes during said terms. (We assume you've already applied for and have been notified of your acceptance by Bermuda Immigration and your Bermuda employer.)

As you have no doubt gathered from your contact with Bermuda immigration, and all the post above, as well as several other threads in the forum, you are NOT currently a citizen of Bermuda, i.e., a Bermudian Status holder. At least not yet. However...

Your mother qualifies for Bermudian status through your Bermudian grandfather. You qualify for British/European Union Citizenship, and British Overseas Territory Citizenship/Bermudian Status (Bermuda citizenship) through your mother.

Your mother will have to apply and receive her Bermudian status first, before you can apply and receive yours.

So, if you desire, once you've successfully completed your immigration dances you'll possess an--Australian passport, a British passport, and a Bermuda/British Overseas Territory citizen passport with a Bermudian Status stamp. You'll have 3 nationalities. Not bad at all!

Contact Bermuda immigration directly for complete, authoritative instructions. If you have not already done so, you should perhaps contact the British Consulate in Australia to obtain instructions and the required forms for passport/citizenship application. Then arm yourself with all the respective documentation (birth and marriage certificates, passports, etc.).

Be encouraged. Your Bermuda residency during your tenure as a school teacher should facilitate your Bermudian Status application nicely. It shouldn't be confusing at all. It will take a bit of time and some tenacious groundwork, but should you chose to relocate to the island, you should eventually be able to do so as a citizen.

By the way, Alison's post above from 5/26/08 describes succinctly all the necessities that she actually went through that probably apply to your quest for Bermudian status as well.

Regards,

M. Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Christine
Date: 08-06-08 02:05

Thank you so much Mike for all your help, I really appreciate it. You have really clarified the situation for me. I never knew that I qualified for all 3 nationalities. I am really looking forward to my time in Bermuda!
Thanks again for all your assistance. God Bless.
Christine

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Re: bermudians

Author: Michael Landis
Date: 08-24-08 22:35

Mike - I wonder if you would give me your opinion on my chances for Bermudian citizenship. I am a US citizen born in the US who moved to Bermuda when I was 7. I lived there for 10 years, graduated from Warwick Academy in 1974 and then went away to college. I have returned at least once a year every year since then to visit my parents who still live there. My mother, now Bermudian (she is a naturalized Bermudian previously US citizen) and my step-father also Bermudian (also naturalized Bermudian previously UK citizen) have both lived there for 40+ years. I would love to eventually go back to Bermuda to live (or at least buy something affordable) and not sure if this will be possible. Also, my parents own a home there - can I inherit it? (My step-father is willing to adopt me even at age 51!) Thanks, Michael

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 08-26-08 04:29

Hmm, I don't know Michael.

You, perhaps more than anyone else whom has posted on this forum, seriously needs to consider speaking with a Bermuda licensed immigration solicitor (i.e., attorney) for advice. Yours is a difficult "case". Your question about a possible real estate inheritance further complicates your situation. And if you really want definitive answers, it might be worth your time and money to obtain a bit of pertinent legal insight.

But, since you so kindly asked for my opinion, here it goes�

I could easily say something cheerful such as the following: The letter of the law may at first reading work against you, but your purpose in seeking Bermudian Status may speak volumes and perhaps offer substance and strength to your arguments for your right to citizenship. However (now, for the glum part), the fact is, the stringencies of Bermuda immigration laws are explicit: You are 51 years old, and your mother is not a Status holder by birth, moreover, she was not a status holder at the time of your birth; and, more importantly, your natural father was not Bermudian, and you were not born on the Island. The latter two facts may be enough to exclude you from citizenship, quite independent of your birth mother's CURRENT status.

(But, don�t give up hope, yet!)

That's why I suggest you speak to a Bermuda licensed solicitor; moreover, you also need to speak to Bermuda Immigration directly (preferably, in person) to review the substance of your claim.

You might also consider a reaffirmation of your deep connection to the island. This could be demonstrated through an ardent desire to relocate to the island to be near your family, to bring your professional skills to the island, to positively contribute to Bermudian society and culture, and to participate in the economic community. Is it likely that such an ardent desire would go a long way to curry favor with Immigration Officials? Well, it�s my unauthorized opinion that it can�t hurt.

By the way, inheriting a house in Bermuda has little to do with the immigration laws that control whether or not you can reside in said house as a landed Status holder, naturalized citizen, or even a registered permanent resident of the Island.

Please let me know how you�re coming along in the process.

Cheers,

Mike Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Tricia Sheehan
Date: 10-10-08 09:36

Mike:

Since you seem to be the resident expert--here is my case:

Mum is born and bred Bermudian (like previous poster--family dates back to 1600's--with a local name no one can miss!). Married US Citizen. They continued to reside in Bermuda for several years and three of my siblings were born in Bermuda and hold Dual Citizenship.

I however, was born in US, just a few months after they relocated here. Mum is still Bermudian, has permanent US residency. Mum owned property in Bda, but that is another story for another day. We return "home" several times a year and have many relatives in Bermuda.

Can I claim Bermudian status?

Here is the stickler--had a relative who had all intentions of leaving me his home but was disuaded by other relatives stating I could not inherit or own it. May still be a chance it will be passed through the family. Is it possible that I could get status and someday, someway be able to own the family home? Am sick that due to being PC never discussed this with the relative before his death, something other family members had no problem with.

If you have any information at all that could help me, I'd greatly appreciate it!!

bzymom

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Re: bermudians

Author: Mike Howard
Date: 10-12-08 01:41

Tricia,

If your mother currently has a Bermuda Status stamp in her Bermuda or British Passport then there is NOTHING to prevent you from applying for and receiving Bermuda Status (Citizenship). Your mother is Bermudian, your siblings are Bermudian, then you're Bermudian. Get in touch with Bermuda immigration for definitive information, forms, and guidelines.

Whether or not your family passes the house to you goes beyond the scope of this forum.

Cheers,

M. Howard

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Re: bermudians

Author: Tricia Sheehan
Date: 10-18-08 12:57

Mike:

Thanks so much for your response. I suppose I just never thought it out in these terms, or thought to ask it just that way, so I never got the answer I was looking for!

As luck would have it, my cousins are in this weekend visiting and they will make the contacts for me and get me the information to file!!

I knew the other matter was beyond this, only mentioned it as I felt it was pertinent as to why I would pursue this matter. Thank you again!!

bzymom

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Joann
Date: 04-05-09 15:33

My name is Joann I am currently 24 years old I was born in CT in the U.S and I just married my husband he is from Bermuda but doesn't have status there. I was wondering if I could get status through my family. My dad and his family were born in Bermuda and they have citenzhip there and my mom is Bermudian because she married my father. And after many years they moved to U.S and had me. I would love to go and live in Bermuda and I was wondering if I could get status through my parents and if thats possiable and what should I do from here. Please write me at bermudajo@yahoo.com. Thank you to whoever knows the answer to this question.

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Keith Mclean
Date: 09-15-09 21:31

Hiya Mike,

I was born in the UK and my parents were from a British Colony (not Bermuda). However I was registered in Bermuda. So am I being considered as a Bermuda Citizen or a British Citizen?

Will I get a BOTC Passport or a British Passport?

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Thanx.

keith

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Sixto
Date: 06-18-10 21:13

I was born in Bermuda. My BOTC passport, in addition to listing my nationality on the picture page as BOTC, on page 4 or 5 has an inscription stating "Holder is British, British Overseas Territories Citizen, Bermuda".

Does this have any significance or is this what all BOTC passports issued for people born in Bermuda read?

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Hannah
Date: 06-25-10 15:07

I am Bermudian, I have Bermudian grandparents and parents . Originally all were born in britain but naturalised through a law which no longer exists allowing the application of people who have lived in bermuda for an extended period to achieve status.

These days becoming Bermudian is pretty much unheard of. It is a coveted status, mainly because the island is small and lets-face-it: WHO DOESN't want to live in an island paradise???

The British Overseas Territory comment on your passport seems odd to me. I have a British passport, and my citizenship is listed as British, my place of birth: Bermuda. I paid a separate fee to have a stamp which says that I am a "registered Bermudian". But other than that, you would not know I am Bermudian.

TRYING to work in Bermuda means that unless you posess a proven set of skills which a Bermudian who would also like the job does not have, YOU CANNOT work on the island.

The issue with this for foreigners in bermuda is: Unless you would like to do a low-paid meanial job that bermudian wouldn't want or posess certification of a skills in either reinsurance/finance (our biggest hiring sector) or even IT, you will NOT be able to work in Bermuda.

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Re: Bermudians

Author: Hannah
Date: 06-25-10 15:17

Also if you don't have a proven male lineage of bermudians, you cannot become a citizen.

In other words: As my fatehr is bermudian If I have children with an American, they can still have dual citizenship, but once they have children, unless it is with a bermudian- their children will NOT be able to be Bermudian.

you can see how valuable this citizenship is...

Also in bermuda currently you cannot work in the country for more than 7yrs unless you are Bermudian or a long term resident (for this you would have to apply which is announced in the local newspaper and have no objections from the public AND numerous letters explaining you are of good character from bermudians who have known you for more than 5yrs).

SOOOO if you come and work in our country you need to realise your being on the island is a priviledge which greatly depends on the kindness of others.

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