The procedure for registering as a British citizen for people in Canada is largely the same as that for those in any other country outside the United Kingdom. Potential citizens are required to meet Britain’s extensive prerequisites for citizenship and fill out an application for citizenship. It should be noted that this process is wholly separate from applying for a British passport, which can be done only after citizenship has been attained. Some applicants will be asked to take a test demonstrating their knowledge of British life.
Make sure you meet the qualifications required of you to apply for British citizenship. These requirements vary based on family and personal history, and the basis of your application. You can apply if your spouse is a British citizen or you have lived in the United Kingdom for an extended period of time (which is obviously unlikely if you have been in Canada awhile). It also is possible to acquire citizenship by descent or if other, more obscure conditions apply to you. You can learn the precise requirements that pertain to you by visiting the official website of the Home Office of the UK (see References).
Compile the required documents. If you are applying for naturalization as a British citizen, this will simply entail a copy of an identification document like a previous passport or birth certificate. By contrast, if you are applying on some other basis, like your spouse’s being a British citizen, you’ll need to have documented evidence of it (e.g., your marriage certificate and a copy of the spouse's passport).
Complete the application form. The particular form you fill out depends on the basis for your application. Each form has a different processing fee associated with it, which is stipulated at the official website of the Home Office (see References).
Mail your application, the documents in Step 4, and the proper registration fee to the British High Commission?. Attach a return courier envelope if you would like original documents returned to you.
British High Commission?
80 Elgin Street?
Ottawa, ON? K1P 5K7
Wait for a response from the British government. Your application will take 3 to 6 months to process.
