Consular Affairs News

25 January 2007 Talk to the Consul London

Have you ever wanted to discuss the things that your Embassy can do for you as a private American citizen living abroad? Do you have questions about renewing your U.S. passport, registering your child as a U.S. citizen, or what the ramifications are of holding multiple citizenships? Have you ever wondered whether you can register to vote (yes) or renew your U.S. driver's license (no) at the Embassy? Andre Goodfriend, Chief of American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in London, will talk with you about Embassy services available to American citizens, particularly those in the UK, in the second of a continuing series of Talk to the Consul sessions.

André Goodfriend began serving as First Secretary and Consul in London in August, 2004, where he is Chief of the American Citizen Services branch of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section.

Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Goodfriend studied at universities in Tucson, Jerusalem and London before joining the Foreign Service in 1987.

Mr. Goodfriend's postings have included Tel Aviv, New Delhi, Moscow, Washington and as a Regional Consular Officer working with a number of US embassies in Africa. He speaks French, Hebrew and Russian, as well as some Spanish, Greek and Hindi.

U.S. Embassy London  Welcome to Embassy London's second "Talk to the Consul" webchat. We'll begin taking your questions now. Be sure to remember to hit the "refresh" button periodically as new questions and answers are posted. Thanks again, and welcome to Andre.

André Goodfriend
Thank you Douglass. It's a pleasure to use this medium again and discuss issues with Americans in Britain. This is still a new medium for us here, and we appreciate any feedback you may have about how useful these types of sessions are. Here at the Embassy we have our Special Consular Services Chief, Douglass Benning, our Passport and Citizenship Chief, Chuck Davis, Vice Consul Amanda Cranmer, and a number of Consular staff working together with me to respond to your inquiries in this forum. We received a number of questions in advance. So, let's get started.

Question from Pat:  Dear Sir, my whole family is american, I am a UK resident with limited leave to remain going to a UK Passport in 2009, I have a baptism of my baby nephew to attend in the states, was denied tourist visas in the Philippines and Dublin in 1997 and 2003 respectively.
Now that I am a year as a cashier with Barclays bank in London, 3 years in the banking industry, I wish to visit my family for 9 days in February, had a petition before but gave it up, what are the chances of visiting the States on a limited leave to remain in the UK status good sir?

André Goodfriend
Thank you for your question. During this web discussion, we are focusing on issues impact American citizens overseas, rather than the visitor visa process for non-American citizens -- which could merit a full discussion on its own. In general though, it is impossible to assess whether someone meets the criteria for a nonimmigrant visa outside the application process. If you wish to apply for a tourist visa you may begin the application process by going to the visa pages of our website: http://london.usembassy.gov. We have also posted answers to frequently asked questions about the nonimmigrant visa process on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/faqs/faq_visa_niv.html. You may find these helpful.

Question from Cathy, an Ex-Pat:  My British husband and I married 15 years ago and he obtained a green card. Just over two years ago we moved permanently to the UK with our two dual citizen children. We were informed by our US tax accountant that for the next 10 years he can only stay in the US for 30 days per year or be liable for US taxes. Is this correct?

André Goodfriend
Thank you for your question Cathy. If your husband has relinquished his status as a lawful permanent resident, has no US-source income and has now taken up permanent residence in the UK, he would not be liable for US tax.

Here is a standard response from our IRS office to a similar questions:

If I Am a Long-Term Resident, Must I File Form 8854 For The Next 10 Years After I Surrender My Green Card?
You must file a Form 8854 for each of the 10 tax years after the date of your abandonment of your long-term resident status only if:

• your average annual net income tax liability for the 5 years ending before the date of your termination of residency is more than a set amount ($124,000 for 2004, $127,000 for 2005, $131,000 for 2006),
• your net worth is $2 million or more on the date of your termination of residency, or
• you fail to certify on Form 8854 that you have complied with all of your U.S. federal tax obligations for the 5 years preceding the date of your termination of residency.

Failure to file a required Form 8854 in any of the 10 tax years after the date of your termination of residency may result in a $10,000 penalty for each year that the form is required but not filed.

Question from Sue:  I am a US citizen (born in the US). I reside in Hertfordshire, England with my husband of 8 years, who has a Danish passport. I have been granted right of residence in the UK as a family member of an EEA national. This right of residence expires in 2011. I live and work in the UK and have done for the past 7 years. Can I submit the I-130 petition for my husband to the American Embassy in London? [I ask this because my principal residence is in this jurisdiction , but at the same time my stay hear is technically temporary.] Due to the length of processing time, I want to ensure that I submit to the proper address - Is this the American Embassy London or appropriate address in the US? THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP.

André Goodfriend
Thank you for your question Sue. According to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS), since your principal residence is in the UK and there is a USCIS office at the U.S. Embassy, you may file the I-130 here. For the information of other potential I-130 filers, a recent change in procedure eliminates the acceptance of I-130s at U.S. Embassies and Consulates that do not have USCIS representatives on site, so if you're resident in a foreign country outside the UK, you should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate before attempting to file. For further information on the process for filing the I-130 here in London visit: http://london.usembassy.gov/dhs/uscis/i130filing.html .

Question from Candice:  How can one obtain dual citizenship between the US and the UK? What are the ramifications of holding multiple citizenships?

André Goodfriend
Thank you Candice,

Essentially, if you are already a US citizen, then to become a dual national holding both US and UK citizenship, you would need to acquire UK citizenship. For more information about acquiring UK citizenship, you should contact the UK Home Office. The Home Office has also put a pamphlet about being naturalized as a UK citizen online at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/11406/guideannew.pdf (PDF).

Questions concerning dual nationality arise frequently, and the State Department discussese many of the issues and ramifications on its website at http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html .

The site notes that "Dual nationality can occur as the result of a variety of circumstances. The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign nationality, acquired, for example, by birth in a foreign country or through an alien parent, does not affect U.S. citizenship. It is prudent, however, to check with authorities of the other country to see if dual nationality is permissible under local law. Dual nationality can also occur when a person is naturalized in a foreign state without intending to relinquish U.S. nationality and is thereafter found not to have lost U.S. citizenship the individual consequently may possess dual nationality. While recognizing the existence of dual nationality and permitting Americans to have other nationalities, the U.S. Government does not endorse dual nationality as a matter of policy because of the problems which it may cause. Claims of other countries upon dual-national U.S. citizens often place them in situations where their obligation to one country are in conflict with the laws of the other. In addition, their dual nationality may hamper efforts to provide U.S. diplomatic and consular protection to them when they are abroad." .

Question:  Hi, I want to speak english so I can live in england..do I have to know much english. or basic english? I like very much England and USA but I don't have that.

André Goodfriend
Hello. While questions about UK requirements should generally be addressed to UK authorities, there is no requirement in UK law that someone wishing to reside here speak English. However, practically speaking, many of the reasons people come to the UK, like to study or work, imply a knowledge of English. You might want to look into English language courses where you live to improve your chances of qualifying for a visa to come to the UK. Also, be sure to check with the nearest UK Embassy or consulate for the requirements they have for coming to live here. (In fact, they might have information on where you can get English language courses inexpensively or even free.) You can also consult the website of the UK Immigration Service for more information: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/comingtotheuk/ .

Question from Carol:  My green visa waver form was not taken when I left Florida on the 24 OCT 2006. What should I do I want to visit again in March?

André Goodfriend
Thank you Carol. This question comes up regularly. The "green visa waiver form" you are refering to is called an I-94W. The form for people who have visas is the I-94. This is the form people fill out upon entry to the U.S., and which they are supposed to turn in when they leave. If it hasn't been turned in, U.S. immigration authorities may assume that you have not yet departed the U.S.

If you have left the United States and are still in possession of the I-94 or I-94W you should send it to the appropriate authorities so that your record is corrected and that you do not experience any problems on future travel to the United States as a result. It's very important that you complete the back of the card listing the port of departure and date of departure from the United States and the carrier/flight information. The I-94 or I-94W together with a letter of explanation and evidence of your departure from the U.S. should be sent to: ACS-USCBP, SBU, P.O. Box 7125 London KY 40742-7125 USA.

Don't mail the I-94/I-94W to the Embassy. Doing so will only delay the update of the departure information. The CBP office in London cannot update the arrival and departure system. For more information, visit http://london.usembassy.gov/dhs/cbp/i94.html .

Question from Candice:  How can the embassy help an American citizen looking to gain permanent graduate-level employment within the UK secure the "right to work and live in the UK"? Is it possible to secure a work permit on your own before securing a position in order to be more eligible in the eyes of recruiters?

André Goodfriend
Thank you again Candice,

The Embassy is unable to intervene on behalf of U.S. citizens in UK Immigration matters, which are solely the purview of the UK government. Inquiries regarding work permits should be addressed to the Home Office at wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk . For detailed information on how to apply for a work permit, visit http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk . It appears, however, that it is not possible for an individual to apply for and receive a UK work permit on his or her own behalf; the application must come from an employer seeking to hire a non-EU national based on that person's skills and qualifications. This includes a scheme for 'training and work experience' for people from outside the European Economic Area to undertake work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification, or a period of work experience.

Question from LaLa:  My husband is British and I am a US citizen. We are expecting our first child to be born in the UK and are planning on reporting the birth of our child to the US Embassy and obtaining a Consular Report of Birth in order to obtain multiple citizenship for our child.
Once the child has mulitple citizenship should something happen to my husband would his family be able to stop me from taking the child out of the country (to the US) or claim any rights to the child?

André Goodfriend
LaLa, If your husband dies before you, then custody of your child would generally revert solely to you, as the child's mother. The extended paternal family would not be able to prevent the removal of the child from the United Kingdom without the assistance and prior intervention of the British court system.

Question from Carolyn:  Good Afternoon, I am a US Citizen living in London, it is my understanding that 18+ year old men must register with the US government to be called upon should a Draft be enforced. If this is still the law, where should my son register as he has recently turned 18 and is a US Citizen as well?

André Goodfriend
Good afternoon Carolyn,

Currently, there is no military conscription or draft in the U.S., and the Selective Service has stated that there are no plans to reinstate the draft at this time. In fact, following recent media articles to the contrary, they put the notice headed "No Draft on the Horizon" on their website (http://www.sss.gov)

That being said, American citizen males, whether they live in the US or overseas, including dual-nationals, are required to register for selective service. This also applies to permanent resident alien males living in the United States. Registration should take place 30 days either side of the 18th birthday. There is no penalty for late registration, but failure to comply with the requirement may result in certain penalties being imposed. Registration is simple. It can be done on-line on the Selective Service website (http://www.sss.gov) .

Question:  I've worked in the United States for a short period of time, before going back to the United Kingdom to start my career. I'm now approaching age 62. Will I be eligible for benefits? If so, how do I apply?

André Goodfriend
You could be eligible, even if you worked in the United States for as little as a year an a half. If you are under age 66 this year and have retired or working 45 hours or less a month, then contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the Embassy to discuss filing for retirement benefits. If you are working over 45 hours a month then you will have to wait. If you age 66 or older you may be eligible for benefits right now, even if you still are working. You can reach us by phone, fax or email. Please visit the Federal Benefits Unit's web page at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/fbu/index.html for more information.

Question:   was born in Britain during World War II, and in looking over some old papers, I recently was very surprised to find out that my biological father, whom I never knew, was actually an American soldier stationed here. Does that make me an American citizen too?

André Goodfriend
In fact, it might. A lot will depend on the evidence of paternity and military service you've discovered.

Your story is not uncommon, although we are seeing it less frequently as the years pass. I'm going to quote here form the U.S. Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) concerning the criteria that apply in a case like the one you've described:

7 FAM 1134.4 Special Provisions for Children of Veterans
(TL:CON-68; 04-01-1998)



• Section 201(g) NA precluded transmission of citizenship by persons under age 21. Because persons under that age who had served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and were married to aliens found themselves unable to transmit citizenship to their foreign-born children, the Nationality Act of 1940 was amended to include section 201(i). This permitted citizens who had served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces after December 7, 1941, and before December 31, 1946, to transmit citizenship to their foreign-born children if, prior to the child's birth, the citizen parent had resided in the United States for 10 years, 5 of which were after the citizen parent's 12th birthday. Thus, section 201(i) NA reduced to age 17 the minimum age at which a citizen parent who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the statutorily prescribed period could transmit citizenship.
• As noted in 7 FAM 1134.3-2 d, honorable U.S. military service counted as residence in the United States. A child of a U.S. citizen whose U.S. military service was dishonorable could not benefit from section 201(i) NA.
• A child born between January 13, 1941 and December 23, 1952, inclusive, whose U.S. citizen parent met the transmission requirements of section 201(i) NA was considered to have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth, whether the parent's military service was before or after the child's birth.
• Originally, it was held that section 205 NA applied to cases of children who were born out of wedlock and claimed citizenship under section 201(i) NA. However, in Y.T. v. Bell, 478 F. Supp. 828 (W.D. Pa 1979), the court ruled that section 201(i) NA does not require the child to be legitimated in accordance with section 205 NA in order to acquire U.S. citizenship. It was sufficient that the child was the blood issue of the serviceman (established in Y.T. by an affidavit of paternity) and later complied with applicable retention requirements. The court reached its conclusion on two grounds: (1) Section 205 NA does not specifically refer to Section 201(i); and (2) Equal protection.
• The use of section 201(i) NA should be considered only if it was not possible to acquire citizenship under section 201(g) NA. All children who became U.S. citizens under section 201(i) NA were subject to that section's requirements for retaining U.S. citizenship, but, because in 1952 none of them were old enough to begin to comply with section 201(i)'s retention requirements, they all became subject to those of Section 301(b) INA [see 7 FAM 1133.5-2].
• Under the Act of March 16, 1956 (70 Stat. 50), the child of a citizen who did not have enough U.S. residence to transmit citizenship under section 201 (g) or (i) NA but who had served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces between December 31, 1946 and December 24, 1952, and who, before the child's birth, had met the physical presence requirement of section 301(a)(7) INA, as originally enacted, acquired U.S. citizenship under section 301(a (7) INA and was subject to the retention requirements of section 301(b) INA, as originally enacted.

If, after looking this over, you believe that may be a U.S. citizen, take a look at our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/fta.html to read how to make an application for a passport as a "first time applicant".

Question:  I really need your help. My fiancé is being detained by the Foreign Immigration Department in the UK due to a tax called the Basic travel allowance tax. I've been trying to contact the office but no one answers. My fiancé was traveling from Lagos to the US via London, and now I can't seem to locate her. I get this feeling when the gentleman at the immigration department calls that he's not being honest with me. He told me he would call back about costs involved. My fiancé was born in NJ and has lived most of her life in Lagos. I don't know the specifics such as date of birth for flight itinerary as she has all the paperwork with her. Your assistance to this matter would be greatly appreciated.

André Goodfriend
Frankly, this has the hallmarks of a fraud, similar to those seen by our Embassy in Moscow, and discussed on their website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_2088.html . We've had inquiries similar to yours concerning friends and fiancées met over the Internet who now are purported to be in the hospital, or detained in other circumstances, and need funds.

While the US Embassy can not intervene on your behalf regarding a fiancé immigration issue, we would like to point out that there is NO Foreign Immigration Department in the UK, nor does the UK have a "Basic Travel allowance tax."

As noted, this has the hallmarks of fraud. In this case, please do not pay the caller and remember that a valid passport is always required for international travel and not just paperwork. If your US Citizen Fiancé is being detained by UK authorities, she should notify the American Embassy. Again, we would not be able to intervene but would be able to advise her on this unfortunate issue and how best to handle this immigration problem.

Question:  At the time I filed for retirement benefits, a couple of years ago, I declined to enroll into Medicare Part B. My children, in the United States, have asked me to come and live. I now need Medicare Part B. How do I file for it?

André Goodfriend
If you are entitled to Part A of Medicare, then you can also file for Part B of Medicare. Since you chose not to take Part B of Medicare at age 65, you must wait to apply during an open enrollment season. This season begins in January and ends in March. Your Medicare Part B will begin the following July and you'll incur a penalty for enrolling after age 65.

Question:  Can I have my benefit sent to a bank in United Kingdom?

André Goodfriend
Yes, you can. The Embassy's Federal Benefits Unit will need your bank details -- the bank's sort code and your account number. You can write or call them. Again, more information about the FBU can be found at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/fbu/index.html .

From Carolyn:  Thank you all very much for all your help, this has been a brilliant resource and opportunity, let's do it again!

Question:  Does the Embassy have any kind of celebration for American holidays like Thanksgiving or the 4th of July? How do American citizens get on the invitation list?

André Goodfriend
Celebrating national holidays is such an important aspect of maintaining one's identity as an American overseas. Each US Embassy attempts to find a way to celebrate American holidays in a way that is appropriate for the locale. In some places where we have a small embassy or consulate, and a small American citizen population, it may be that the Embassy is the hub of every American event. In other places where the American community is large, there may be a range of events that take place throughout the community, at which members of the Embassy are guests or participants.

In the UK, with its American population of over 250,000 residents, celebrations of major American holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Independence Day can be found throughout the country -- although the majority take place in the greater London area.

To help Americans find out what celebrations are taking place, we have been listing those celebrations that we are aware of in our monthly newsletters to the American community. In the June 2006 newsletter (at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs_newsletters/amcit_newsletter_jun06.html) we listed a range of 4th of July events, from a festive picnic in Ruislip to a glimpse into the life of the British soldier at the time of the Revolutionary War, given by the American Museum in Bath, and much more.

In the November letter (http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs_newsletters/amcit_newsletter_nov06.html) we listed an even greater range of Thanksgiving events.

We're always looking for other American events taking place, so that we can help publicize them.

Question:  I've been studying tax returns for US Citizens living abroad (this will be my first return), nowhere can I find information on which documents to attach which verify my UK income. I will also be using my tax return as income verification later this year as I will be applying for my British Husband's visa and permanent resident status so I feel it is important to get things correct the first time. Thank you for any advice you can give.

André Goodfriend
Thank you Carolyn for the question.

You don't have to attach anything to your US tax return to verify your UK income. Only if the IRS contacts you to question your income and foreign income exclusion would you be required to provide back up information. If you would like assistance with preparing her return, you can come into our office at the embassy. See our website: http://london.usembassy.gov/irs/index.htm for information on IRS hours of operation.

Question from LaLa:  What documents are necessary to have in order to obtain the Consular Report of Birth for our baby? Once we have secured this document is it true that we are then able to apply for a social security card and a US passport? Are there any ramifications for a child holding multiple citizenships? Are there any reasons why the child would be denied US citizenship if the mother is a US citizen and resided in the US for the first 29 years of her life?

André Goodfriend
LaLa,

Our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/childindex.html discusses the requirements and documents necessary to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Applications for a passport and Social Security Number are made at the same time as your application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Your child may hold multiple citizenships. However if your child is an American citizen, s/he must enter and exit the U.S. on a valid U.S. passport.

If you, as the child's mother were physically present in the United States for a total of five years, two of those years after their fourteenth birthday, the child will be eligible for U.S. citizenship. Our website discusses this in more detail .

Question:  My child's father is not able to be there at the Embassy for my appointment to renew my child's passport. He is willing to complete the statement of consent form, but who can notarize this document?

André Goodfriend
A statement of consent may be notarized by a U.S Notary Public, British Notary Public or a solicitor. The document must bear the seal of that official. If the absent parent is located outside the United Kingdom or outside the United States, they MUST contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate in order to have the Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) notarized before a U.S Consular Officer. Please follow the instructions on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/2parentsig.html .

Question:  I have no more blank pages in my passport. Is there anything I can do?

André Goodfriend
Additional pages may be added to a passport up to a maximum of three times, providing that the passport is in good condition. You can find instructions for adding extra pages to a U.S. passport at: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/extra.html .

If you're traveling within 5 working days and can provide proof of this travel, you may appear in person for extra pages during the following hours without an appointment: Monday to Friday between 8.30 to 11.00 am and on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays between 2.00 to 4.00pm. Don't forget that the Embassy is closed on U.S. and UK public holidays (please see: http://london.usembassy.gov/ukpubhol.html).

The pages will be added while you wait; please plan to spend about an hour at the Embassy. If you wish, an agent of your choosing can appear on your behalf of the applicant, provided they submit the your passport and proof of travel, the completed DS-4085 form, a letter from the you authorizing him/her BY NAME to apply on the your behalf, and his/her own passport (U.S. or foreign).

If you're not traveling within 5 days, please follow the instructions for using Royal Mail special Delivery or the Embassy's contact courier service on the website.

Question:  How do I obtain a replacement copy of my Consular Report of Birth Abroad certificate?

André Goodfriend
The Embassy does not keep copies of any Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) on file, but you can obtain an official replacement copy by sending a written request to the following address:

Vital Records Section
Passport Services
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20522-1705

The written request for a replacement CRBA (FS-240) must be notarized (a UK notary is acceptable for this) and must include a copy of valid photo identification of the requester. The request must include: full name of child at birth (plus any adoptive names); date and place of birth of the child; names of the child's parents; serial number, if known, from the upper right hand corner of the CRBA/FS-240 (on those issued after Nov.1, 1990); any available information from the applicant's US passport (passport number, date of issuance, place of issuance, etc); signature of the requester.

You should check the State Department website for the current fee (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html). Make your check or bank draft drawn on a bank in the United States, or money order, payable to the "Department of State." The Department will assume no responsibility for cash lost in the mail.

Question:  I've worked in the United States for a short period of time, before going back to the United Kingdom to start my career. I'm now approaching age 62. Will I be eligible for benefits? If so, how do I apply?

André Goodfriend
You'll need to contact the Federal Benefits Unit to find out if you might be eligible for benefits. Depending your husband's work history in the United States, it is possible that you could be eligible for a one time payment of $255.00 to help pay for funeral expenses or ongoing benefit as a widow or surviving spouse if you children under the age of 16 in your care.

André Goodfriend
Well, thank you again for this opportunity to work with you via this medium. Please let us know what you thought of it by sending comments to us as londonacsnewsletter@state.gov .

Question:  My husband worked in the United States for a short period of time before I met him. I'm a UK citizen and have never worked or lived in the United States. My husband just passed away. Are there any benefits payable?

André Goodfriend
You'll need to contact the Federal Benefits Unit to find out if you might be eligible for benefits. Depending your husband's work history in the United States, it is possible that you could be eligible for a one time payment of $255.00 to help pay for funeral expenses or ongoing benefit as a widow or surviving spouse if you children under the age of 16 in your care.

Question:   When I renew my passport will you transfer my UK visa to my new passport?

André Goodfriend
The US government does not have the authority to transfer visas or authorizations issued by other countries. When you apply for a new US passport, we are required to cancel your old passport, but we will return it to you with the new one; you should then contact the appropriate authority of the issuing country for further instruction.

According to the Home Office website at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applying/generalcaseworking/returningresidents

If you have an indefinite leave to remain stamp in an old passport but do not wish to have it transferred to your new passport, you will need to carry your old passport and your new passport when you travel as evidence of your settled status. If you are unable to produce this, there is a risk that you will be denied entry to the UK at the port of entry.

For authoritative information regarding the transfer of your status in the UK to your new passport, you should contact the UK Home Office at:

Immigration & Nationality Directorate
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY

Phone number: 0870 606 7766

or visit its website at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Question from LaLa:  I am a US citizen who married a British citizen in March 2006. I've yet to have a chance to update my name on my social security number to my new married name and I am expecting my first child in March 2007.

I am interested in obtaining a Consular Report of Birth for my child in order to secure US citizenship for my baby and I understand that my name on my social security records must be the same as the child's birth certificate, which will be in my married name. Is it possible to do it all at once at the US Embassy once the child is born (update my social security records and apply for a Consular Report of Birth for my child)? I live in Birmingham and it is difficult to travel down to London.

André Goodfriend
Yes, you may apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US passport and a Social Security number at the same time.

You should visit our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/childindex.html in order to make a Consular Report of Birth appointment. Be sure, however, to schedule your appointment between 8.30 and 12.00 since our Social Security Office (the Federal Benefits Unit) is only open until 1.00 daily.

Question from Beth:   I need income tax preparation done and can this be done in UK and where?

André Goodfriend
Beth,

Happy to respond to this as a final question on this webchat.

As with a number of other services (e.g. doctors, lawyers, etc.), the Embassy maintains a list of tax preparation companies for the convenience of American citizens here.

The Embassy assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the companies listed.

The list is located on our website: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/uk/visituk.html. For additional companies, refer to the list of Tax Consultants in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. Further advice and information regarding certified accountants can be obtained by contacting the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, http://www.icaew.co.uk/ .

U.S. tax forms are available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), www.irs.gov, or from the IRS Office here at the U.S. Embassy. See http://london.usembassy.gov/irs/index.htm for their hours and contact information.

André Goodfriend
As some may have noticed, a few questions were answered after the close of the webchat. We appreciate the interest of all who participated, and wanted to be sure that we responded to as many inquiries as possible, but weren't able to get to all of those that we received yesterday before the close of the hour.

We very much value the opportunities we have to use various media to engage with the public, whether it is by speaking to groups in person, publishing an article in a magazine or newspaper, sending out a monthly newsletter, or interacting via a virtual forum such as this.

Again, we look forward to your feedback on this and our other communication channels. Please send your comments to londonacsnewsletter@state.gov. And if you haven't already subscribed to our monthly newsletter, we hope that you'll do that as well.

Until next time...

Webchat ends.

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