You have right of abode if all the following apply:

●     one of your parents was born in the UK and a citizen of the United Kingdom and colonies when you were born or adopted

●     you were a Commonwealth citizen on 31 December 1982

●     you did not stop being a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) at any point after 31
December 1982

You can only get right to abode through marriage if you’re a female Commonwealth citizen.

●     been married to someone with right of abode before 1 January 1983

●     not stopped being a Commonwealth citizen (even temporarily) at any point after 31 December 1982

●     is in the UK, or has been in the UK at any time since her marriage (unless they entered the country illegally, came as a visitor or only have temporary permission to stay)

●     has a certificate of entitlement to right of abode or permission to enter the UK because of her marriage

However, you may still have right of abode if:

●     you entered the UK while married and before 1 August 1988, even if your husband has other wives in the UK

●     you’ve been in the UK since your marriage and at that time were your husband’s only wife to have legally entered the UK or been given permission to do so

You’ll need to send:

●     your valid passport or travel document – if it was not issued in the UK it must have immigration stamps to show you’re living here, or you must have a previous right of abode certificate.

●     2 passport-size photos of you taken in the last 6 months documents proving you have right of abode.

Our friendly team would be pleased to talk you through your options and confirm what course of action would be best for you going forward and the relevant implications.