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Before 1983, as a general rule CUKC status was transmitted automatically only for one generation, with registration in infancy possible for subsequent generations. Transmission was from the father only, and only if the parents were married. (See
History of British nationality law.)
From 20 July 2009, the
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 provides that a person born outside the UK to a British mother may be entitled to register as a British citizen
by descent if that person was born before 1 January 1983.
[15] Before the 2009 changes, only persons born
after 7 February 1961 and before 1 January 1983 were eligible for this provision that came into force in April 2003. However those with permanent resident status in the UK, or who are entitled to the right of abode, may prefer
naturalisation as a British citizen, which gives transmissible British citizenship
otherwise than by descent. Requirements for successful registration with form UKM are that the applicant be a child of a British mother born before 1983 and be of good character and attend a
citizenship ceremony. As of 22 November 2010, there is no longer an application fee (of £540). Applicants do however still have to pay £80 for the citizenship ceremony.