
Before we could return to the UK we needed to obtain a birth certificate and passport for Emily.
​
The hospital were very helpful in helping us navigate the birth registration process, which was completed with 72 hours of the birth at a local registrar's office. They also directed us to passport office at a nearby university to help us with the passport application process. Having been born in the United States, Emily is a US citizen by birth, and entitled to a US passport. However, even on an expedited basis a passport can take 3-4 weeks, and the process can be delayed by any errors in the paperwork.
​
We were fortunate to have the assistance of the office of senator Richard Burr, who liaised with the relevant authorities to expedite Emily's passport, so that it was processed in a little over two weeks, allowing us to fly home on our scheduled return date.
​
Before we flew, our UK lawyers provided us with a letter to explain Emily's immigration status and the basis for our expectation that Emily would in due course become a British Citizen. This letter, together with a copy of Emily's passport and birth certificate was sufficient to persuade the UK Border Force to allow Emily into the country on a six month visa.