Form

Apply by post for British citizenship as a person of Chagossian descent (form BIOT)

Apply for citizenship as a direct descendant of a citizen of the UK and Colonies who was born in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 23 November 2022
• Last updated: 31 October 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Form BIOT: Apply to register as a British overseas territories citizen (BOTC) and British citizen

PDF, 1.21 MB, 33 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

You can apply to become a British Overseas Territories citizen and a British citizen if you meet both of these conditions:

• you’ve never previously been a British overseas territories citizen, a British dependent territories citizen, or a British citizen
• you’re the direct descendant of someone born on the islands that now form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)

Direct descendant means you’re someone’s child, grandchild, great grandchild or similar. You’re not a direct descendant of uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters or cousins.

You can only apply for one person at a time.

There are no fees to apply.

You should read:

• the Form BIOT eligibility guidance
• the nationality forms guide to help you fill in the form

Send the form and your documents to UK Visas and Immigration at:

Dept 163 – BIOT – (Registration for direct descendants of Chagossians)
4th Floor Capital Building
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP

Paper forms only.

Get help applying

Following the launch of the bespoke registration route for Chagossians and their descendants on 23 November 2022, We Are Digital are working in partnership with the Home Office to provide a digitally assisted service for those who need additional support in completing their application form.

If you’re applying for the Chagossian Registration Route, you can get help filling in your online Home Office application if you:

• do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
• do not have internet access
• do not have access to a device like a laptop or smart phone
• cannot read or write in English

For further details about access to this service contact We Are Digital, or you can message We Are Digital on WhatsApp: 07584 739 395.

Published 23 November 2022
Last updated 31 October 2024 + show all updates

1. 31 October 2024

   Updated in line with changes to the biometric residence permit (BRP).

2. 23 May 2024

   Updated the Referees and Identity section at question 8 on the form.

3. 16 January 2023

   Guidance on how to get additional support in completing the application form has been added.

4. 2 December 2022

   Reference to an incorrect document removed from documents section (Section 11).

5. 23 November 2022

   First published.