Transitioning in the UK as a Foreign National

A / 20 / ftm / T: 15.5.19 / surgery: 1.8.19 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏳️‍🌈 Transitioning is hard... and even harder when you have to do it in a foreign country. I am a US national living in the UK, and I am here to share my experience on all things transitioning abroad. Ask me anything!

[trans-abroad]

Hi! Just read your post about changing name in the UK as a foreign national. Wanted to ask you how long did it take for you to receive the replacement BRP? And which name did you fill in on the BRP application form that asks for your current name (I'm confused as to whether I should fill in the name on new passport first, or the old one first) And did you have to send your passport and the old BRP with the application? Thank you so much!

Hello! So at the moment I have yet to receive my new BRP... this is because of the virus. I applied back in April and they still haven’t finished processing it. However, my old BRP will remain usable until the new one is issued, I just take my name change documents along with it.

You will apply for your new BRP under your new name, because that is the current one. I’m assuming that you are applying from within the U.K. Usually, you apply online. Once you submit all the basic information it will prompt you to make an appointment where you will submit your biometrics. (Even from outside the U.K. you will go to a biometrics centre). Right now, it will probably show that there are no upcoming appointments available for biometrics in the U.K. because the centres are closed for the pandemic. Don’t fret, UKVI released an app where you reuse your old biometrics and submit all your paperwork through the app (like name change document, proof of address, new and old passport, etc).

You shouldn’t have to send your documents anywhere. You will either bring them with you to a biometrics appointment in person, or submit them through the app.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask for any clarification, I’m happy to give you more info!

[trans-abroad]

Changing Your Name in the UK as a Foreign National

This is not a replacement for actual legal advice, but this information may be a good place to start if you are a foreign national, especially a US national, living and transitioning in the UK. 

A name change in the US is a lengthy and expensive process involving the court system. Changing a name in your state of residence from abroad is even more difficult. Luckily, if you have a residence permit or leave to remain within the UK, there is a much easier solution. 

You are entitled to change your name via Deed Poll, which costs only 15£ and can be ordered online. The only difference is that you need to get the Deed Poll signed and stamped by a solicitor to make it internationally recognised as a legal document. 

Once you have your signed Deed Poll, you should bring it, along with other required documentation and renewal fee, to the consulate/embassy to get your new passport issued in this name. If you are only changing your name, then you could also mail it in, but if you are changing your gender marker at the same time you will be required to physically bring the papers to the consulate. Details on changing your gender marker are available here.

BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR VISA INFORMATION OR RESIDENT’S PERMIT WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF GETTING YOUR UPDATED PASSPORT. This can be done via a ‘Change of Circumstances’ forum and an application for a new BRP card if necessary. 

This is how I was able to change my name as of 2020

[trans-abroad]

IMPORTANT ADDITION REGARDING THE WORDING OF YOUR NAME DEED.

In order for your name deed to be legal in the eyes of the United States Law, you will have to have a standard name deed personalised. I wanted to elaborate on this.

Because of the nature of this document, it is more apt to be called a name deed/affidavit. An affidavit is a document under UK Law which is sworn upon before a notary public. 

Your name deed/affidavit should include the following:

-Statement that you are making oath and declaring your change of name

-Signed in both old and new names

-Signed and stamped by a solicitor (as a notary), with their official seal affixed. 

If you are looking for someone to draft this specific document for you, a solicitor can do it, but I recommend Deed Poll Office. This is in no was sponsored, I just wanted to share how helpful they were. They drafted a personalised document for me according to tedious US specifications and did it for no more than the base price of 15£. 

Once you have the document you can check in your area for notaries, which all ask for different prices. Mine witnessed the document for 10£, so make sure to do your research to avoid getting scammed. 

All of this should assure that your name deed is not rejected and you don’t waste money and time. 

[trans-abroad]

Changing your Gender Marker as a Foreign National in the UK

This is not a replacement for actual legal advice, but this is a good place to start if you are transitioning in the UK as a foreign national, especially as a US national. 

In order to change your gender marker, you will need proof of transition. As far as I am aware, there is no specification as far as needing to have both HRT and surgery, or only one or the other, or something else. All you will need to prove your transition is a letter from your GP confirming that you are under their care and transitioning or transitioned.

In the case of transitioning, you will be issued a passport with a validity of 2 years. If you are fully transitioned, you will be issued a regular length passport. 

Instead of filling out the regular DS-82 passport renewal form, you will need the DS-11 forum.

Additionally, the details required for your physician letter should be as followed, and are also available here:

A signed, original statement from a licensed physician must be on office letterhead and include:

Physician’s full name, address, and telephone number

Medical license or certificate number

Issuing state or other jurisdiction of medical license/certificate

Language stating that:

The statement must include, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.”

He or she has treated you, or has reviewed and evaluated your medical history

You have had appropriate clinical treatment for transition to male or female, or are in the process of transition to male or female

You will need to deliver the required documentation IN PERSON to the consulate or embassy. Also be sure to bring your name change documents if you have not already changed your name. Details on changing your name from abroad are available here. 

BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR VISA INFORMATION OR RESIDENT’S PERMIT WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF GETTING YOUR UPDATED PASSPORT. This can be done via a ‘Change of Circumstances’ forum and an application for a new BRP card if necessary. 

This is how I was able to change my gender marker in the UK as a US national as of 2020

[trans-abroad]

Changing Your Name in the UK as a Foreign National

This is not a replacement for actual legal advice, but this information may be a good place to start if you are a foreign national, especially a US national, living and transitioning in the UK. 

A name change in the US is a lengthy and expensive process involving the court system. Changing a name in your state of residence from abroad is even more difficult. Luckily, if you have a residence permit or leave to remain within the UK, there is a much easier solution. 

You are entitled to change your name via Deed Poll, which costs only 15£ and can be ordered online. The only difference is that you need to get the Deed Poll signed and stamped by a solicitor to make it internationally recognised as a legal document. 

Once you have your signed Deed Poll, you should bring it, along with other required documentation and renewal fee, to the consulate/embassy to get your new passport issued in this name. If you are only changing your name, then you could also mail it in, but if you are changing your gender marker at the same time you will be required to physically bring the papers to the consulate. Details on changing your gender marker are available here.

BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR VISA INFORMATION OR RESIDENT’S PERMIT WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF GETTING YOUR UPDATED PASSPORT. This can be done via a ‘Change of Circumstances’ forum and an application for a new BRP card if necessary. 

This is how I was able to change my name as of 2020

[trans-abroad]

Transitioning Abroad - Hello!

Hi everyone! my name is A. I am almost a year on T, and half a year post-op. I am from the USA, but I live in the UK and am transitioning there as well. There is not a lot of information about this topic, so I will be writing my advice on all things transition in the UK, especially for foreign nationals transitioning in the UK. Everything from changing your name and gender marker abroad, to getting on HRT.

Regardless, whether you are from the UK or outside it, I can answer most questions about transitioning in the UK system. Check back here for more posts, or feel free to ask me anything!