Telford teenager secures university place after his British status is resolved
A teenager from Telford – who was born in Canada – nearly missed out on a university scholarship as a result of red tape around his citizenship status.
Peter Garvey, from Madeley, moved to the UK as a 16-month old so his mother Joanne, a British citizen by descent and passport holder, could help look after her ill father and Peter's grandfather.
Having turned 18 and secured a place at Cardiff University to study engineering, Peter was at risk of losing his place as he was unable to apply for a student loan while his adult citizenship application was being processed by the Home Office. Telford MP Lucy Allan took up Peter's case with the Home Office to see that his citizenship was secured in time for the teenager to apply for his student loan and start his university course.
Peter said: "It's great to officially be a British citizen and to know that I'll be able to take up my place at Cardiff University.
"Having lived in the UK since I was 16 months old I've always considered myself British, especially as my mom, brothers and grandparents are all British citizens.
"I'm really looking forward to starting my course and enjoying all that university has to offer. I'm also looking forward to getting my own British passport."
His mother added they were both grateful to Ms Allan and her office for helping to progress her son's application.
"It's been a convoluted process but I'm so pleased that it has now all been put to bed and he will be able to take up his place at university," she said.
"This will be a life-changing time for Peter and I'm very proud mother."
Ms Allan said helping constituents like Peter and Joanne was exactly the sort of thing an MP could do.
"It is most rewarding when we are able to do so," she added.
"By anyone's standards Peter is British."
