Overview of the Foreign Birth Registration Process

The Irish American Baseball Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians recently partnered with the Irish Consulate in New York to host a webinar on obtaining Irish citizenship. Deputy Consul General Andrew Byrne provided a detailed overview of the entire process, guiding attendees through each step and highlighting the benefits of becoming an Irish citizen. The presentation is available in x parts:

1. Obtaining Irish Citizenship: Who is Eligible? How to Apply?
2. Irish Citizenship by Descent
3. Foreign Birth Registration (FBR)
4. Gathering Your Documents for Your Irish Citizenship Application
5. Gathering Parent and Grandparent Documents For Your Irish Citizenship Application
6. Understanding the Process for Witnessing Documents in the U.S.
7. Irish Citizenship Application Timeline and Next Steps

If you were born outside of Ireland but have Irish ancestry, you might be eligible for Irish citizenship through your lineage. Specifically, if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland or if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you can navigate the Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) process. In this blog post, we’re going to break down the steps you need to take to prove your identity and lineage, making your journey to Irish citizenship as straightforward as possible.

“This process does take a little bit of time, so it requires a bit of patience and effort on your part.”

Andrew Byrne, Deputy Consul General

What is the Foreign Birth Registration (FBR)?

The Foreign Birth Registration is a key process for those born abroad with Irish ancestry. It allows individuals to claim Irish citizenship by proving their connection to an Irish citizen. The FBR is particularly significant for those whose grandparents were born in Ireland. This process requires gathering various documents that establish your identity and lineage, which we’ll detail further in this article.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility to apply for Irish citizenship through FBR hinges on your familial connections. Here’s how it breaks down:

• If your parent was born in Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen.
• If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you can apply for citizenship through the FBR, but you will need to provide documentation proving your lineage.
• In some cases, if your great-grandparent was born in Ireland, you may still be eligible, but this is contingent on whether your parent applied for their own FBR before your birth.

Gathering Your Documents

Gathering the necessary documentation is crucial and can be time-consuming. You will need to collect original state-issued documents that span three generations. Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:

• Original birth certificate of your grandparent
• Original marriage certificate of your grandparent
• Original death certificate of your grandparent (if applicable)
• Original divorce certificate of your grandparent (if applicable)
• Original birth certificate of your parent
• Original marriage certificate of your parent
• Original death certificate of your parent (if applicable)
• Original divorce certificate of your parent (if applicable)
• Copy of your parent’s passport/ID (must be notarized)
• Copy of your passport/ID (must be notarized)
• Your original birth certificate
• Your original marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Your original divorce papers (if applicable)
• Three original documents showing proof of current residence (utility bills, bank statements, lease)
• Two passport photos (must be signed by your witness)

Collecting these documents can be a laborious task. You may need to contact relatives or request new documents from relevant authorities.

Baptismal Certificates as Alternatives

In some cases, especially for those born in Ireland before the 1900s, locating an original birth certificate can be challenging. Many individuals were issued baptismal certificates instead. If you find yourself in this situation, you may still apply for citizenship, but you’ll need to conduct a search for your grandparent’s birth certificate through the General Registrar’s Office. You will receive a letter stating that they couldn’t find it, which you can then include with your application along with the baptismal certificate.

Completing the Application

Once you have all your documents in order, it’s time to fill out the online citizenship application. This step is straightforward and user-friendly.

After submitting your application electronically, you will receive a PDF version that you must print, sign, and prepare to mail along with your gathered documents.

Finding a Professional Witness

One of the unique aspects of the FBR process is the need for a legal witness. This person will help you complete the application by filling out Section E, signing your passport photos, and witnessing your signature on the application. They must also provide their professional contact information.

Eligible witnesses include:

• Clergy/Priest
• Police Officer
• Lawyer
• Medical Doctor
• School Principal
• Judge
• Bank Manager
• Professional Public Notary

Choosing a witness can be straightforward. Often, a family friend or local professional can assist you in this role.

Mailing Your Application

Once your application and documents are ready, it’s time to mail everything to Ireland, which can be a nerve-wracking experience given the sensitivity of the materials involved. It’s advisable to use a reliable courier service like FedEx to ensure your documents are tracked and arrive safely.

Rest assured that once the citizenship process is complete, the Irish government will return all your original documents.

Receiving Your Foreign Birth Registration

After submitting your application, the waiting game begins. The processing time can vary, but many applicants report receiving their Foreign Birth Registration in about 5 to 6 months. Once approved, you’ll receive official documentation confirming your status as an Irish citizen.

Applying for an Irish Passport

With your Foreign Birth Registration in hand, you can then apply for an Irish passport. This step requires a separate application and entails additional documentation, including:

• Completed passport application form
• Two signed passport photos
• Your original birth certificate
• Your Foreign Birth Registration document
• Copy of your passport/ID
• Proof of residence
• Application fee

Once you submit your passport application, the processing time can take several months, so plan accordingly.

The Costs Involved

There are several costs associated with the FBR process. Here’s a breakdown:

• Obtaining original documents: Costs vary based on your needs.
• Citizenship application fee: €287 Euros (approximately $337 USD).
• Mailing documents to Dublin: Around $60 USD.
• Irish passport application fee: Approximately $125 USD.

Overall, you’re looking at a total cost that can reach upwards of $672 USD, depending on how many documents you need to obtain.

The Benefits of Irish Citizenship

So why go through this process? There are numerous advantages to becoming an Irish citizen, particularly for those with strong ties to Ireland. Here are a few key benefits:

• Access to the European Union: As an Irish citizen, you gain the right to live and work in any EU country without the need for a visa.
• Cultural Connection: Embracing your Irish heritage can lead to a deeper understanding of your family’s history and culture.
• Travel Opportunities: Irish citizens enjoy visa-free access to many countries worldwide, making travel easier and more accessible.
• Dual Citizenship: Ireland allows dual citizenship, meaning you won’t have to give up your current citizenship status.