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:
- Obtaining Irish Citizenship: Who is Eligible? How to Apply?
- Irish Citizenship by Descent
- Foreign Birth Registration (FBR)
- Gathering Your Documents for Your Irish Citizenship Application
- Gathering Parent and Grandparent Documents For Your Irish Citizenship Application
- Understanding the Process for Witnessing Documents in the U.S.
- Irish Citizenship Application Timeline and Next Steps
“Dual citizenship offers more than just a passport; it’s a connection to your roots and a chance to explore your family’s history.”
Andrew Byrne, Deputy Consul General
Irish citizenship is a topic of great interest for many, especially those with Irish ancestry. If you have a grandparent or parent who was born in Ireland, you might be eligible for Irish citizenship by descent. This blog post will guide you through the nuances of obtaining Irish citizenship, the process involved, and the benefits that come with it.
Eligibility for Irish Citizenship by Descent
“You can become an Irish citizen if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland or one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth.”
Andrew Byrne, Deputy Consul General
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “If my grandparent was born in Ireland, can I become an Irish citizen?” The answer is yes! If your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland, you are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship through a process known as Foreign Birth Registration (FBR).
When you are entered onto the Foreign Births Register, you become an Irish citizen and have the right to apply for an Irish passport. This is a significant opportunity for many individuals who wish to reconnect with their heritage.
Applying Through a Parent
Another common scenario arises when considering citizenship through a parent. If your parent is an Irish citizen but was not born on the island of Ireland, you can still claim citizenship. As long as your parent was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you can apply through the same Foreign Birth Registration process.
This means that even if you were born outside of Ireland, you can still enjoy the privileges of being an Irish citizen.
The Foreign Birth Registration Process
Now that we understand eligibility, let’s delve into the Foreign Birth Registration process. Applying for citizenship through FBR involves several steps, and it’s essential to gather the correct documentation to support your application.
Step 1: Collect Necessary Documents
First, you’ll need to gather various documents that prove your lineage. Here’s a list of the essential documents you should collect:
- Original birth certificate of your grandparent.
- Original marriage certificate of your grandparent (if applicable).
- Original death certificate of your grandparent (if applicable).
- Original birth certificate of your parent.
- Original marriage certificate of your parent (if applicable).
- Your original birth certificate.
- Proof of residency (utility bills, bank statements, etc.).
- Notarized copies of your and your parent’s passport/ID.
- (3) Passport photos signed by a witness.
Collecting these documents can be time-consuming, especially if you need to reach out to relatives or obtain new copies from relevant authorities.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
Once you have all your documents, it’s time to fill out the online citizenship application. After completing the application, you’ll receive a PDF version to print and sign. This signed document must be mailed along with the original documents you collected.
Step 3: Find a Legal Witness
You will need a legal witness to help with your application. This person must fill out a specific section of the application and also witness your signature. Acceptable witnesses include:
- Clergy/Priest
- Police Officer
- Lawyer
- Medical Doctor
- School Principal
- Judge
- Bank Manager
- Professional Public Notary
It’s important to note that your witness cannot be a family member.
Step 4: Mail Your Application
After assembling all your documents and completing the application, it’s time to mail everything to Ireland. Sending your application via a reliable service like FedEx with tracking is recommended to ensure nothing gets lost.
Step 5: Apply for an Irish Passport
After your citizenship application is approved, you’ll receive your Foreign Birth Registration document in the mail. This document will be crucial for applying for your Irish passport, which is a separate application process. You will need to provide additional documents, including your new FBR, to complete your passport application.
Costs Involved in the Application Process
Understanding the costs associated with applying for Irish citizenship can help you prepare financially. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:
- Obtaining original documents: Varies (approximately $150 USD).
- Citizenship application fee: €287 Euros (around $337 USD).
- Mailing documents to Ireland: Approximately $60 USD.
- Irish passport application: $125 USD.
In total, you might expect to spend around $672 USD, depending on your unique circumstances.
Timeline for the Application Process
After submitting your application for Irish citizenship, the waiting period can vary. Many applicants report a processing time of 5-6 months for the FBR. After applying for your Irish passport, you might need to wait an additional 4 months for it to arrive. Overall, the entire process from start to finish can take around 9 months or longer, depending on how quickly you can gather your documents.
Why Pursue Irish Citizenship?
There are numerous benefits to obtaining Irish citizenship. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- EU Passport: As an Irish citizen, you will hold an EU passport, providing you with the right to live and work in any EU country without needing a visa.
- Travel Benefits: Irish citizens enjoy visa-free access to many countries around the world, making travel significantly easier.
- Access to Services: Living in Ireland grants access to public services, including healthcare and education.
- Connecting with Heritage: Obtaining Irish citizenship allows you to embrace your heritage and connect with your family’s history.
