Italian Citizenship
Our Story
Here is a brief recap of our story and what we wish we had known about Italian citizenship. We applied for Italian citizenship through JS (Jure Sanguinis) – Bloodline back in November 2015. As of today, we are not at the end of our journey. Some of you will ask, “Why not?”
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Depending on what state you live in will determine what consulate you must go through. Since we reside in Arizona, we are bound to go through the Los Angeles, California consulate. Of course, this consulate is the busiest in the United States. There is much to be said about this office but I will not get into negative specifics at this time. Let’s just say they are difficult. Difficult to get any information out of the way of communication. The first major obstacle. We know people that live in Chicago and New York and that have gotten their dual citizenship in a matter of 4-6 months. Each consulate operates separately and therefore, has different results.
During this time, we have been required to amend several documents. We have gotten all original and amended documents to the consulate. I don’t want to make light of this step as there is a great deal involved and we have been requested twice to do this. For us, our documents are in New York so we have had to send documents back and forth through the courts. Obtaining Italian Citizenship takes time and money. We have exhausted a great deal of both! Meanwhile, we have sold our home, furniture, possessions – even our cars, ready to leave for Italy.
This is our memoir and personal adventure, which has changed our lives forever. Our Italian Journey is a compelling read for anyone who wants to experience and appreciate daily life in Italy and to understand its charm, appeal, and cultural differences. Join the laughter as we also divulge the trials and tribulations we encountered along the way. Now available as an audiobook- narrated by us!
🏆Awarded: Author Shout, Recommended Read 2022
Currently
All documents are in the hands of the Italian Consulate. We received a reply to our email requesting the status of our application. Surprisingly, we received a reply that they are working on our file and we should be receiving something from them soon. The next step should be being recognized by Italy. They must register us as citizens in the town we are applying to; which is the town where Gary’s grandfather was born in Sicily. Until then, we can not get our Italian passports. We are hoping (and praying) that their idea of soon – is really that – soon!
Wish We Knew
Here is some information when considering citizenship with Italy that we wish we had known when we first started this journey. We hope these help in your adventure:
- It’s a good idea to order more than one copy as once in a while a document is lost or damaged, often other family members decide later on to follow your footsteps and may need their own.
- It is very important to request a “long-form” and specify they are for legal, international use for dual citizenship. This would be for instance a marriage certificate.
- Save the envelopes the documents are mailed in. Sometimes that is needed for proof of where you received the document from. Scan and copy every document as it arrives. It is easier to do this as you get the documents to keep yourself organized.
- Collecting documents can feel very overwhelming when starting. Keep a spreadsheet to keep organized of when you ordered copies of documents and if they have arrived and are correct.
- To determine what documents you will need, start with your local Italian consulate website. Each state has slightly different requirements.
To begin, you will definitely need birth, marriage, divorce (if applicable), naturalization & death certificates for everyone in your line and spouses (usually).
Our information continues…
- Once you confirm that you qualify for dual citizenship it is wise to schedule an appointment with your Italian Consulate per your state’s jurisdiction as soon as possible. You can ONLY apply at the consulate for the district you are a resident of. Again, we reside in Arizona so our consulate is in Los Angeles, California. This consulate covers residents of Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado.
- The wait time for a citizenship appointment can be over 2 years for some and as many as 6 years for busy consulates like Los Angeles. That gives you plenty of time to gather documents.
- The key to qualifying for Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis is you have to prove either that the ancestor you are applying through did not become a US citizen before the next person was born in your line of ascendants or, that they never became a US citizen at all.
- You will need to check on this as Italian law is constantly changing but as of this moment, you can skip the consulate and apply for your citizenship directly while living in Italy. Had this been the case when we began, we certainly would have taken this route. Many are not aware that this is an option.
Facebook Group
There is a fantastic Facebook group that we found that is very helpful and knowledgeable. We highly recommend you check them out at Dual U.S. – Italian Citizenship. It is a closed group so you will need to request to join.
If we can help you answer any questions, please contact us. It would be our pleasure to help!
Thank you for the helpful information. I am very happy and grateful that you shared this with us. Thanks for sharing and please keep us informed with new information when possible.
Very happy you found it helpful, Joya. Appreciate the comment and feedback.
My husband became a naturalized citizen in the US at seven years of age. We lived in Italy for seven years and reacquired our citenzenship, which we are now told in invalid. He was able to get an Italian passport in 1993 which has since expired and was told he cannot renew it because he’s not a citizen. We went to the consulate. One told us we were citizens another said we weren’t and my husband would have to live in Italy for three months to get his back. Mine could take up to six years or more and I would need to take an Italian language test to prove I can speak the language. Do you think we need to get a lawyer?
Wow Vicki – What a crazy situation. I will use your email to respond in more detail. Not sure which Italian Consulate you went to but they can’t disagree within the same consulate. That’s crazy.
Hello,
Thank you for this information. You mentioned at the end of the piece that one can apply for Italian citizenship while living in Italy. Can you explain in greater detail how that works? Thank you.
Ciao Patrick – We will answer in an email to you shortly. Easier that way. Thanks for the comment.
Ciao, I have a question. My son wants to live in Italy. I am of Italian decent. My father came at 12 but he obviously became a citizen of the United States. His father never did though. If my son travels to Italy can he apply to become a citizen while there? And is it easier that way. I can’t afford a lawyer. Thanks so much
The simple answer is yes- possibly but we will email you directly.
I am trying to get Italian dual citizenship, but it’s so complicated! My father was born in Italy and never got US citizenship. I thought it would be easy.
It is indeed, Josie. Hence why we called it the “rollercoaster ride of our lives.” If your father never became a US citizen- and you can prove he was born in Italy- I’m not sure the issue. Please email us and perhaps we can guide you correctly. Don’t loose hope!
Do you have any information on how difficult in going through a female ancestor? My great-grandfather naturalized before my grandfather was born. My great grandmother was naturalized by my great grandfather by default. I know of the change in law in 1948, but wonder how much more difficult it is to go that route.
Thanks for commenting Teri. We will private message you with information.