So You Submitted Your Jure Sanguinis Application: What Now?

Auguri! You’ve submitted your application for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). This is a monumental step towards reclaiming your Italian heritage, but it’s natural to wonder what happens next. The waiting game can be nerve-wracking, and you might be curious about the inner workings of the process. This guide will take you behind the scenes of the work being done to recognize you as an Italian citizen. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens after submitting your application at a consulate, court, or comune in Italy. 

The Waiting Game:

Unfortunately patience is key. Processing times can vary depending on the workload at your chosen location. Italian law mandates a maximum of 24 months for complete applications,with an extension up to 36 months in exceptional circumstances. Our recommendation, relax or as we say in Sicily, tranquillo, take a day for you at the sea.

Taking a Peek Behind the Curtain: What Happens to Your Application

Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of what clerks typically do after you submit your application:

• Scrutinizing Your Documents: The clerk meticulously examines everything you submitted, including:

• Vital Records: Are they original, certified copies issued in the long form? Are they authenticated with Apostilles?

• Translations: Are all documents translated into Italian and attached to their corresponding originals?

• Verifying Your Lineage: Let the detective work begin! The clerk ensures:

• Matching Details: Do birth dates, marriages, deaths, and names align perfectly across all your family records?

• Unbroken Italian Chain: Did your Italian ancestor naturalize in another country, potentially breaking the Italian citizenship link? They’ll check for naturalization records or proof of no naturalization.

• No Renunciations: Did you or anyone in your Italian lineage ever voluntarily give up Italian citizenship? The clerk will search relevant consulate registries based on where you and your ancestors resided. They’ll also contact your ancestor’s birthplace in Italy to verify their records. 

Staying Informed (But Not Pestering):

Consulates, courts, and comuni typically won’t provide regular updates. Some offer online portals where you can check the application status. Resist the urge to bombard them with inquiries – this can actually slow down the process.

Possible Requests for Additional Documents:

In some cases, officials may request further documentation to verify your lineage. Respond promptly to avoid further delays!

The Decision Arrives!

Once the review is complete, you’ll receive notification of the decision. If you’re approved, congratulations! You’re officially an Italian citizen. If you’ve applied via an Italian consulate, they will help you facilitate birth registration, AIRE registration and your passport application. If you’ve applied via a comune in Italy, you can schedule a passport appointment at a Questura.

While uncommon, rejections do occur. The notification will explain the reason and potential avenues for appeal. Consider seeking professional guidance from an immigration lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship.

Congratulations again on embarking on this exciting path! With patience and the right information, you'll soon be celebrating your Italian citizenship.