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Submitting Italian Citizenship Application: Expectations & Rejection?

Famai Gastaldi

May 25, 2023

Discover the Italian citizenship application process: expectations, potential rejection, and the requirements at the Italian Consulate in London. Explore dual citizenship, sanguinis eligibility for Italian citizenship recognition, benefits of an Italian passport, visa considerations, and the possibility of Italian dual citizenship

What can I expect after submitting my application for Italian citizenship?

Once you have submitted your Italian citizenship application at the Italian consulate in the UK, you can expect the following steps:

Application Review: The consulate will carefully review your citizenship application and supporting documents to ensure compliance with Italian citizenship law. This includes verifying your eligibility for Italian citizenship.
Document Retention: The consulate will retain the original documents you have submitted to support your Italian citizenship application, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates of relevant ancestors. It is advisable to make certified copies if you wish to retain the originals for your records. Learn more about the documents you need to obtain Italian citizenship.
Processing Time: The processing time for Italian citizenship applications can vary from case to case. It is recommended to check with the consulate or Italian citizenship department for an estimate of the expected processing time. Under Italian law, they have 24 months, sometimes 36 months, to complete the process.
Appointment with the Consulate: You may need to book an appointment with the consulate to submit your application and relevant documents. The competent consulate website can provide guidance on the specific requirements and procedures.
Confirmation of Citizenship: If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation stating that your Italian citizenship has been granted.
Passport Application: After receiving confirmation of your Italian citizenship, you can apply for an Italian passport at the consulate. The consulate will provide information on the application process, required documents, and any applicable fees.
Status Updates: Throughout the application process, you can contact the consulate for status updates on your application. They will be able to provide information on the progress of your application and any additional steps you may need to take.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances, such as Italian descent, residency, or marriage to an Italian citizen. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal advice or consult with the Italian consulate directly for accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your situation.

How does the process of granting Italian citizenship unfold?

The process of granting Italian citizenship can be a multifaceted journey that varies depending on the specific circumstances of the individual applying. Italy recognizes several pathways through which individuals can acquire Italian citizenship, each with its own set of requirements and procedures. Understanding these different avenues is essential to navigating the process successfully.

How long does the process typically take at the Italian consulate UK?

The processing time for Italian citizenship applications depends on several factors, including the type of application and the workload at the consulate. Here’s some general information on the timescale for the most common application processes:

Italian Citizenship By Marriage Processing Time – Residence In Italy:

It’s important to note that if certain circumstances occur during the processing time, such as divorce, annulment, dissolution of marriage, or the death of your Italian spouse, the process becomes interrupted. Additionally, if the consulate or Prefettura is unable to reach you for official communication, the process may also be interrupted. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep the consulate or Prefettura informed of any change of address. When applying online, immediate responses from the Italian authorities should not be expected.

Waiting Time For Italian Citizenship Jure Sanguinis:

The processing time should generally not exceed two years from the submission of your documents, depending on the specific Italian consulate or municipality handling your application. However, it’s important to consider that larger and busier consulates may have longer waiting periods, so patience is necessary.

Processing Time When Applying for Italian Citizenship in Italy:

If you choose to apply for Italian citizenship directly in Italy, the processing time can be substantially reduced. In some cases, the process may take just a few months to no more than one year, offering a faster timeline compared to applying through the consulate.

Please note that the processing times mentioned above are general estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances, consulate workload, and other factors. It’s advisable to contact the Italian consulate in the UK for more specific information regarding the current processing times and requirements for your particular situation.

What are the potential reasons for the rejection of an Italian citizenship application, and how to prevent it?

These are some of the main reasons for the rejection of the citizenship request:

Incomplete or Lack of Legal Residency Period: If you are applying for Italian citizenship through residency, Meeting the residency requirements is crucial for citizenship eligibility. Ensure that you have resided in Italy or met the required residency period based on the specific citizenship pathway you are pursuing. Keeping detailed records of your residency and providing accurate documentation will help prevent this reason for rejection.
Divorced or Legally Separated (citizenship by marriage, art.5): If you are applying for Italian citizenship through marriage and have divorced or legally separated from your Italian spouse, your application may be rejected. Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for citizenship by marriage and provide all necessary documentation, including divorce or separation decrees, to avoid rejection.
Lack of Knowledge of the Italian Language: Depending on the pathway to citizenship, proficiency in the Italian language may be required. Take language courses, practice speaking Italian, and obtain a language certification, if necessary, to show your language skills and increase your chances of approval.
Presence of Criminal Records: Having a criminal record, especially for serious offenses, can be grounds for rejection. Ensure that you have a clean criminal record and provide any necessary documents, such as a certificate of good conduct, to prove your character.
Threat to the Security of the Republic: Any involvement in activities that pose a threat to the security of Italy, such as terrorism or organized crime, can lead to the rejection of your citizenship application. It is important to maintain a clean record and avoid any criminal activities or associations.

What If my Italian citizenship application is rejected?

Appeal the Decision: If you receive a negative response to your citizenship request, you have the option to appeal the decision. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer experienced in citizenship matters to guide you through the appeal process. The competent Prefettura or Administration will communicate the reasons for the denial and provide information on how to proceed with an appeal, known as “ricorso” in Italian.
Seek Legal Assistance: Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial when appealing the rejection of your citizenship application. You can choose to hire a private lawyer who specializes in immigration and citizenship law.
Time Limit for Appeal: In general, if your citizenship application is rejected, you typically have a period of up to 60 days to lodge an appeal and challenge the decision. It is crucial to adhere to this timeline, as failing to do so may result in the appeal being dismissed. Your lawyer will help you navigate the specific procedures and ensure that all necessary documents and arguments are prepared within the required timeframe.
Review the Reasons for Rejection: Understanding the reasons for the denial of your citizenship application is crucial for building a strong appeal case. The competent authorities will provide detailed explanations for the rejection, outlining the specific grounds on which your application was deemed ineligible. Carefully review this information with your lawyer to identify any possible errors or misunderstandings that can be addressed in the appeal.
Prepare a Strong Appeal: Working closely with your lawyer, you will need to prepare a comprehensive appeal that addresses the reasons for rejection and provides supporting evidence, documentation, or arguments to counter the initial decision. Your lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence and build a persuasive case to present to the relevant authorities.

What are my options for appeal or reapplication?

When your application for Italian citizenship is rejected, you have options for appeal or reapplication. If your request has been pending for more than 730 days and it is rejected, you can appeal to the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR). It is important to note that the competent administration is legally required to communicate a rejection notice with the reasons for the refusal before you receive the official notification.

It is advisable to consult with a lawyer experienced in citizenship matters to guide you through the appeal process and ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the specified timeframe. Please note that specific procedures and requirements may vary, so it is recommended to seek legal advice or consult the relevant authorities for your particular case.

Once you receive the rejection notice, you have the opportunity to submit a supplementary statement to support your appeal and provide further evidence of the accuracy of the documentation you provided. It’s worth mentioning that if you did not receive the required rejection notice, this can be a valid reason for the acceptance of your appeal.

Can I seek assistance from legal professionals or consultants when submitting my Italian citizenship application?

Seeking assistance from legal professionals or consultants can be beneficial when submitting your Italian citizenship application. If your application is rejected, it is important to note that you typically have up to 60 days to make an appeal. However, navigating the appeal process successfully often requires the expertise of a lawyer who is familiar with Italian citizenship laws and procedures.

If you have received a rejection notice or would like to review your application to ensure its accuracy and completeness, it can be helpful to consult with professionals who specialize in Italian citizenship matters. We can provide guidance, review your documentation, and assist you in preparing a strong appeal, if necessary.

Many individuals who have faced rejection have sought the assistance of experienced professionals and have successfully obtained recognition of their Italian citizenship.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, don’t hesitate to Contact us or book a free 10-minute discovery call We have helped numerous clients who faced initial refusals and worked together with them to achieve the recognition of their Italian citizenship. By working with us, we can support you throughout the application process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

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