Becoming An Irish Citizen, I'm on my way!

Well, after almost a year of working on gathering info, making copies, getting forms notarized, and coming up with the application fee, I finally mailed off my application for Irish Citizenship to the Irish Embassy yesterday. I'm so excited about this.

A little background: I found out through my brother that he and I are eligible for true Irish Citizenship because our grandfather was born in Ireland. He started the process and received his citizenship (and subsequently, his Irish passport) almost 2 years ago. Since he first mentioned it, I was interested, but really felt it wasn't a priority. Last year, I decided to start the process, and do what I could as I could. I finally was able to complete everything and save up the $185.00 processing fee. It will take up to 6 months to get approval, but I don't foresee any problems. All my documents were as requested (and you need a LOT of documentation, such as: Grandfathers birth and death certificate, his marriage certificate, my fathers birth certificate and marriage certificate, passport photos, notarized utility bills, etc.) and neatly mailed off.

I can't wait to hear back!

Here is some information if anyone else is interested:

Irish Embassy

That's so nifty, Brian...do you plan on moving there later on, or...?

How interesting! Have you ever been to Ireland, Avonlea22? That's the place I dream of!

maggiemahone1

I saw that last time I went browsing for information on dual citizenship. Sounds great, but be forwarned about the risks involved. If you get in trouble in Ireland, the US can no longer protect you. Dor that reason they tend not ro recommend such things. Also, I believe that you can no longer hold a government security clearance, but I'm not sure on that one. The idea sounds great in most cases though. Would make travelling between the two countries easier. Wouldn't have to worrry about extra licensing and visas if you wanted to go to Ireland to work or live.

Avonlea I think it's great to get the paperwork in order and file for dual citizenship. There might be job openings for ya over there one day.

Annabelle

See ya in 2 weeks in Dunedin

Brian, hope I'm wrong about this.

If you go through with this, you may not be eligible for a U.S. passport. I'm filling out my passport form now for my trip to Ireland in April. On the back of the form, it explains some of the requirements that must be met.

I think you need to do a little investigating on this issue.

Party Pooper!!!!

If there's something about that, then it's not being a dual citisen that would be in the way. There's nothing I'm aware of against carrying passports from multiple countries (including US).

No, my wife and I have no plans at this point. Sure would be nice, someday. Either there or Scotland.

Not yet. We hope to go to Ireland and Scotland within the next 8 years.

Well, hopefully I'll never get in so much trouble that I need U.S. intervention, and as far as security clearance, I have no plans to work for the FBI. Not really worried about that stuff, I guess. And yes, travelling would be much easier, at least for me. My wife is not eligible, unfortunately, even though we are married.

Would I really need a U.S. passport if I have an Irish passport? What requirements are you referring to? What would disqualify me?

Woohoo! As of right now, Erin will be able to join us on Friday night. She gets out of work at 3:00, so we'll meet you guys at the hotel around 3:30 to 4. Remember, you can't check in without me there. I have the secret paperwork.

Brian, that is great. I checked into all that stuff in 1999. But I am adopted, so until I find out the information on who my parents were and their relations, I can do nothing else. I haven't been motivated enough to do that yet!

Brian, from what I'm reading here, it looks like you will be OK on the dual citizenship.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/dualnationality.html

Well, over 1.5 years later, I am now officially an Irish Citizen.

I just got my certificate by Express Mail today!

It took much longer than originally anticipated (they said 6 months), but it's finally done. I can now get an Irish Passport, if I wish.

Congratulations!

Congradulations to you... I hope to be able to do so myself one day, but mine will be far more complicated... I'm glad for you in either case...

I am eligible for an irish passport which i will apply for instead of renewing my british one there are many advantages to having an eu passport such as an irish one.

1. its a lot safer to travel on an irish passport than an american or british one.

2.you have the right to work and live in any eu country without a need for any kind of visa ie; you could pack up tomorrow and live in ireland, scotland, france or germany etc.

3.people will treat you better in europe ( a sad fact ) if they see you are an irish passport holder rather than an american one.

4.you can have protection from the country that your dual nationality derives in.

just remember that its illegal to travel on two passports but i would do it anyway