Job Discussion Forums

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

This may be redundant, but there is a ton of useful information on this site. This site has been the most helpful and clear in describing the process to become an Italian citizen. The only thing in our way is time....

http://www.italiamerica.org

I'll hopefully be able to vote in the next Italian election.... anybody but Berlusconi.

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

Luckily I won't have to do Military Service... but I'll still take the red wine rations.

desmondwolf · Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 6

I've heard rumblings from several corners about being pressed into the Italian Army. If one was teaching in Italy on the strength of a UK passport, would there be any danger (and I *am* saying "danger" because I don't want to join anyone's army) of being pressed into action?

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

From what I've heard, in 2007 the Italian Army will be completely voluntary. Apparently, they have stopped "following up" as diligently with prospective soldiers. For Americans, like myself, as long as we are 27 or older we can file paperwork (which they are supposed to send with the recognition of citizenship papers) to get out of the Service. However, I think anyone born after 1985, at this point, no longer has to worry about Military Service.

I don't know if the situation is the same for UK/Italian dual citizens, but you can check with the consulate and they'll tell ya.

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

hi greg,

good to see you posting and continuing to uncover more info. that site may be the one with accounts from others who did the citizs\enship thiing.

in regard to military service, you could wait until you get 'old' like me (past 45), which exempts you whether they go voluntary or not, at least it does currently, even for joint citizens.

ci vediamo and look me up if you're ever in milwaukee,

jeff.

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

Hey Jeff... if I am in Milwaukee I will definitely try to get in touch with ya. I have been longing for a return visit to Angelo's on the East side. Have you ever been there?

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I won't be 45 for another 18 years... I'll risk the military service.

Have you had any progress in your quest for citizenship or is it still just a waiting game?

Take care........Greg

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

nope no progress, teh waiting game comtinues.

jeff

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

There are quite a few British people of Italian parentage. For example, a person born in the UK from Italian parents also has Italian citizenship rights. This means that you don't need to apply for a permesso di soggiono, etc and that you can vote in elections.

ameliagirl · Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 5

For those of you who have gone through the process (or are going through the process) of becoming a duel US/Italian citizen, how long can I expect it to take? What is the biggest hurtle? If I am already over in Italy can I still apply or wait for my citizenship?
Thanks a bunch!

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

I have my consulate meeting on May 4th. I'll let you know how it goes. Damn... that came quick.

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

amaliegirl,

the law states that, if you are american, you have to apply to your regional US consulate. sorry. on the other hand, you might try it from there and lt us know how it goes.

good luck greg!

jn

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 105

Hey again... I had my consulate meeting yesterday and I am just passing this info along to everyone else who is going throught the dual citizenship process.

My paperwork checks out and I am qualified so let the beaurocratic wait begin! Although the task seemed daunting to begin with, it is worth the trouble. As a reminder, I went through the lineage of my great grandfather. Just a heads up, I may have said to some people that my consulate (Chicago) doesn't require the great grandmother's birth records or grandmother's birth records. This is true, however, if the marriage certificates do not state where and when your great grandmother/grandmother were born, then you do need these documents. This is typical for a lot of older marriage certificates.

For my great grandmother (who was also born in Italy), I didn't have her birth certificate so I used her Baptismal certificate, which was acceptable because it stated where and when she was born.

Also, as the consulate informed me, summer time is upon the Italian peninsula and elections are coming so the wait might be longer than normal for some of us. If any of you have been to Italy in August then you know the place is basically shut down.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Too right!

Don't expect any action here from between end July to first or second week of September.

Good luck on your citizenship quest!