Italian citizenship application: the “new” 48-month term
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Many of our readers have asked us if the new 48-month term applies to new applications only or also to the ones submitted before the new law entered into force. Here’s what you need to know.
Law no. 132 dated December 1, 2018, “Conversion into law, with amendments, of Decree-Law no. 113 of October 4, 2018”, has established that the administration now has up to four years (instead of two as it used to be) to conclude the Italian citizenship application process.
Now, this new term applies retroactively to the applications that were still being processed when the decree-law entered into force on October 2018 (“si applicano ai procedimenti di conferimento della cittadinanza in corso alla data di entrata in vigore del presente decreto”).
Therefore, it does not only apply to new applications. In fact, even if you applied in 2014, 2015 or 2016 but the process was not concluded when the new Law entered into force, this new 48-month term will apply to your application.
Please send an email to citizenship@vademecumitalia.com and we will send you a quote for the assistance with your Italian citizenship application from day one to the day you will obtain your Italian passport.
David,
Does this apply to citizenship through marriage as well?
Thanks.
Donna,
That’s correct.
I’m sorry, David. Just to clarify, I thought this law was only for Jure Matrimonii. Is this also for Jure Sanguinis?
Dear Paul,
No, the new term does not apply to JS applications.
Art 14 lett. c), of Law no. 132 dated December 1, 2018, “Conversion into law, with amendments, of Decree-Law no. 113 of October 4, 2018”, states:
“dopo l’articolo 9-bis e’ inserito il seguente:
«Art. 9-ter. – 1. Il termine di definizione dei procedimenti di cui agli articoli 5 (marriage) e 9 (residence) e’ di quarantotto mesi dalla data di presentazione della domanda.
Thank you,
D.
Good to hear, David, thanks! I was worried there for a moment! XD
Dear David,
It appears the New York Consulate has extended their JS wait times to 48 months for some applicants. Do you know of any laws that would permit this?
“Processing times for eligible applicants are currently 48 months (for applications through descent with last relative born in Italy before January 1st, 1948) or 24 months (for applicants with last relative born in Italy after January 1st, 1948). Requests for updates about applications will be responded to only if the 24/48 months have passed since completed application has been submitted.”
https://consnewyork.esteri.it/consolato_newyork/en/i_servizi/per-i-cittadini/cittadinanza
Thank you.
Dear Albert,
Yes, I am aware and thank you for posting this here.
I don’t know exactly why they are saying this. The aforementioned decree-law, then converted into law, as I wrote in my previous message, does not refer to JS applications. It referes to art 5 (marriage) and 9 (residence).
I could try to send them a message.
Thank you,
D.
Hi,
Considering that many readers are asking me about the “new” 48 months term, I confirm that for JS applications the term is 730 days.
The Consulate in NY has actually “confirmed” that the process should be concluded within the 730 days term, but did not explain why they where saying that if your application was accepted “you need to wait minimum 2 years up to 4, it depends if your ancestor were born before 01.01.1948, from the date of your interview.”
Moreover, it is possible to send “Requests for updates about applications” even before the “24 months have passed since completed application has been submitted.”
Thank you,
David.
Hi I want to apply for Italian Citizenship for my husband through the NY Consulate. Do you offer help for filling out the application etc? I am a bit confused because it says now he needs a codice fiscale to get a PEC e-mail to even be able to submit the application.