Foreign Birth Registration

emlyn wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 27, 2019 12:54 pm

Michael123 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 25, 2019 12:21 am

... can anyone who has not recieved the FBR cert as if yet repost their timelines?

My timeline, updated from my post on the previous FBR thread:

• Monday 14th Jan 2019: Application in the post, via Royal Mail Special Delivery.
• Tuesday 15th Jan 2019: Tracked mail arrived at Irish Embassy in London, signed for at reception.
• Monday 21st Jan 2019: I sent an email to London Embassy (old DFA London email address), seeking confirmation of receipt of my FBR application.
• Monday 11th Feb 2019: Informal email reply from the London Embassy, relating to my query of 21st Feb 2019, confirming that my FBR application has been received and that it will be processed in Dublin.
• Monday 25th Feb 2019: Formal email from DFA, presumably from Dublin or Balbriggan, confirming the "application and supporting documentation for your application for Foreign Birth Registration has now been received. Applications can take up to 6 months to process..."

That's it so far. Assuming it takes 6 months from February, the best case end of process would be August. If it ends up taking longer, so be it.

Hi Emlyn , Michael
I will have to keep an eye on your post as I sent my application 2 weeks after yours

Friday 1st February 2019 Application sent to Balbriggan , Co Dublin
Wednesday 6th February 2019 Application received by DFA

Application being processsed ? Will update when e-mail given for estimate
Citizenship confirmation ?
FBR printing ?
FBR received ?

I am to hoping for August but end of year would be good too ....

Oh! Here you're
Sulla
Congratulations for your certificate and Thanks for this forum.
My timeline so far
Application submitted through London Embassy in July 2018
Email received on 2nd November from DFA that they received my documents in Dublin (Thanks for London Embassy)
I enquired via phone for update on 20th March 2019:
Application is still in process
So 8 Months 13days so far.
Good luck everyone specially Michael123

Michael

The new certificate is a little different from the one in the link you shared.

The core text box design format is identical, as is the content. However, the paper the certificate is printed on has been altered. The background is more blueish than green now and the size of the harp in the center of the document has been drastically reduced. This has given more room for swirls, arcs and all those things you will notice if you look closely at banknotes. Aside from that, a holographic harp has been added in the top left corner and the top right corner now features a map of Ireland. The certificate had also been laminated. I don't know if this was previously the case or not.

Essentially, FBR Certificate 2.0 seems to be a security upgrade to deal with forgery.


Koolboy

Thanks for the congratulations. The London embassy probably kept your application in a box for 5 months before deciding to forward it to Dublin. The good news for you is that several people have reported that the DFA are now working on the July applications. If the printing machinery is now functioning, you might not face the delivery nightmare I had.

Jaxx

I agree. I think delivering the application by hand is better and may cut down processing time. For me, the official that handled the initial FBR review was also the official that I gave the application to. He just matched everything up there and then against a checklist. I feel the same about the passport application. I got it witnessed by a diplomatic officer (also a commissioner of oaths) in the embassy and the got the embassy stamp on the photos and form. I believe this will help processing times as it is far less likely the DFA are going to have questions about identity or contacting witnesses if the applicant submitted in person and the witness was one of their officers.

Actually, I could have submitted my FBR application in the U.K., Ireland, China, Thailand, Turkey or Malaysia. St Kitts has no Irish embassy and you have to go through the embassy in the U.S. I have the requisite supporting documents for any of these places. I chose China because there are 3 Irish missions here and very few Irish expats. The number of British expats here is larger, but still small and every one of them I have spoken to either is not eligible, does not care as EU status matters less working in Asia, or absolutely cannot be bothered with the cost / hassle of ordering a lot of certificates remotely. I figured that the volume, particularity of FBR applications, but also of passport applications, would be relatively low and I could avoid the horror stories about wait times I had read of at many European embassies.

I think I was largely correct about this situation, as my application went from submission to being added to the FBR in 3.5 months. What I did not budget for was a 4 month wait on printing and postage. The embassy also can't believe it took the FBR department so long.

Sulla

Basically it took longer to get the FBR than It did to approve it. I wonder where I stand with that?


Did you make a copy or take a picture? Would you care to share what the new certificate looks like (without your personal information / blackened out) ?

Michael

Despite being a millennial, I am far from talented when it comes to using programs such as those that are capable of altering documents. I am often mocked about this. Therefore, I had to beg others to help me do it. He was a bit over-zealous and also blurred out the embassy stamp at the bottom and the certificate numbers. Anyway, it will do. In case anyone is wondering about the horrible shadows and reflections, that's because I am as great with a camera as I am with Photoshop or most other advanced computer functions.

Just to make it clear to everyone: this is my own certificate. I am not posting one that belongs to anyone else. Therefore, I am not violating anyone's privacy or forum rules.

Congratulatuions Sulla
for getting your FBR and for this blog which gives a better idea of processing times to be
expected .

8 months and 5 days after submitting my documents at the embassy, I was entered into the FBR today.

Lee

This forum thread is just a continuation of an earlier one that started way back in 2016. I believe Wavey kicked it off. As for timelines, well, you have Michael and everyone who responded to his prompting by posting their timelines to thank for that. I am also happy to see more of those being posted.

WillQR

Fantastic news. Congratulations. Let's hope the FBR certificate reaches you soon enough. You have had to endure quite a delay already. If you have any other information, such as when your application reached Dublin or when it was put forward for final approval, please post a timeline. I'm sure many people would appreciate that.

Congratulations WillQR.

It is nice to be reading some positive posts for a change. Let's hope it continues

Thank you.

It does look similar and I cant even see any laminating.

It must be a relief to finally have it!

Sulla wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:23 am

Michael

Despite being a millennial, I am far from talented when it comes to using programs such as those that are capable of altering documents. I am often mocked about this. Therefore, I had to beg others to help me do it. He was a bit over-zealous and also blurred out the embassy stamp at the bottom and the certificate numbers. Anyway, it will do. In case anyone is wondering about the horrible shadows and reflections, that's because I am as great with a camera as I am with Photoshop or most other advanced computer functions.

Just to make it clear to everyone: this is my own certificate. I am not posting one that belongs to anyone else. Therefore, I am not violating anyone's privacy or forum rules.

"You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post." is what I see when I view your post. Is it restricted by your permissions or the board's? I'm new to this forum thing obviously so apologies if this is a stupid question!

DanaMarie wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 12:48 pm

Sulla wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:23 am

Michael

Despite being a millennial, I am far from talented when it comes to using programs such as those that are capable of altering documents. I am often mocked about this. Therefore, I had to beg others to help me do it. He was a bit over-zealous and also blurred out the embassy stamp at the bottom and the certificate numbers. Anyway, it will do. In case anyone is wondering about the horrible shadows and reflections, that's because I am as great with a camera as I am with Photoshop or most other advanced computer functions.

Just to make it clear to everyone: this is my own certificate. I am not posting one that belongs to anyone else. Therefore, I am not violating anyone's privacy or forum rules.

"You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post." is what I see when I view your post. Is it restricted by your permissions or the board's? I'm new to this forum thing obviously so apologies if this is a stupid question!

Likely as you are a new member with less than 30 posts. We, as moderators, have no control over this or any idea why it happens. You might be able to view it if you log out and look as a 'guest'.

DanaMarie wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 12:48 pm

"You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post." is what I see when I view your post. Is it restricted by your permissions or the board's? I'm new to this forum thing obviously so apologies if this is a stupid question!

DanaMarie

Nothing to do with me setting permissions or restrictions. If you still can’t view it as a guest then at least you can cycle back to the link Michael posted on page 3 of the thread. The new certificate is not radically different from the one he linked to. The hologram is the main change.

Sulla wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 1:35 pm

DanaMarie

Nothing to do with me setting permissions or restrictions. If you still can’t view it as a guest then at least you can cycle back to the link Michael posted on page 3 of the thread. The new certificate is not radically different from the one he linked to. The hologram is the main change.

Got it as a guest, thanks! I really just wanted to gaze wistfully upon what I might hold in my own hand eventually!

Hello, this is my first post here.

I sent my documents for the FBR in November and got a confirmation email that they were received at the end of November.

I actually am thinking of moving to North Ireland instead of the south, however I have relatives in the south so may go there at first. I was looking up for some clarifications about what citizenship one actually needs to live & work in the North, since it is part of the UK. Anyways, I ended up back at the website where I submitted the application, and noticed that it says you need to submit 4 passport sized photos with your application. I only submitted 2, so I started getting worried, which made me look that up, and ultimately it lead me to this forum.

I finally found what I think is the answer. After reading over this entire thread, (including the one that was locked that went to like 78 pages), it appears that the 4 photo requirement was a recent change, and since I submitted my application before the change, I guess it will be okay, and hope there won't be any other issues.

People are telling me not to worry about the application, they say since I haven't heard anything thus far, they must not need anything else. However, I'm not so sure, that they even look at the documents in the application until they actually get to processing it.

I've also gathered from reading this thread, that I can expect to wait much longer than the 6 months estimate, which would be around the end of May. By the sounds of things, I think I won't hear anything until around August/September, or even later... Seems to me that the delay is due to the change of office locations, and also because of Brexit I guess there are a ton of people who have applied because they want to be able to remain in the EU?

So, thinking my application will be delayed until around the fall or so, I was planning to come to Ireland for a visit during the summer. My only concern is, if I get contacted that there is some problem with my application, might there be a time limit to send whatever they ask for? Like will they say something like "please send such and such in 3 weeks" ?
If so and I'm still in Ireland, that could be a problem because I have all my info back at home in Canada and if I need to get something from there I won't be able to do it until I get back.

Hello everyone, I just found this site while searching for current wait time for FBR. I will add my wife's timeline to the mix for an additional data point.

About-
August 1, 2018 mailed her documents form the US to Dublin
August 14, 2018 got an email that stated her documents and application have been received. Told 6 months.
Feb 15, 2019 called to see if "lost in the mail". Told was still in the queue.
March 26, 2019 called again. No change in status.

It appears we had bad timing and got in the middle of the big crunch.

Hello
Irish Citizenship will entitle you to live and work in Ireland or the UK, even if there is a ‘hard brexit’ as there is a Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland which pre-dates the EU, and which both UK and Irish governments continue to affirm.
So living in the North with Irish citizenship is fine - hundreds of thousands of Irish do exactly that.
I believe the Dfa ask for responses within 4 weeks when additional documentation is required. I don’t really know how you can plan for that - maybe carry on with your plans and see what happens. But you’ll aways be able to explain your situation in the event they do contact you - I’m sure additional time can be requested with explanation. I have always found the Dfa to be very reasonable and empathic (if a little overstretched!) - that’s just my experience anyway.
8months seems about the norm at the moment. I applied July 2018 and heard good news this week (although who knows how many weeks until the certificate arrives). Good luck!

JBones wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:24 pm

People are telling me not to worry about the application, they say since I haven't heard anything thus far, they must not need anything else. However, I'm not so sure, that they even look at the documents in the application until they actually get to processing it.

I would agree with what people are telling you. If you have not heard anything from the DFA by now requesting clarifications or further documents, then you are unlikely to after so much time has passed. However, it is impossible to be definitive about that, as there is so much variance in the experiences of different applicants. One thing you can be pretty sure of is that if your application asked for the inclusion of 2 photos, then you have met the requirements at the time you applied and need not worry on that count. If the DFA do contact you, it is likely to be by E-mail and they allow 28 days for submission of further documentation. Not all documentation needs to be sourced from overseas. For instance, if they request an affidavit to explain some anomalous details on your submitted certificates, then that could easily be done in Ireland.

A change of office location, transition to a new printing format for certificates and high application volume all seem to bear some responsibility for the delays. Thankfully, the first two are now behind us.

LeifRnR wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:44 pm

August 1, 2018 mailed her documents form the US to Dublin
August 14, 2018 got an email that stated her documents and application have been received. Told 6 months.
Feb 15, 2019 called to see if "lost in the mail". Told was still in the queue.
March 26, 2019 called again. No change in status.
It appears we had bad timing and got in the middle of the big crunch.

A number of other U.S. applicants (including Michael) are in a position very similar to that of your wife. The timing situation and sequence in which applications are processed is mysterious to say the least.

Two U.S. applicants who applied in the first week of August (Spav & Sean) were added to the register in December and received their FBR certificates in the mail in late December 2018 and early January 2019 respectively. I applied on August 14th too and was added to the register on November 28th 2018. However, I did not receive my certificate until March 25th 2019. Others, such as Michael and your wife, have been waiting since August and have not even made it onto the register thus far.

Yet, it is said that applications are dealt with strictly in the order received. Forgive my incredulity, but it really is hard to fathom what that order is.

Hey all,

Congratulations on all who have become Irish citizens

Thought I'd share my experience.

Im a Uk citizen residing in Ireland and have been on the FBR around two years now.

I applied within Ireland and took all my supporting docs to the local passport office which has a separate office for consulate affairs.

From documents drop off to successful application and FBR cert in my hand took not a day over two weeks. I was expecting to wait 6 months like everyone else.

The timescale for the passport was similar around two weeks.

water_tank1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 29, 2019 6:08 am

Hey all,

Congratulations on all who have become Irish citizens

Thought I'd share my experience.

Im a Uk citizen residing in Ireland and have been on the FBR around two years now.

I applied within Ireland and took all my supporting docs to the local passport office which has a separate office for consulate affairs.

From documents drop off to successful application and FBR cert in my hand took not a day over two weeks. I was expecting to wait 6 months like everyone else.

The timescale for the passport was similar around two weeks.

I guess this proves that the influx of applications due to brexit has had a huge affect on processing times.

I agree with Sulla though that it does seem very random how applications as processed. Hopefully now they should be settled from their office move and they have the new printing system in place things should start to run a bit smoother in the FBR camp.

I think that if you have included everything that was listed on your application (and you have a copy to prove that is what was requested only) then you should be fine because you have sent all that was required at the time. If it has changed since then, it is not you fault as at the time they only wanted 2 photos. I don't really understand why it is now 4 - where do they put them? (I am just curious)

I am now almost at the 2 month mark and not heard anything. I keep checking my emails for a message to say they have the documents but so far they haven't sent anything.

Congrats Sulla on finally getting the certificate! Hope you enjoyed that feeling

It is incredibly frustrating to hear the dates of entry to the register are vastly different to when an actual certificate is produced and then printed.

It further serves to show the randomness of the process as it is clear the staff on the FBR phone line do not have access to any accurate information whatsoever... appears to be an incredibly analogue process and as primitive as the papers literally sit in boxes till the day they reach approval when we may be lucky enough to receive an email to say as much but even that is random too.

Essentially, don't call or contact until you've waited at least 9 months!

Court

Thanks for the congratulations. I hope your application makes it's way swiftly through the approval process from this point.

I just checked and see that my passport application is in the tracking system now. I filed it on Wednesday March 27th. Apparently, it is estimated to be delivered on May 15th. I would not be surprised if it took longer though. There is no Passport Express option available in China and I was told 1st time adult applicants cannot expedite. I leave for Turkey tomorrow and won't be back in China until the early summer. I will probably get them to courier it to my Chinese address and then arrange for it to be sent to me in Istanbul. I plan to use the Irish passport for all future entries to China, so I don't want to wait until I return to collect it.

Just a small update!
As I mentioned in my previous post that I applied in July 2018 through London Embassy. I phoned DFA today for any update. He told me that I will receive a correspondence soon. I asked him what kind of correspondence it will be. He said I can't tell you anything about it just wait for the correspondence letter. Has anyone experience about this. I am much worried. Coz I haven't heard before that anyone received letter before approval. He also mentioned that the application hasn't approved yet.
Any guess??

Update for me today.

I contacted the FBR office and was advised that my certificate has been printed, but to expect it “soon” due to a backlog.

That’s been the first substantive response that I’ve received since submitting my application in early May 2018.