Foreign Birth Registration

[Sulla]

I received an E-mail from the embassy this afternoon. My FBR certificate and documents have reached them. I opted not to ask them to courier them to me. Instead, I will go to Beijing on Wednesday, submit the passport application and retrieve the documents that they needed for FBR, but not for the passport process.

This means that I probably won't have the FBR certificate in my possession for more than a few minutes. I will try to get a copy or take a photo though. It also means I can now finally get out of Dodge and head to Turkey to start the CBI process there. Istanbul in the spring is a marvelous place.

Anyway, for me, this is the end of the FBR process. I count arrival at the embassy as delivery since I decided to collect it. Therefore, my process spanned the time-frame August 14th 2018 to March 25th 2019. That's 7 months and 11 days.

I will supply additional details about when I was added to the FBR register when I see the certificate.

[Sulla]

Interestingly the embassy I sent my application to states on their website that it takes around 6 months from the date of receipt - which reading it says to me receipt by them but I think it really means receipt in Dublin?

Actually, I am certain that the time runs from the date of receipt at the address designated on the FBR application form. This will be different for each applicant depending on where they applied. As part of the response to my complaint, August 14th 2018 was stated by the head of FBR to be the application date. Since I only handed my application in at the Beijing embassy on the afternoon of August 14th, there is no chance that it arrived in Dublin then. In fact, it probably did not get to Dublin for a week or more.

There is nothing on the FAQ about changing address during the application and I don't want to call them to ask the question as that will take up time that they could be dealing with someone's application.

I do not think changing address will be an issue at all, as long as it is done after submission of the application and you remain in the same country - meaning served by the same embassy or consulate. I did not ask about this directly, but I received this message from the embassy in January 2019, which deals with this possibility.

"Should you be unable to collect the documents in person, and if you agree, I can arrange for your documents to be sent to you by SF courier to the address supplied on your application form or indeed, a different one if requested."

[LesMalouinettes]

There is nothing on the FAQ about changing address during the application and I don't want to call them to ask the question as that will take up time that they could be dealing with someone's application.

I do not think changing address will be an issue at all, as long as it is done after submission of the application and you remain in the same country - meaning served by the same embassy or consulate. I did not ask about this directly, but I received this message from the embassy in January 2019, which deals with this possibility.

"Should you be unable to collect the documents in person, and if you agree, I can arrange for your documents to be sent to you by SF courier to the address supplied on your application form or indeed, a different one if requested."
[/quote]


Well that's a relief. I'm dearly hoping my timeline follows similarly to yours Sulla, but I guess seeing some of the delays other people have had, I shouldn't get my hopes up. I had planned to be living in France by September, but I think that might be wishful thinking.

I suppose I'll advise them of a change of address and set up a mail redirection with Australia Post just in case.

[Sulla]

Well that's a relief. I'm dearly hoping my timeline follows similarly to yours Sulla, but I guess seeing some of the delays other people have had, I shouldn't get my hopes up. I had planned to be living in France by September, but I think that might be wishful thinking.

It shows how bad the situation has become when people are hoping for a timeline similar to my own. I hope your application progresses far faster than mine did. I was a month and a half over the expected date of receipt. I also experienced the immense frustration of an FBR certificate that was over 3 months in the printing. Everyone should be wishing for timelines like Sean or Spav. Anything within 6 months for non-complex cases would be nice. That is, after all, what the DFA state on their website.

[LesMalouinettes]

Well that's a relief. I'm dearly hoping my timeline follows similarly to yours Sulla, but I guess seeing some of the delays other people have had, I shouldn't get my hopes up. I had planned to be living in France by September, but I think that might be wishful thinking.

It shows how bad the situation has become when people are hoping for a timeline similar to my own. I hope your application progresses far faster than mine did. I was a month and a half over the expected date of receipt. I also experienced the immense frustration of an FBR certificate that was over 3 months in the printing. Everyone should be wishing for timelines like Sean or Spav. Anything within 6 months for non-complex cases would be nice. That is, after all, what the DFA state on their website.

Tell me about it! When I contacted them earlier this month, I was hoping for good news considering my life here has gone to absolute hell, but nope - I was given the same kind of canned, pointless responses other people have been getting. After dealing with this, the French administration might actually look good by comparison, and that's saying something!!

[DanaMarie]

Posting my timeline to this new thread. All req docs submitted along with witnessed affidavit explaining naming discrepancy on one document.

Application and materials sent via FedEx from US to DFA: 23 Jan 2019
Acknowledgment of receipt from DFA: 29 January 2019
Approval and congrats email: pending
FBR certificate received: pending

#IrishCitzenship2025!

[Jaxx22]

That's great news Sulla.

It has taken a while but at least now you are on the final hurdle and are now starting the process of the passport application.

[Michael123]

Congratulations Sculla!

I dont know why, but I called today.. advised to call back in June. When I asked what month is being processed, I was told July. I made reference to another applicant that applied a week before me and was added to the FBR in Dec, I also referred Spav and Sean in early Aug and that they also added in December, her only thought was that the other applicants applications were delivered to the old address and mine was sent to the new address, I told her that my application was sent and received at the old address of St Stephens green, she couldn’t comment. This makes me think that my application has become reading material in the bathroom.

I applied for my US passport, never had one before- from date of application to delivery was 2 weeks and 1 day. Also applied for global entry, on Jan 12,2019 and got approved today and this time included the US government shut down for ith passport and globa entry..

[Celtic1967]

Here’s my timeline:

Application and Supporting Documents sent to Edinburgh Consulate: 09 May 2018
Email from Consulate requesting additional documentation: 16 May 2018
Additional documentation sent to Consulate: 23 May 2018
Congratulations email: Pending
FBR certificate Printed: Pending
Receipt of returned documents and certificate: Pending

The only correspondence that I have received from the Consulate/DFA since submitting the additional documentation in May last year, has been the generic response “your application is being examined” whenever I have requested a status update.

It would appear that the whole process is a bit of a lottery.

[KHC7968CZ]

I’m so glad I found this thread as I was completely confused by the email I received from the DFA a couple of weeks ago. My timeline thus far is as follows;

1. Documents recevied by the Irish Embassy in London on 22 October 2018;
2. Received an email acknowledging receipt of my application from the DFA on 11 March 2019.

I sent a further enquiry directly to the Embassy requesting clarification as to whether the application is processed within 6 months of receipt of the documents, or within 6 months of their email being sent. Unsurprisingly, I have received no reply to date.

[Lee2521]

Hi Rbs3
Thanks for your reply I meant my British passport I had to send off with the FBR application.

You mean you sent your original British passport off with the FBR document set as proof of identity? If that is the case then it will be treated as a simple supporting document by the DFA team. As such, it will be returned at the end of the process with your FBR certificate.

Given the way things have been going of late in terms of turnaround times, that could mean a lengthy wait. I don't wish to be alarmist, but projecting year end 2019 would not be unreasonable. Even if it is not that bad it will be in Q4 2019 at least.

I have not read of anyone else who actually sent their physical passport as opposed to a certified copy to the DFA. Unless you have a second passport, I wouldn't book any vacations. You may be able to contact the DFA and substitute a certified copy of another form of ID like a driver's licence (certified by your witness is fine) instead of the passport. I am really not sure about that. You can try.

From my own experience, I have been on the FBR for months now and have specifically asked for my documents back - with or without the FBR certificate. I have even offered to send my own courier and cover all costs. It hasn't happened. The embassy were receptive of the idea, but in the end it went nowhere. This is in the situation where they have actually finished evaluating the documents - I still could not get them back. Your case is different, as they are still checking them.

I thought I had seen somewhere that you need to send your passport additionally with the certified copy or was that a thought in the back of my head, anyway I was a bit annoyed as I thought I needed to send it but on the brightside I can save more money staying in the UK this year and make up for it next year

[Sulla]

Michael / Jaxx

Thanks for the congratulations. It sure has been a long wait to get to this point. I am gratified that I can finally move on with other things.

Michael

At least this time when you called, you did not get another extension on the expected delivery date. That's positive in some way. You definitely deserve an explanation as to why your application has lagged behind the others submitted during the same month. It seems shockingly unfair.

KHC7968CZ

The issue of when the 6 month estimated processing time runs from has come up several times on this thread and the previous one. Some people have been advised it commences once it arrives in Dublin. I have been informed that my application date was when I submitted it to the embassy. The answer I have not only comes from the head of the FBR section, but, in my view also corresponds to the legal situation. If I tell you to mail an application to me at an address, then the date it arrives there applies. I cannot argue that you missed the application cut off date because I was on holiday and only opened it when I got back, I lost my mailbox key and could not access your letter, or I was snowed under with work and did not get around to opening it.

[Michael123]

I’m so glad I found this thread as I was completely confused by the email I received from the DFA a couple of weeks ago. My timeline thus far is as follows;

1. Documents recevied by the Irish Embassy in London on 22 October 2018;
2. Received an email acknowledging receipt of my application from the DFA on 11 March 2019.

I sent a further enquiry directly to the Embassy requesting clarification as to whether the application is processed within 6 months of receipt of the documents, or within 6 months of their email being sent. Unsurprisingly, I have received no reply to date.

Thats not a surprise!! If you got it anywhere near 6 months, that would be a surprise. Get comfortable my friend, take your shoes off and pit your feet up.. ill get you a beer.

[Jaxx22]

I’m so glad I found this thread as I was completely confused by the email I received from the DFA a couple of weeks ago. My timeline thus far is as follows;

1. Documents recevied by the Irish Embassy in London on 22 October 2018;
2. Received an email acknowledging receipt of my application from the DFA on 11 March 2019.

I sent a further enquiry directly to the Embassy requesting clarification as to whether the application is processed within 6 months of receipt of the documents, or within 6 months of their email being sent. Unsurprisingly, I have received no reply to date.

WOW! That's now almost 6 months just to get an acknowledgement of receipt of documents! That has crept up too.

To me, I would take it as it should take 6 months from submitting your application by sending all you supporting documents, but it seems to be that it is 6 months from someone opening it in Dublin. This should really be clarified on the website because I read it as from when you send everything in.

I have had nothing to say my documents have been received anywhere, I only know the embassy collected them because I sent it tracked and was sent the receipt by the post office with the signature for collection. I have no idea if they are still at the embassy or if they have been sent on to Dublin already and are waiting to be 'opened' there (I say that in inverted commas because they have to have been opened already to know what they are) It would be helpful if the embassy could also send something to say they have received them and they have been sent to Dublin but it seems that isn't part of the process.

A lot of my documents have been borrowed so luckily no-one needs them anytime soon.

I know we have to be patient and there isn't anything we can do but wait but for those people who have been waiting more than the stated 6 months already there is only so long you can be patient for.

Micheal I will put the kettle on...... June?!

[Jaxx22]

I do not think changing address will be an issue at all, as long as it is done after submission of the application and you remain in the same country - meaning served by the same embassy or consulate. I did not ask about this directly, but I received this message from the embassy in January 2019, which deals with this possibility.

"Should you be unable to collect the documents in person, and if you agree, I can arrange for your documents to be sent to you by SF courier to the address supplied on your application form or indeed, a different one if requested."

Thanks Sulla, that is helpful

[brawn401]

Hi Michael, happy to re-post my timeline so far:

Application recieved in Dublin: 2nd July 2018
Congratulations email recieved: 13th March 2019
Delivery of FBR certificate: pending

Glad to see we have a new thread. Not sure why the other one was locked but it did seem to be going a little “off the rails”!

Good luck to all who are still waiting!

[KHC7968CZ]

Michael / Jaxx

Thanks for the congratulations. It sure has been a long wait to get to this point. I am gratified that I can finally move on with other things.

Michael

At least this time when you called, you did not get another extension on the expected delivery date. That's positive in some way. You definitely deserve an explanation as to why your application has lagged behind the others submitted during the same month. It seems shockingly unfair.

KHC7968CZ

The issue of when the 6 month estimated processing time runs from has come up several times on this thread and the previous one. Some people have been advised it commences once it arrives in Dublin. I have been informed that my application date was when I submitted it to the embassy. The answer I have not only comes from the head of the FBR section, but, in my view also corresponds to the legal situation. If I tell you to mail an application to me at an address, then the date it arrives there applies. I cannot argue that you missed the application cut off date because I was on holiday and only opened it when I got back, I lost my mailbox key and could not access your letter, or I was snowed under with work and did not get around to opening it.

Thank you for your insight Sulla, I hope you’re right and it’s not 6 months from the date I received the acknowledgement email. I’ll keep everyone posted with my progress once I have an update from the DFA for comparison.

[Richard74]

Congratulations Sulla! Great to see.

Does give me some hope that mine might not be too far away.

[Sotyrockz04]

Just wanted to update my timeline

FBR Application
* Application submitted online and paid fee: 25-Mar-18
* Shipped application directly to Dublin: 04-Apr-18
* Email confirming receipt in "Dublin" 09-Apr-18
* Emailed FBR and was told application were taking 4-5 months 27-Jun-18
* Entered onto FBR: 17-Aug-18
* Email confirming FBR entry / "you are an Irish citizen as of 17-Aug-18": 22-Aug-18
* Certificate Recieved - 04-Sep-18

Passport application
*Mailed application to New York: 13-Feb-19
*Application showed up on DFA Tracking: 03-Mar-19
*Estimated issue date: 29-Mar-19 (original brexit day!)

[Michael123]

Sotyrockx-


Yankees man?

[Sulla]

I just finished at the embassy. Passport application now submitted in person - March 28th 2019. The place was as dead this time as when last I went. Apart from staff and a courier, I was the only one there. As usual, the staff there were extremely helpful and polite. Though I don’t relish the train journey, submitting applications this way does at least take away any concerns about problems with the photos or errors on the application. It’s all checked right in front of you.

I finally saw the FBR certificate. There have clearly been some errors or miscommunications with regard to what I have been told about my timeline previously. I will try to correct these and post a final timeline when I get back and have a computer. I am writing this on an i-phone - Not idiot phone. Michael, I still remember that.

Anyway, the shock news is that I was added to the FBR on November 28th 2018. That’s one day before I was told I had been put forward for final approval. It also moves me ahead of Sean and maybe even Spav in terms of date added. It also raises plenty of questions about why I then had to wait FOUR months for delivery.

Sotyrockx

Thanks for posting your timeline. It is nice to have a reminder that things in 2018 weren’t all that bad. Let’s hope the DFA get back to those kind of delivery tines soon.

Richard

Thanks for the congratulations. I am sure your certificate will arrive very soon and I will have the opportunity to congratulate you in short order.

KHC7968CZ

There are definitely conflicting versions of how the timeline is calculated coming from different DFA staff. I am pretty certain what I have told you is how it should be. However, at present, estimated timelines are running well in excess of six months even for complete applications. We are all facing that here.

[amcbamcb]

Hi Michael--I, also, applied for citizenship for my 3 children in August of 2018 from the US. We still haven't heard anything. May I ask what phone number you have been calling? When I call the number online, I just get an automated response and when I try to to do the Live Chat, it won't work.....Thank you!

Congratulations Sculla!

I dont know why, but I called today.. advised to call back in June. When I asked what month is being processed, I was told July. I made reference to another applicant that applied a week before me and was added to the FBR in Dec, I also referred Spav and Sean in early Aug and that they also added in December, her only thought was that the other applicants applications were delivered to the old address and mine was sent to the new address, I told her that my application was sent and received at the old address of St Stephens green, she couldn’t comment. This makes me think that my application has become reading material in the bathroom.

I applied for my US passport, never had one before- from date of application to delivery was 2 weeks and 1 day. Also applied for global entry, on Jan 12,2019 and got approved today and this time included the US government shut down for ith passport and globa entry..

[emlyn]

... 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.

[Jaxx22]

At least you have seen it Sulla.

I think it is much better to actually take the documents to the embassy, frustrating thing with mine was that i literally went past the door when I got things certified but I had to mail them rather than take them!

You have had a quick response emlyn. I applied in February and have heard nothing. I wonder if perhaps I should send a message to the embassy asking if they can confirm receipt and whether it has been forwarded to Ireland.

[Michael123]

The Webchat is not avail for FBR, Only Passport. In addition the active hours are gauged against your time, Not Irish time.. makes no sense.

Sulla, does the "New" FBR Cert look similar to the "Old" One? here is a picture

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GC ... ACiWLoRMZM: