Foreign Birth Registration

[AndyK1985]

Hi all,

I've been tracking this thread for 2 years or so. Here's my timeline; hope it's as helpful as others have been to me:

Application submitted online: 27/05/2019
Email acknowledging receipt of documentation Balbriggan: Email got lost in junk but confirmed sometime in 2019 over the phone.
Confirmation of address email: 02/09/2021 (From FBR TEAM 2)
Congrats email: 21/09/2021
FBR certificate : 24/09/21

Good luck to everyone else waiting on their certificates.

Andy

[Jimmy O]

Hi,

I submitted my application nearly two years ago and have been waiting on tenterhooks ever since, not least because of the inevitable Covid delays and for the fact that I now have a child due in March 2022.

I have, however, only recently discovered this forum, which has been great help and relief. Thank you so much to all involved in setting this up and for keeping it updated through your obvious initiative, diligence and kindness. If only 'DAF' was as interested to keep people informed...

If it might be of any help to anyone, with a child on the way, I contacted the passport office (through the online 'Passport Service Webchat Team') a few weeks ago, as advised on the website. I was, however, advised to call back within 2 months of the assessed 'due date'. Apparently, they won't entertain giving any potential help until much closer to the due date, although there's apparently no guarantee that they will get it sorted out in time. I asked several further questions of the operator at the same time, but she said that they receive so little information from 'DFA' that she had no idea where they were at in terms of backlog (only that there was a massive backlog) or indeed whether anyone was currently working on any existing applications... It's only through this forum that I have discovered that someone is actually working on some of the backlog and there's some semblance of progress.

Before I pass on my details for addition to the application spreadsheet, I had two questions/observations:

1. Has anyone submitted an application for two or more applicants at the same time (ie siblings) and if so, have you had any success? I actually submitted a triple application for me, my brother and my sister at the same time (endeavouring to use the shared docs to save time doing us all concurrently rather than sequentially), but I'm concerned that this may be holding up the processing of our application. In fact, has anyone else tried to push through 3 applications at the same time and has it worked?

2. The website states that everything is being processed in 'strict date order', but given that some applications have already been processed for 2020 submissions, while others from far earlier in 2019 have not, this seems to be rather disingenuous... Does anyone have any idea why some applications are getting through more quickly than others?!

For what it's worth, my (and my siblings) application details are as follows:

Application submitted online: 28 August 2019
Application docs submitted by post: 4 October 2019
Email acknowledging receipt of documentation: 8 October 2019
Confirmation of address email: TBC
Congrats email: TBC
FBR certificate : TBC

[Dalton_Trumbo]

Boy oh boy, like so many here I am relieved to have found this board, as there has been so little communication on when the FBR will begin processing.

Seeing people receiving their cert,etc is great and It appears from the posts that someone is now processing applications from Q3 2019, which is at least something. I am Q1 2020, so hopefully they get to us before the end of the year!

Application submitted: 29/1/2020
Confirmation of documents was sent: 14/2/2020

Also, for people looking for confirmation from the FBR team, you can submit a question via the dfa.ie "contact us" form on their website, and they will respond. You can give them your application number and they will check it for you.

[duffy1867]

Also, for people looking for confirmation from the FBR team, you can submit a question via the dfa.ie "contact us" form on their website, and they will respond. You can give them your application number and they will check it for you.

That's interesting - have you had some success using this approach?

[Dalton_Trumbo]

Yes, I used the contact us form in April and was emailed back by a DFA employee within a few days. The person did not tell me much, but asked for my application ID, which I provided, and then they confirm that application was there and pending review.

It didn't do any good for getting an ETA or anything like that, but if someone is just looking to confirm that their application is on file, seems like it a decent option.

[duffy1867]

Good option for those missing their confirmation email though

[Gingerillo]

I have just seen this on the Oireachtas website. A reply to questions from Deputies to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the backlog of FBR applications (dated 21 September 2021).

There are over 31,000 unprocessed applications. At present and only emergency cases are being dealt with (as well as those who require documentation to be returned).

The Minister for FA says that are planning to resume processing applications as soon as possible and “will be making a public announcement on specific dates in the coming weeks”.

A masterclass in answering a question without actually answering, but a glimmer of hope.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/q ... 09-21/327/

[Gingerillo]

The contact form on the DFA website says the following:

“Please note that passport and foreign birth registration queries will not be handled using the below form.”

So, chances are if you do send a message, you won’t get a reply unless it’s an emergency.

[Dalton_Trumbo]

That's strange, they may have changed that since I used it. I submitted a request on my FBR application this way in April and absolutely got a response. I don't remember that disclaimer being there at the time, but who knows. Maybe a bunch of other people did it that way too, and they put up the disclaimer.

[duffy1867]

I have just seen this on the Oireachtas website. A reply to questions from Deputies to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the backlog of FBR applications (dated 21 September 2021).

There are over 31,000 unprocessed applications. At present and only emergency cases are being dealt with (as well as those who require documentation to be returned).

The Minister for FA says that are planning to resume processing applications as soon as possible and “will be making a public announcement on specific dates in the coming weeks”.

A masterclass in answering a question without actually answering, but a glimmer of hope.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/q ... 09-21/327/

Agreed, excellent language - begin as soon as possible, in the coming weeks, under the next phase of my Departments Passport Reform Programme.

It all sounds like it means something...

The only thing we can cling to is 'the end of 2021' but considering the passport backlog was to be cleared in 8 weeks, over a year ago (or whatever it was), we'll have to see...

One thing is for sure, at the moment, 24 months + is the norm

[Gingerillo]

That's strange, they may have changed that since I used it. I submitted a request on my FBR application this way in April and absolutely got a response. I don't remember that disclaimer being there at the time, but who knows. Maybe a bunch of other people did it that way too, and they put up the disclaimer.

I tried to send a message the other day and it wouldn’t even let me submit it. On the same day I even managed to get through on the mythical webchat, only for the screen to freeze when it was my turn. The last time I heard anything from them was in October last year.

[Gingerillo]

I have just seen this on the Oireachtas website. A reply to questions from Deputies to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the backlog of FBR applications (dated 21 September 2021).

There are over 31,000 unprocessed applications. At present and only emergency cases are being dealt with (as well as those who require documentation to be returned).

The Minister for FA says that are planning to resume processing applications as soon as possible and “will be making a public announcement on specific dates in the coming weeks”.

A masterclass in answering a question without actually answering, but a glimmer of hope.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/q ... 09-21/327/

Agreed, excellent language - begin as soon as possible, in the coming weeks, under the next phase of my Departments Passport Reform Programme.

It all sounds like it means something...

The only thing we can cling to is 'the end of 2021' but considering the passport backlog was to be cleared in 8 weeks, over a year ago (or whatever it was), we'll have to see...

One thing is for sure, at the moment, 24 months + is the norm

What can you do except be very patient? 24 months is a far cry from the “May take up to 6 months” I got in my confirmation of receipt of documentation email. All I hope is that there is now not a problem with my UK passport, which has now expired but which was very much valid when I submitted it. They assured me it shouldn’t cause any additional delays as “chances are they had already scanned and uploaded documentation to their system”.

[roannabel]

1. Has anyone submitted an application for two or more applicants at the same time (ie siblings) and if so, have you had any success? I actually submitted a triple application for me, my brother and my sister at the same time (endeavouring to use the shared docs to save time doing us all concurrently rather than sequentially), but I'm concerned that this may be holding up the processing of our application. In fact, has anyone else tried to push through 3 applications at the same time and has it worked?

For what it's worth, my (and my siblings) application details are as follows:

Application submitted online: 28 August 2019
Application docs submitted by post: 4 October 2019
Email acknowledging receipt of documentation: 8 October 2019
Confirmation of address email: TBC
Congrats email: TBC
FBR certificate : TBC

Long time lurker here - but had some good news today which relates to your query. Confirmation of address email received after 25 months!

This was using one set of documents for me and my sister, and there seemed to be no issues with sharing the documents. I was also getting increasingly concerned when many later applications were being processed but I believe they are getting through them slowly. I have also noticed from this forum that there seems to be a difference in timescale based on the application country (although this may be a coincidence)...

Just to add, the (current) roughly 24 month waiting period runs from the date of documents received email (8th Oct for you), so I wouldn't get too worried until Nov which is hopefully when you will hear back!

Good luck!

Application submitted online: (early) August 2019
Email acknowledging receipt of documentation: 26 August 2019
Confirmation of address email: 27 September 2019
Congrats email: TBC
FBR certificate : TBC

[MikeyMike]

<SNIP>
Before I pass on my details for addition to the application spreadsheet, I had two questions/observations:

1. Has anyone submitted an application for two or more applicants at the same time (ie siblings) and if so, have you had any success? I actually submitted a triple application for me, my brother and my sister at the same time (endeavouring to use the shared docs to save time doing us all concurrently rather than sequentially), but I'm concerned that this may be holding up the processing of our application. In fact, has anyone else tried to push through 3 applications at the same time and has it worked?

2. The website states that everything is being processed in 'strict date order', but given that some applications have already been processed for 2020 submissions, while others from far earlier in 2019 have not, this seems to be rather disingenuous... Does anyone have any idea why some applications are getting through more quickly than others?!
<SNIP>

Re. point 1, a few people have posted about this and it does work. The process is documented in the DFA website FAQs so as long as you made it clear in the application then you've be fine. I recall as well that someone posted about a joint application where one of the applications was pulled out and expedited due to a pregnancy.

Concerning point 2, none of us really know the inner workings of the FBR process so without clear evidence to the contrary, we have to assume that applications are indeed processed in order. It might be that some applications take longer than others, for example due to missing/incomplete paperwork or complexities in the verification steps. Who knows? Also, let's not forget that this forum probably represents just a small sample of the total number of applicants and will inevitably attract the outliers.

[Dalton_Trumbo]

That's strange, they may have changed that since I used it. I submitted a request on my FBR application this way in April and absolutely got a response. I don't remember that disclaimer being there at the time, but who knows. Maybe a bunch of other people did it that way too, and they put up the disclaimer.

I tried to send a message the other day and it wouldn’t even let me submit it. On the same day I even managed to get through on the mythical webchat, only for the screen to freeze when it was my turn. The last time I heard anything from them was in October last year.

That's a bummer. I got through once on the web chat last year before Ireland went into lockdown over Christmas and then never came out of it. I followed up in April via the contact us form, and the DFA person told me "I can confirm that prior to the current lockdown FBR was checking circa Aug/Sept 2019 applications."

That's the last I've heard anything.

[NYmph10927]

I have just seen this on the Oireachtas website. A reply to questions from Deputies to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the backlog of FBR applications (dated 21 September 2021).

There are over 31,000 unprocessed applications. At present and only emergency cases are being dealt with (as well as those who require documentation to be returned).

The Minister for FA says that are planning to resume processing applications as soon as possible and “will be making a public announcement on specific dates in the coming weeks”.

A masterclass in answering a question without actually answering, but a glimmer of hope.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/q ... 09-21/327/

I would quibble a bit with the timing cited in the minister's answer. Pre pandemic, processing times were not 18 months. You can search this thread and see that the vast majority of applications were being processed in 11 months which itself represented a significant delay from the former 5 month turnaround before Brexit. It appears from news articles that Ireland will essentially be completely open October 22nd. I guess we'll see what happens at DFA.

[Jimmy O]

<SNIP>
Before I pass on my details for addition to the application spreadsheet, I had two questions/observations:

1. Has anyone submitted an application for two or more applicants at the same time (ie siblings) and if so, have you had any success? I actually submitted a triple application for me, my brother and my sister at the same time (endeavouring to use the shared docs to save time doing us all concurrently rather than sequentially), but I'm concerned that this may be holding up the processing of our application. In fact, has anyone else tried to push through 3 applications at the same time and has it worked?

2. The website states that everything is being processed in 'strict date order', but given that some applications have already been processed for 2020 submissions, while others from far earlier in 2019 have not, this seems to be rather disingenuous... Does anyone have any idea why some applications are getting through more quickly than others?!
<SNIP>

Re. point 1, a few people have posted about this and it does work. The process is documented in the DFA website FAQs so as long as you made it clear in the application then you've be fine. I recall as well that someone posted about a joint application where one of the applications was pulled out and expedited due to a pregnancy.

Concerning point 2, none of us really know the inner workings of the FBR process so without clear evidence to the contrary, we have to assume that applications are indeed processed in order. It might be that some applications take longer than others, for example due to missing/incomplete paperwork or complexities in the verification steps. Who knows? Also, let's not forget that this forum probably represents just a small sample of the total number of applicants and will inevitably attract the outliers.

To MikeyMike and Roannbel,

Thank you so much for your kind responses and for having taken the trouble to respond to my questions - both were greatly appreciated and make sense.

Apologies for the very obvious typo of DFA in my original e-mail!

Good luck to you all and thank you once again.

J

[circlethewagons12]

Yes, I used the contact us form in April and was emailed back by a DFA employee within a few days. The person did not tell me much, but asked for my application ID, which I provided, and then they confirm that application was there and pending review.

It didn't do any good for getting an ETA or anything like that, but if someone is just looking to confirm that their application is on file, seems like it a decent option.

This is very interesting, Would you happen to have the exact email on hand that you emailed? I am asking because I am hoping to move to Ireland shortly by next September at the latest and I'm getting quite concerned about my timeline as I have been wait over 2 years for any response.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[Gingerillo]

After an eternity, I have just received my confirmation of address email. So they are definitely back on the case (or fed up with my Twitter enquiries).

Timeline

Online application: 5 November 2019
Confirmation of receipt of documents: 11 November 2019
Confirmation of address: 29 September 2021

RE printing & sending certificates, the email says the following:


“Please be advised there are still delays with all our services with FBR certificates taking between 6-8 weeks to be printed. Once printed you will receive email notification and documents will then be returned.”

[BlimeyOReilly]

I have just stumbled across this forum, it’s good to see that some of the older applications are now moving along. I want to put in for my two children and husband to go on the register but have been putting off submitting an application due to the site saying everything is paused due to Covid. Hopefully speculation is right and this will change in the coming weeks.

Out of curiosity can anyone explain why the process takes so long and why the need to provide so much information? My father was born in Ireland and holds a passport. I was born in the U.K. and have a passport so all documentation and links have been checked previously. You would have thought in my children’s case they just need the documentation to prove they are my children and they can then conclude the previous generation checks have already been carried out by seeing we are passport holders.

It would make the process a lot quicker for many. I appreciate it wouldn’t be that straight forward for everyone as that approach won’t work in my husbands case but if they dealt with the more straight forward cases in this way it would help clear the backlog.

[Muscat]

Out of curiosity can anyone explain why the process takes so long and why the need to provide so much information?

I don’t know but I can tell you that it’s infinitely simpler than some other countries. For my children to prove their French Nationality we’ve had to provide, for example, a marriage certificate of their great-grandparents. We’ve been jumping through hoops for 5 years with the French authorities.

[eprice549]

Hi everyone,
its my first time posting on here so im not 100% sure how it works but im at a bit of a loose end with the application to the foreign birth registry. i've spoken to people at both the london embassy and the dublin base and both have been unhelpful so im hoping someone on here can help. I'm wanting to apply to obtain citizenship through descent (grandparent) i have the documentation and funds ready to submit my application but obviously they are currently paused, everyone i have spoken to has no timeline for when they will reopen and i was wondering what peoples opinion is on send the application regardless and getting in the 'queue'. does this mean that my documentation will be held during this time?
thanks in advance

[JuniorBatman]

(snip)

Out of curiosity can anyone explain why the process takes so long and why the need to provide so much information? My father was born in Ireland and holds a passport. I was born in the U.K. and have a passport so all documentation and links have been checked previously. You would have thought in my children’s case they just need the documentation to prove they are my children and they can then conclude the previous generation checks have already been carried out by seeing we are passport holders.

(snip)

It's because their right to Irish citizenship comes from their grandfather, not from you, even though you have it automatically. They can apply for it even if you didn't, or even if you didn't want them to, so they have to prove lineage to their Irish-born grandparent.

Also having a passport does not necessarily mean your children are entitled. If you were an FBR applicant, but had children before you applied, they would not be eligible. So they would have to check the timescales, and it would add another type of application they have to process. Imagine how slow it would be then!

[BlimeyOReilly]

I understand what you are saying but I did not have to apply to the FBR. I just had to submit my ID docs with my dad birth cert, once they are happy with that they issue a passport. The checks from Grandfather to me have already been carried out and approved. You would think that by supplying them with mine and my dads passport numbers and then the documents they need to to verify their relationship to me it would save them a lot of time as they are effectively duplicating work. Anyway my musing is not going to change the system so I will just have to accept the system and send all the necessary paperwork once normal service resumes.

I can see from reading the older threads on here that everyone has had their own personal frustrations to deal with concerning this system and the lack of communication from DFA and I don't imagine anyone here will be able to help me with my questions but I'll put them out there anyway.

My son turns 18 next year. To put his application in before he turns 18 will not only be cheaper but more straight forward when it comes to the two forms of address ID as he is not going to be paying utility bills just because he has turned 18. However my gut tells me I would be a fool to submit it on his behalf before he turns 18 because it won't get wrapped up before he is 18 and then we will get into the realms of GDPR issues with me handling his application when he is no longer a minor. Would others agree and hold off until after his birthday?

Does anyone know if they refund the fee if the application is rejected? My husbands grandparents are Irish so it should be straight forward. However thanks to the good old Irish tradition of naming your child and then calling them something else there are some inconsistencies in the order of names for his mother. The name on her birth certificate is Bridget Mary but she was known as Mary Ann growing up. On his birth certificate she is recorded as Mary Ann and it also has her surname as her married name although she didn't get married until 3 years later. The correct surname is in the maiden name field. On her marriage certificate she is recorded as Bridget Mary Ann. I am just wondering if these inconsistencies are going to throw up problems for his application. I spoke to the GRO about getting them corrected and they said I would have to provide a bank book from the 70's to prove she went by this name. She was 19 when she had him and certainly didn't have a bank account let alone have paperwork relating back to that period. I am not sure how this one will play out but I would have thought over time others have had name anomalies.

[jgclancy]

I have just stumbled across this forum, it’s good to see that some of the older applications are now moving along. I want to put in for my two children and husband to go on the register but have been putting off submitting an application due to the site saying everything is paused due to Covid. Hopefully speculation is right and this will change in the coming weeks.

Out of curiosity can anyone explain why the process takes so long and why the need to provide so much information? My father was born in Ireland and holds a passport. I was born in the U.K. and have a passport so all documentation and links have been checked previously. You would have thought in my children’s case they just need the documentation to prove they are my children and they can then conclude the previous generation checks have already been carried out by seeing we are passport holders.

It would make the process a lot quicker for many. I appreciate it wouldn’t be that straight forward for everyone as that approach won’t work in my husbands case but if they dealt with the more straight forward cases in this way it would help clear the backlog.

Brexit application surges followed by Covid shutdown are the main causes of longer processing times. I applied in June 2019 and received certificate in Aug 2021.If I had applied in Jan 2019 I would have had it by June 2019.

As for the documentation-they probably need prove lineage from child to grandparent by certain rules. It's actually easier if they always ask for all the documents than looking through different agencies on a case by case basis I'd also believe. If things were more computerized and systems cross linked it could be done but they aren't.

GoodLuck
jgclancy