Foreign Birth Registration

[GoingBackBackToEire]

Okay, I've gone back through the last several pages of this thread and updated my copy of the spreadsheet with the available information from after 26 Oct 2022.

Any info from lurkers or that wasn't posted here has been lost.

Apart from that though, I think the sheet is in pretty good shape.

You're all welcome to add your data to the sheet and keep this party going.

Here's that link again.

Almighty FBR Timeline Spreadsheet - Resurrected!

[BrexitEscapee]

Okay, I've gone back through the last several pages of this thread and updated my copy of the spreadsheet with the available information from after 26 Oct 2022.

That's a heroic effort - thanks!

[GoingBackBackToEire]

That's a heroic effort - thanks!

I did it because I enjoy it. Some nice mindless data entry while listening to Christmas music.

One thing that's missing is recently someone made a chart showing something.... Applications and address checks by month, maybe?
I wonder what other visualizations people might come up with from this data.

[smbschrader]

They create unnecessary bureacracy (e.g. updated photos) for no reason

I'm sure you're aware that child's appearance can change a lot in two years.

You're may be unaware that the photo becomes part of your FBR cert.

So that's why they're asking for updated photos.

I am not aware t of FBR certificates now having a photo of the applicant - the one issued to our eldest child in 2018 does not have one. Just like that weblink removed by moderator. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how recent it is to have a photo on your FBR, but my FBR definitely didn't have one (1989 vintage). That's the one I sent in with the FBR applications for my two children. I hope the lack of a photo on my FBR doesn't turn into a problem!

[smbschrader]

"The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was snowed under with a backlog of more than 30,000 complex foreign birth registrations, many from British citizens looking for Irish passports after Brexit."

30,000!!

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41021117.html

[input-output]

"The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was snowed under with a backlog of more than 30,000 complex foreign birth registrations, many from British citizens looking for Irish passports after Brexit."

30,000!!

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41021117.html

Mr Hackett also explained how the department had been severely hit by the impact of inflation and dramatic foreign currency fluctuations.

He said it operated in over 80 different countries and that while inflationary pressures differed in each, there was a “sustained rise in utility and rental costs and increasing payroll costs for staff locally recruited”.

It also clear that FBR is still profitable but that the recent rises in costs eat into that profitability. Subsequent applicants may have to pay a bit more, although lobbying from NA Irish organisations may criticise that

[sloanb]

Okay, I've gone back through the last several pages of this thread and updated my copy of the spreadsheet with the available information from after 26 Oct 2022.

Any info from lurkers or that wasn't posted here has been lost.

Apart from that though, I think the sheet is in pretty good shape.

You're all welcome to add your data to the sheet and keep this party going.

Here's that link again.

Almighty FBR Timeline Spreadsheet - Resurrected!

Amazing effort to get this version of the spreadsheet back, many thanks. But even more amazing is that someone that hasn't been able to register on the forum (xrs) has entered an address check for a September 2021 documents accepted since you resurrected the spreadsheet. September 2021 .

[Dalton_Trumbo]

They create unnecessary bureacracy (e.g. updated photos) for no reason

I'm sure you're aware that child's appearance can change a lot in two years.

You're may be unaware that the photo becomes part of your FBR cert.

So that's why they're asking for updated photos.

I am not aware t of FBR certificates now having a photo of the applicant - the one issued to our eldest child in 2018 does not have one. Just like that weblink removed by moderator. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how recent it is to have a photo on your FBR, but my FBR definitely didn't have one (1989 vintage). That's the one I sent in with the FBR applications for my two children. I hope the lack of a photo on my FBR doesn't turn into a problem!

1989! wow that goes back a ways. You shouldn't have any problems I don't think. It's an official document. I'm sure they're aware that the photo requirement was added sometime after that.
I got mine in July, and it has a photo for sure. When I was researching applying in 2019 the application then required photos as well so it goes definitely goes back at least a few years. Maybe a post 9/11 terrorism related change that they require pictures of citizens. However, a point in time picture on a document that will never be updated is a strange thing. Would be like never updating the picture on your drivers license of your teenage self.

[input-output]

1989! wow that goes back a ways. You shouldn't have any problems I don't think. It's an official document. I'm sure they're aware that the photo requirement was added sometime after that.
I got mine in July, and it has a photo for sure. When I was researching applying in 2019 the application then required photos as well so it goes definitely goes back at least a few years. Maybe a post 9/11 terrorism related change that they require pictures of citizens. However, a point in time picture on a document that will never be updated is a strange thing. Would be like never updating the picture on your drivers license of your teenage self.

2018 FBR certificates did not have a picture. I have one for my child in my files so it must have been introduced since then. Definitely a wise thing for adults but completely pointless for infants/young children/any children! Ireland had an issue with criminals using birth certificates of deceased chidren to obtain documents but offical response should be appropriate and to be actually working!

[Tourin31]

Okay, I've gone back through the last several pages of this thread and updated my copy of the spreadsheet with the available information from after 26 Oct 2022.

Here's that link again.

Almighty FBR Timeline Spreadsheet - Resurrected!

You're such a legend for a) saving a copy in first place and b) taking the time to do this. I am the exact same as you though, I find a bit of data entry with some nice music very therapeutic

I'm a mid-June docs arrival and I can see on the Facebook group that people with July, August and September have had address confirmations. Feeling very jealous but I need to remind myself that it was only 10 days or so ago that I thought I might hear in February 2023, so I'm just being spoilt now. Also hoping that maybe I'm in a pile that will get address confirmation and approval into the FBR at a quicker rate. Haha, the little lies we tell ourselves, eh?

[Tourin31]

Also another thing I learned from Facebook group is that they were sending address confirmations yesterday! They are really working around the clock.

[JPrism]

Does anyone know whether once they get into November 2021+ applications whether they may be a big slow down?
I'm thinking due to the fact that the offices reopened in Nov that there was an avalanche of applications since that point? I have no idea just wondering and speculating lol

[djx138]

Hi Folks!

I moved since submitting my FBR application. Unfortunately, I asked someone else to post the proof of address to the Balgriggan address and they lost the tracking number.

As I didn’t hear anything from the FBR team, I emailed them last week to confirm the proof of address had been received.

Two things from the email to note though, one is a slight concern…

1. The subject of the email had been changed to include my name, FIRST MIDDLE LAST, but I changed my name by deed poll in 2013 (docked off surname and replaced it with my middle name, so now only have FIRST and LAST names)

2. As it’s nothing but radio silence from the FBR team, I asked for a rough timeline for my application (applied January 2021 but due to multiple factors, was unable to submit documents until June 2022)

This is the update I received on timescales:

“In terms of current processing times, applications registered between March 2021 and May 2021 is likely to be processed in December 2022.”

Should I be concerned about point 1 above?

[Mr_Knight]

1. The subject of the email had been changed to include my name, FIRST MIDDLE LAST, but I changed my name by deed poll in 2013 (docked off surname and replaced it with my middle name, so now only have FIRST and LAST names)
Should I be concerned about point 1 above?

My email was also addressed to the name on my birth certificate which I have not used for nearly 30 years. I believe the FBR certificates are issued in your birth certificate name.

[djx138]

1. The subject of the email had been changed to include my name, FIRST MIDDLE LAST, but I changed my name by deed poll in 2013 (docked off surname and replaced it with my middle name, so now only have FIRST and LAST names)
Should I be concerned about point 1 above?

My email was also addressed to the name on my birth certificate which I have not used for nearly 30 years. I believe the FBR certificates are issued in your birth certificate name.

So when you apply for your Irish passport, do you get to use your name name, or must it be in your birth certificate name also?

[Mr_Knight]

So when you apply for your Irish passport, do you get to use your name name, or must it be in your birth certificate name also?

The same as a British passport it will be issued in the name you use if you provide proof of usage & deed poll etc.

[Tourin31]

Here we go!

Application submitted online: 29 Apr 2021
Docs received mail: mid June 2021
Request to confirm address: 05 Dec 2021
Confirmation of entry to FBR:
Certificate received:

Looks like teams are back as the individual who emailed me said he works for Team 8. Also the message said that I will "shortly be approved", so hoping all other checks have been done and it will be sent quickly.

[HPFA]

Just had the Email to say daughter's application has been approved and the certificate is on its way!

After two years.

I don't know if she has any immediate plans to use it - but she can now apply for jobs offering them the bonus of EU passport eligibility.

[MikeyMike]

1. The subject of the email had been changed to include my name, FIRST MIDDLE LAST, but I changed my name by deed poll in 2013 (docked off surname and replaced it with my middle name, so now only have FIRST and LAST names)
Should I be concerned about point 1 above?

My email was also addressed to the name on my birth certificate which I have not used for nearly 30 years. I believe the FBR certificates are issued in your birth certificate name.

So when you apply for your Irish passport, do you get to use your name name, or must it be in your birth certificate name also?

This question is covered in the FAQ, under General Queries: https://www.dfa.ie/citizenship/born-abr ... cent-faqs/

I'm in a similar situation in that my middle name is not on my birth certificate. I asked about it through a cover letter with my application and was told that the name on the FBR certificate will be exactly that on the original birth certificate but I can have my middle name on my Irish passport by suppling proof of usage. In your case, you'll need to submit the deed poll paperwork when applying for a passport.

[meself2]

In your case, you'll need to submit the deed poll paperwork when applying for a passport.

if I remember it right, just deed poll is not enough; you'd also need proof of usage dated two years back, but it might just be for renewal;
https://www.dfa.ie/passports/documentar ... formation/

I now use a different name to the one on my passport or birth certificate
If changing your name through proof of usage, we need 2 documents from 2 different sources which should date back at least two years from the date you make the passport application.

The Passport Service does not accept deed polls to change the name on your Irish passport.

Proof of usage means that you are using this name in everyday life. We need your original documents but we will return these to you.

[schmood]

(using different names)

Hey all -

Wondering if anyone might be able to help with this (issue explained below) I spoke with General Register Office who informed me that 'legal adoption was not introduced in Ireland until 1952 and adoption records only start in January 1953'. So there is no adoption record for my Irish born grandmother (even though the adoptive mother is listed as 'informant' on birth certificate and the recorded location is a Parish priest's office).

My grandmother (born in the 1920s) used different names across her whole life. Let's say her birth certificate names her as 'Siobhan Fiona Kerry' — on my Dad's birth certificate her name is 'Fiona Tara Biden' (pre marriage)), however a 'Mary Biden' is listed as 'informant' on 'Siobhan's') birth certificate (no Father is listed). Sorry I know that's confusing!

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to other documents that might help create the link between 'Siobhan' (my paternal grandmother) 'Fiona' (the same person/also my paternal grandmother — the person on my father's birth certificate) and my Father? As this kind of arrangement was considered quite 'shameful' back in the day, I think that's why there's so little information on it. I think she is called 'Siobhan Fiona Kerry' on my Father's siblings birth certificates...

Thanks so much for your help

Help! Adoption issues

Hey all!

Longtime lurker. Just heard back from FBR. Unfortunately it's not good news.

Submitted my application — 19th October 2020
Docs received — 12th December 2020

I applied on the basis of both paternal grandparents who were born in Ireland. Unfortunately both have documentary issues.

My Irish grandma was adopted at birth. My father did not know this until later in life because it was a family secret. If I understand correctly, my grandmother's birth mother had her very young and out of wedlock so they gave the child to the family servants (?). It is then understood that my grandmother's birth mother was sent to the United States, but we know little else. My grandmother's birth certificate gives her a different last name entirely to her last name listed on my Father's birth certificate and, if I remember correctly, her marriage certificate. My grandma's adoptive mother is listed as witness on the birth certificate (same last name as the marriage certificate and my Father's birth certificate, which I had hoped would be enough to link her to my Father). My father has 7 siblings and I have a recollection that one of them might have my Grandma's OG last name on them, but not sure, and don't know if that would even help (?)

My paternal grandfather was also born in Ireland, but he was the youngest of 13 children in a very rural area so I do not think the birth was registered (at least we could not find it anywhere )

FBR is asking for my grandmother’s court adoption order papers and her adoptive birth certificate so that they can link her to my father. I'm very doubtful these exist based on what I've been told, but I'd be grateful if anyone has ..

1) been in a similar position
2) knows how to find court adoption papers + adoptive birth certificate
3) knows how to resolve this?

Thank you in advance for your help! Would be so devastated if this won't work out.

[GoingBackBackToEire]

You're such a legend for a) saving a copy in first place and b) taking the time to do this. I am the exact same as you though, I find a bit of data entry with some nice music very therapeutic

I found a problem with the data and I don't know if I can fix it.
It looks to me like the data were sorted without the "notes" column. Now the notes no longer go with the correct user.

I could revert to an old version, but lots of data has been added since then and it would be lost. So I'm not going to do that.

Is there a better way? The only thing I can think of is to go row by row with the old version and the current one.

I'd like to make sure this doesn't happen again. I suspect the notes got scrambled by use of a filter to sort the data.
Filter views look really useful for quickly sorting by the different columns. I need to learn more about how those work.

[smbschrader]

They create unnecessary bureacracy (e.g. updated photos) for no reason

I'm sure you're aware that child's appearance can change a lot in two years.

You're may be unaware that the photo becomes part of your FBR cert.

So that's why they're asking for updated photos.

I am not aware t of FBR certificates now having a photo of the applicant - the one issued to our eldest child in 2018 does not have one. Just like that weblink removed by moderator. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how recent it is to have a photo on your FBR, but my FBR definitely didn't have one (1989 vintage). That's the one I sent in with the FBR applications for my two children. I hope the lack of a photo on my FBR doesn't turn into a problem!

1989! wow that goes back a ways. You shouldn't have any problems I don't think. It's an official document. I'm sure they're aware that the photo requirement was added sometime after that.
I got mine in July, and it has a photo for sure. When I was researching applying in 2019 the application then required photos as well so it goes definitely goes back at least a few years. Maybe a post 9/11 terrorism related change that they require pictures of citizens. However, a point in time picture on a document that will never be updated is a strange thing. Would be like never updating the picture on your drivers license of your teenage self.

It was such a doddle back then. I mailed my application to the Consulate in San Francisco via plain old domestic mail, and the FBR certificate was issued in a month or so. I was truly shocked when I put together my children's FBR applications and realized wait times were over two years long!

[Dalton_Trumbo]

They create unnecessary bureacracy (e.g. updated photos) for no reason

I'm sure you're aware that child's appearance can change a lot in two years.

You're may be unaware that the photo becomes part of your FBR cert.

So that's why they're asking for updated photos.

I am not aware t of FBR certificates now having a photo of the applicant - the one issued to our eldest child in 2018 does not have one. Just like that weblink removed by moderator. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how recent it is to have a photo on your FBR, but my FBR definitely didn't have one (1989 vintage). That's the one I sent in with the FBR applications for my two children. I hope the lack of a photo on my FBR doesn't turn into a problem!

1989! wow that goes back a ways. You shouldn't have any problems I don't think. It's an official document. I'm sure they're aware that the photo requirement was added sometime after that.
I got mine in July, and it has a photo for sure. When I was researching applying in 2019 the application then required photos as well so it goes definitely goes back at least a few years. Maybe a post 9/11 terrorism related change that they require pictures of citizens. However, a point in time picture on a document that will never be updated is a strange thing. Would be like never updating the picture on your drivers license of your teenage self.

It was such a doddle back then. I mailed my application to the Consulate in San Francisco via plain old domestic mail, and the FBR certificate was issued in a month or so. I was truly shocked when I put together my children's FBR applications and realized wait times were over two years long!

That is funny. I started my original application in the late 90s but got interrupted by life. At that time, you made an appointment at Irish Consulate in Manhattan, walked in and handed them the envelope of documents. Turnaround time was also something close to a month. Was kicking myself for the last 3 years about not just finishing it back then. ha.

[corky100]

Hi schmood,

I know it's a long shot - but are there any documents for your Grandparents such as Passport / Driving Licence? Basically anything that lists place of birth?