Foreign Birth Registration

[mmccarthy404]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes between the confirmation of address email and the processed/printed cert email?

I'm a Feb 2020 applicant, and I finally received the confirmation of address email July 26th. I responded the next day confirming my address was correct, but since then nothing...

I'm starting to worry I did something wrong. I noticed that the email said to quote your application number on all correspondence, but I didn't do that since I was replying directly about my application

[JohnFBR]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes between the confirmation of address email and the processed/printed cert email?

I'm a Feb 2020 applicant, and I finally received the confirmation of address email July 26th. I responded the next day confirming my address was correct, but since then nothing...

I'm starting to worry I did something wrong. I noticed that the email said to quote your application number on all correspondence, but I didn't do that since I was replying directly about my application

Don’t worry some have been on holiday. If you replied to the email directly you are fine. I would just send an email replying to your last email to ask for confirmation they have everything they need.

[ozonez]

Hi All

February 2020 Applicant, just heard back from the FBR. My dates are below if of any interest:

Application date: 14 February 2020
Date of receipt in Ireland: 26 February 2020
Address confirmation: 16 August 2022

Cheers all!

[MKCG]

Hi all. I'm (sort of) part of the April 2019 application club too.

Application sent: 29 March 2019
Email confirmation of receipt of application: 9 April 2019
Follow up queries sent to me: 9 March 2020
Additional requested information received in Ireland (according to Royal Mail recorded deliver): 27 March 2020

Hi IrishmanToBe,

Did you ever get your FBR cert?
If so, could you please provide the date so I can close out your entry in the FBR Timelines Google Sheet?

Thanks

Hi

Is it possible that I can be added to the FBR timeline doc.
Ive had a look but I can’t seem to find my username on it.

mkcg
Applied online 4/3/20
Docs received 25/3/20

Thanku

[SL6]

Just realised that February 2020 was a leap year…. Another day / week in the life of the fbr team!!

[cyforcypher]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

[JohnFBR]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

[cyforcypher]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

Awesome, thank you, I will correct the paper submission then! I don't think I can correct the online form though, there doesn't seem to be a way to access my application form after it's been submitted without filling it out and paying for it again. But you're right, I don't think it will be an issue. Just want to get it right and get my citizenship asap.

[JohnFBR]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

Awesome, thank you, I will correct the paper submission then! I don't think I can correct the online form though, there doesn't seem to be a way to access my application form after it's been submitted without filling it out and paying for it again. But you're right, I don't think it will be an issue. Just want to get it right and get my citizenship asap.

From memory you are asked to download the pdf version of the form. Do you know your application number?

[MrMister2022]

Hi all. I'm (sort of) part of the April 2019 application club too.

Application sent: 29 March 2019
Email confirmation of receipt of application: 9 April 2019
Follow up queries sent to me: 9 March 2020
Additional requested information received in Ireland (according to Royal Mail recorded deliver): 27 March 2020

Hi IrishmanToBe,

Did you ever get your FBR cert?
If so, could you please provide the date so I can close out your entry in the FBR Timelines Google Sheet?

Thanks

Hi

Is it possible that I can be added to the FBR timeline doc.
Ive had a look but I can’t seem to find my username on it.

mkcg
Applied online 4/3/20
Docs received 25/3/20

Thanku

Hi MKCG, I've added your dates to the spreadsheet. You should be able to edit it to update the next dates. Looks like you can expect to be hearing more soon!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... YBB2D2epA/

[stateoscar660]

Hello all, first-time poster here

Having done lots of research into my family and Irish citizenship, I am eligible to apply for it through the FBR (grandparent born in Ireland) and have spent the last few weeks/months getting all of the certificates and docs I need (which I now have, phew). I'm kicking myself that I didn't think to do this sooner, but oh well.

Just have a few questions before I do the online application if anyone could help, I've seen in places online that when you send all of the docs over to Ireland that you need to include a pre-paid return envelope so they can return all of your certificates, is this true? Secondly, I'm due to move house soon and while I would maybe wait until afterwards, having seen how long it is taking applications to be processed I don't want to delay this anymore. I know that they send you an email for confirmation of address, but is this just a case of emailing back with proofs of your new address, or is it more complicated than that?

I'm looking forward to this thread being my new hobby, let the 2 year wait begin

[cyforcypher]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

Awesome, thank you, I will correct the paper submission then! I don't think I can correct the online form though, there doesn't seem to be a way to access my application form after it's been submitted without filling it out and paying for it again. But you're right, I don't think it will be an issue. Just want to get it right and get my citizenship asap.

From memory you are asked to download the pdf version of the form. Do you know your application number?

Hi there, yes I have my application number and downloaded the PDF. Just doesn't seem to be anywhere to change the electronic application form that was submitted.

[JohnFBR]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

Awesome, thank you, I will correct the paper submission then! I don't think I can correct the online form though, there doesn't seem to be a way to access my application form after it's been submitted without filling it out and paying for it again. But you're right, I don't think it will be an issue. Just want to get it right and get my citizenship asap.

From memory you are asked to download the pdf version of the form. Do you know your application number?

Hi there, yes I have my application number and downloaded the PDF. Just doesn't seem to be anywhere to change the electronic application form that was submitted.

Update it on the paper version and send that when you send all of the other docs

[Dalton_Trumbo]

Hello all, first-time poster here

Having done lots of research into my family and Irish citizenship, I am eligible to apply for it through the FBR (grandparent born in Ireland) and have spent the last few weeks/months getting all of the certificates and docs I need (which I now have, phew). I'm kicking myself that I didn't think to do this sooner, but oh well.

Just have a few questions before I do the online application if anyone could help, I've seen in places online that when you send all of the docs over to Ireland that you need to include a pre-paid return envelope so they can return all of your certificates, is this true? Secondly, I'm due to move house soon and while I would maybe wait until afterwards, having seen how long it is taking applications to be processed I don't want to delay this anymore. I know that they send you an email for confirmation of address, but is this just a case of emailing back with proofs of your new address, or is it more complicated than that?

I'm looking forward to this thread being my new hobby, let the 2 year wait begin

When they send you the confirmation of address email prior to approval, if your address has changed (as mine had), you simple provide them your new address and 2 pieces of evidence for the new address. in my case I provided a cable bill and a bank statement with my current address. Was very simple.

[MKCG]

Hi all. I'm (sort of) part of the April 2019 application club too.

Application sent: 29 March 2019
Email confirmation of receipt of application: 9 April 2019
Follow up queries sent to me: 9 March 2020
Additional requested information received in Ireland (according to Royal Mail recorded deliver): 27 March 2020

Hi IrishmanToBe,

Did you ever get your FBR cert?
If so, could you please provide the date so I can close out your entry in the FBR Timelines Google Sheet?

Thanks

Hi

Is it possible that I can be added to the FBR timeline doc.
Ive had a look but I can’t seem to find my username on it.

mkcg
Applied online 4/3/20
Docs received 25/3/20

Thanku

Hi MKCG, I've added your dates to the spreadsheet. You should be able to edit it to update the next dates. Looks like you can expect to be hearing more soon!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... YBB2D2epA/

Hi

Thanks very much for doing that for me.
I keep thinking I’ll hear soon but approaching 29 months here and fbr team still working on feb applicants lol

Thanks again

[Ms_Mac]

Hello all, long time lurker here! Got some great news to share, finally got the long awaited address confirmation email.

Application Sent: 15 February 2020
Application Received: 26 February 2020
Address Confirmation: 17 August 2022

Nearly 2 and 1/2 years exactly Can't express how grateful I am for this group! You all have made a long and lonely process much more bearable. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences over the last few months!

[cyforcypher]

Hi there, I need some advice as I made a mistake on the online application form! I've gathered all my documents, I'm seeing the lawyers in a couple days to get everything notarized, BUT I just noticed I wrote the wrong answer for my mother's mother's (i.e., grandmother's) surname at birth; I wrote my mom's surname at birth instead of her mother's!

I've seen other people on this thread saying to fix the error on the physical notarized copy of the application, and also including a a cover letter explaining the error. Since my grandmother's surname at birth is clearly visible on the supporting documents (i.e., my mother's birth certificate, and my grandparents' marriage certificate), I think it should be pretty clear for whomever is processing the documents in Ireland to understand the mistake.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else I should do? I can't seem to find any contact information for the Irish DFA office that's dealing with FBR applications.

Thanks a bunch!

Just correct it all with the paper submission. You could also correct the online form and submit that as-well with it. If you explain it all it won’t be an issue.

Awesome, thank you, I will correct the paper submission then! I don't think I can correct the online form though, there doesn't seem to be a way to access my application form after it's been submitted without filling it out and paying for it again. But you're right, I don't think it will be an issue. Just want to get it right and get my citizenship asap.

From memory you are asked to download the pdf version of the form. Do you know your application number?

Hi there, yes I have my application number and downloaded the PDF. Just doesn't seem to be anywhere to change the electronic application form that was submitted.

Update it on the paper version and send that when you send all of the other docs

Hello again, I just wanted to leave a tip for anyone reading this who makes a mistake on their online application form! I called the DFA (+353 1 568 3331) and they told me to just correct the mistake on the paper application with a pen. I asked if I should include a letter explaining the mistake and they said sure, it wouldn't hurt. Then I got an email saying they'd made the change on their end to my online application form. So if anyone needs to make a correction, especially in a hurry, contact fbr.urgentqueries@dfa.ie. I hope this helps someone! I'm getting everything witnessed today and I'll be hanging around this forum as the process moves on.

[Dalton_Trumbo]

Hello all, long time lurker here! Got some great news to share, finally got the long awaited address confirmation email.

Application Sent: 15 February 2020
Application Received: 26 February 2020
Address Confirmation: 17 August 2022

Nearly 2 and 1/2 years exactly Can't express how grateful I am for this group! You all have made a long and lonely process much more bearable. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences over the last few months!

Congrats! I also got my confirmation at just about 2 1/2 years and received my cert a few weeks later. I can't agree more that this forum made what would've have been a long and lonely process much more bearable.

[Apple10]

I am curious to know how they will start treating the applications received over the lockdown e.g. someone could have applied in April 2020 but not been able to submit their docs until the office reopens.

I am wondering if they will prioritise on application date or whether it will be the luck of when your docs fell out of the post bag. Very much hope it is the former.

I suppose we will soon find out once we move past the March applications.

[JohnFBR]

Just received the Congrats email!
Thank you to everyone on the board!!

Application date: 10th Feb 2020
Docs received: 19th Feb 2020
Address check: 4th Aug 2022
Congrats email: 19th Aug2022

[cyforcypher]

Hello again, does anyone have recommendations for how to send the documents safely with tracking? I'm seeing some people sending them with Fedex, while others are saying Fedex doesn't ship to PO boxes, like the one in Dublin. I'll be shipping from Canada (Quebec), but it doesn't look like Canada Post has tracking for registered mail overseas? Please let me know what courier you used to get everything there safely, especially if shipping from Canada! Thanks in advance.

[GoingBackBackToEire]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes between the confirmation of address email and the processed/printed cert email?

I had a look at the FBR Timelines google sheet.
According to the sheet, the average time is 11 days.
Most are received within a month, although there are some at 2+ months.

The data here are not great. While the spreadsheet now has 156 completed FBRs, there's only data for the time from email to cert-received for 1/3 of those. Most people don't come back to report that they received their certificate. This leads me to suspect the data are skewed towards the shorter ones.

There are a lot of applicants in the UK, and the mail reaches them a lot quicker, so that also skews the average to appear faster.
This is also the height of holidays in Ireland, so that could be slowing things down.


So I wouldn't worry about it for a few more weeks at least.
But please let us know when you get it. (and the rest of your timeline so I can add it to the doc)

[GoingBackBackToEire]

Another strange thing from looking at the data in the FBR Timelines Google doc:

The numbers ramp up quickly from Dec 2018/Jan 2019, then drop off a cliff.

There are two each in Dec '18 and Jan '19.
Then the numbers increase steadily to 27 in each Jan 'and Feb 2020.
After that, there's just 9 in March '20 and the rest are mostly in the low single digits, except for Sep 2020 which has 10.


One possible explanation:
It does line up with the Brexit timeline pretty well. The UK officially left the EU on 31 Jan 2020. But I would expect to see the numbers to remain high throughout 2020. Particularly because it takes time to gather the documents necessary for the FBR.

Another:
I think also there's a significant number of people who don't post their dates here until they have their address check, congrats email, or cert. If so, as the office in Balbriggan starts working on March 2020 applications, that number should rise. (Currently it's at 9.)

[mmccarthy404]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes between the confirmation of address email and the processed/printed cert email?

I had a look at the FBR Timelines google sheet.
According to the sheet, the average time is 11 days.
Most are received within a month, although there are some at 2+ months.

The data here are not great. While the spreadsheet now has 156 completed FBRs, there's only data for the time from email to cert-received for 1/3 of those. Most people don't come back to report that they received their certificate. This leads me to suspect the data are skewed towards the shorter ones.

There are a lot of applicants in the UK, and the mail reaches them a lot quicker, so that also skews the average to appear faster.
This is also the height of holidays in Ireland, so that could be slowing things down.


So I wouldn't worry about it for a few more weeks at least.
But please let us know when you get it. (and the rest of your timeline so I can add it to the doc)

I ended up emailing them on the 16th and got the 'approved' email the 17th! I guess the squeaky wheel get's the grease!

[mmccarthy404]

Now I have a passport issue that I bet might be common to a few others in the forum.

I have a 'Mc' surname, and so I have two capital letters in my name like 'McCarthy'. In my current US passport it's written with a space like 'MC CARTHY' since it's all caps, but after I just filled out the passport form, the identity verification form just refers to my surname as 'Mccarthy' right now.

I think it's best if my Irish passport name perfectly matched my US passport name, but I'm not sure if it's possible to change after you submit your form online... Anyone have experience here?