Solarcower

Hi, I checked the threads for citizenship and it only came up with ones from 2017/18, so apologies if there is a relevant one more recent. Feel free to move it if necessary.
I am going to apply for citizenship after just having met 10 years residency (I can't quite believe that - I remember this forum was really helpful before moving and since, and Lorna even called me up, so thanks for that!)
I wondered if anyone else is going or considering going through the process now? I just passed the B1 Cittadinanza exam, and I have a pdf download of the results, which I was told I can use to start the process while waiting for the certificate, but I also hear that you need the actual certificate to start, so reports are quite conflicting. I really don't know when to time the documents for. I want to get everything done asap because I am worried that the probable incoming government will make the waiting times longer and more complicated, as I believe they went back to two years recently after being four years. I can start the process of applying for docs and apostilles now, but don't know how long the B1 cert will take to arrive. Can anyone help with these questions:

• Is the wait time for the B1 cittadinanza cert 4 months from results date or from the exam date?
• When having the documents translated and legalised, is there a long waiting time for an appointment in general?
• Is it a paper apostille, because there is the option of an e-apostille?
• Have people done it alone or through a lawyer/company? I was quoted 350 Euro from a guy 'for his work' but it sounded like that was only to send the docs to the prefettura.

I am part of the FB group about Brits applying for citizenship, but wanted some different perspectives.
Thanks in advance, it's a daunting process before the wait times even kick in.

philat98

Things were tricky enough before the language test. At least they are supposed to have reduced the waiting time to 2 years. Good luck.

campos

FWIW This week I got an email from my local prefettura giving me a citizenship appointment date at the end of November, five years and two weeks after the date I submitted my citizenship application.
I imagine a couple of minor problems (Brexit and Covid) contributed to this duration.
I have not had a language proficiency test. The appointment information does not indicate this is required. I imagine my application submission date is a factor.
Have been asked to take a bollo for 16€.
Not sure what exactly will happen in November. Possibly the oath date will be given...?

philat98

They give you the certificato di cittadinanza at the Prefettura. Then you have to make an appointment with the comune where they register you as an Italian citizen. That's the bit where you must promise to give your life to your country if required. Then you can apply for an Id card at the comune. If you dont do the comune bit the citizenship is withdrawn.

campos

Thanks for the info.

philat98

You can look on youtube as to swearing the oath. Some folks get their photo taken. Mine was just administrative and 2 years ago so things may have changed.
I hope Meloni doesnt think of revoking them.

tpw21

I’d imagine you’d be exempt due to the date of submission, so wouldn’t worry.

campos

The emailed notification letter I referred to above was originally sent raccomandata to my old address, since obviously I wasn't there to receive it.
Can anyone confirm that I will need to submit an original posted notification letter when I visit ?
The screenshot here says that the original is required, as I understand it, and a photocopy of it.

Solarcower

Wow, a long time! Yeah you applied before the language test was brought in.
Did you do all aspects of the application yourself (i.e. without assistance from a lawyer?

Solarcower

An update re: my original questions if it's useful for anyone.

• Is the wait time for the B1 cittadinanza cert 4 months from results date or from the exam date? I did the exam in July, cert is ready now (got an email last week) however, the May session people also have only just received notification that their certificates are ready, so seems to vary. I guess doing it in summer sped it up because fewer people take the exam then.
• When having the documents translated and legalised, is there a long waiting time for an appointment in general?
• Is it a paper apostille, because there is the option of an e-apostille? It's a paper one.
• Have people done it alone or through a lawyer/company? I was quoted 350 Euro from a guy 'for his work' but it sounded like that was only to send the docs to the prefettura.

campos

yes. Just help from an Italian friend.

campos

Yesterday i got my certificate and made booking for the giuramento. It's next May, just two weeks before the six month deadline is up. It was the earliest available date. Incredibile.

philat98

I wouldn't accept that. If for any reason you cant make the appointment you lose the application. It only takes 15 minutes.

campos

[QUOTE=philat98;13156704]I wouldn't accept that. If for any reason you cant make the appointment you lose the application. It only takes 15 minutes.[/QUOTE

How would you suggest I start an argument with Italian bureaucracy?
Yes , I'm sure the procedure is short. In fact they offered me several time slots on the day. I'll have to make sure I don't miss it then.

philat98

[QUOTE=campos;13156705] If you are in a small comune you could try speaking to the mayor. A call from a lawyer might do something.