This is a great question; the rising number of applicants and the delays caused by the Pandemic are part of the reason why appointments for Italian Citizenship by Descent are so difficult to find. In addition, many of you who have already submitted your application, may still be waiting for a response from the Italian Consulate after two years.

There are several reasons as to why having Italian citizenship is worthwhile the investment: 

It allows you to live, work and study not just in Italy, but in all the other 26 countries that are part of the European Union, including Spain, Germany, France, and Ireland, without the need of an extended visa. Plus, an Italian passport promises uncomplicated travel to 190 other countries and this year it was ranked the 4th most powerful passport in the world. 

The 1948 Rule

If you are applying for Italian Dual Citizenship through the "female" line, you may fall in the category of those born to an Italian female ancestor before 1948. For example: your mother's father was born in Italy; he did not become a naturalized U.S. citizen before her birth which fulfills one of the qualification requirements, but because you were born before 1948, you do not qualify.

Several Italian Consulates located in the United States have announced an upgraded booking system for their services and will offer Visa, Passport, and Citizenship appointments.  While you may be familiar with the former ‘Prenota OnLine,’ this new portal has proven to be more versatile, user friendly, and secure.  Listed below are the locations which have already adopted this new booking system:

Scenario: What if your Italian born “female” ancestor married her Italian born husband and became a U.S. citizen concurrently with her husband before September 22, 1922?