IMPORTANT NOTICE RE APPLYING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF NATURALISATION
HALF of all applications received are currently being returned to applicants for further attention as they do not contain all of the required supporting documentation or are not completed correctly.
This results in extra work for the section and impacts on the further processing of applications. It also results in delays for applicants getting their application registered. Please note that a place in the queue is only given when a valid application is registered.
The main reasons for the return of invalid applications are:
- certified copies for documents are not provided with application (39%)
- Statutory Declaration was completed incorrectly (25%)
- Affidavits are required (15%)
- Further supporting documentation is required (10%)
- Form is incomplete or Tippex/correction fluid was used on form (5%)
- Name discrepancies between form and certificates of birth, marriage etc (5%)
HOW TO ENSURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION GETS REGISTERED FIRST TIME AND IS NOT RETURNED TO YOU AS INVALID:
Provide certified copies of required documents
- A CERTIFIED COPY is a photocopy of the original document that is made by an approved person* and certified by them as being an exact and true copy of that original document. It is advisable when you are getting your Statutory Declaration on the application form witnessed, that you should bring your birth, marriage, divorce certificate documents (if applicable) with you to have certified copies made by the approved person witnessing the declaration.
Ensure that the Statutory Declaration is completed correctly
- Please ensure that all sections of the Statutory Declaration are completed. Please pay particular attention to the sections above the signature of the witness that relates to the place of signature (i.e. where you got the form signed), day and date of signature. Please note that the date of signature of the applicant and the date of signature of the witness must be the same date.
Affidavits are required
- In certain circumstances where there is a valid reason for not having a birth or marriage certificate, an affidavit MAY be accepted. If this applies to you, please download the required affidavit which is available on the INIS website at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Citizenship_Documents_InfoLeaflets
and have it completed. Please provide explanation for using affidavit.
- In certain circumstances where there is a valid reason for not having a birth or marriage certificate, an affidavit MAY be accepted. If this applies to you, please download the required affidavit which is available on the INIS website at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Citizenship_Documents_InfoLeaflets
- Please check that you have included all of the documentation that is required with your application. The application form provides details of all documentation required for your application. If you do not have all of the documentation to hand DO NOT SEND the application form in as it will be returned without registration. Please obtain all required documentation first as there is no advantage to sending in the form without it – it will be returned.
- DO NOT USE CORRECTION FLUID ON THE FORM IF YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE.
It is permissible to cross out a mistake once you initial it. Alternatively you should use a new form. - Ensure that all questions on the form are completed. If any sections/questions do not apply in relation to your application put "N/A" on the form.
- Ensure that the name on the application form is the same as the name on the birth certificate and/or any other certificates submitted. Should the name be different please submit any documentation relating to the circumstances of the name change i.e. certified copy of deed poll etc.
* persons approved for certifying documents are: Commissioner of Oaths, Notary Public, Peace Commissioner, Solicitor