Help please with citizenship application

[Kay27]

Hi all,

I'm an Australian citizen living in Ireland over 20 years on a Stamp 5. I've finally decided to apply for my citizenship.

I've found the whole application process quite stressful but have managed to get all the necessary paperwork together and now just have to have my passport/s verified by a solicitor and sign the declaration.

I have 2 passports, my current one since 2017 and my old one with all the stamps in it from prior to that.

I got colour copies of both but was told today that they need to be copied by a solicitor to prove they are legitimate. I spent 30euro copying them myself but if seems now that was a waste of money and time.

My questions if anyone can help:

Do I need to have them copied at a solicitors office and every page signed? I am reading there can be a 10e charge per signature. This is going to cost me a lot for two full passports.

I do not have a solicitor personally known to me so is this gojng to be a problem?

I have a local commissioner of Oaths who can sign the declaration but I don't know her personally. Will this be a problem?

I considered paying a solicitor to handle the entire process for me but can't seem to find any solicitors locally that specialise in immigration. There is quite a few in Dublin, but none where I live.

If anyone can shed any light on any of these questions I'd really appreciate it.

Thank ypu in advance.

[vdc2000]

Hi,

I was referred to a solicitor here in Cork, and he handled all the passport copies - Copying and signing every page - as well signing my birth cert copy, passport photos and signing the form. He was really nice and charged me a capped fee for everything. Otherwise 10e per signature will cost me a kidney.

I don't know if that's a common practice for every solicitor

About the copies:
Yes, every single passport copy page needs to be signed by the solicitor.
I basically printed everything but not my passport and he done all the passport copies in his office.

I was told that some solicitors prefer to do that away.

Bring the copies with you just in case, they might just check to make sure matches with the original one.

[meself2]

Copies should be fine (doesn't matter who does them), but bring originals, so they can make sure they're a true copy of the original.

Do I need to have them copied at a solicitors office and every page signed?

Not anymore; ISD recently said only biometric page is needed to be signed.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/further ... alisation/

With effect from the 20th April, 2023 all new applicants for a certificate of naturalisation are only required to provide a certified colour copy of the biometric page of their current passport. The colour copy of the biometric page can be certified by a Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner or Notary Public.

I have a local commissioner of Oaths who can sign the declaration but I don't know her personally. Will this be a problem?

That's fine, there's a box to tick which says you're being identified by producing an ID.

[Kay27]

Hi,

I was referred to a solicitor here in Cork, and he handled all the passport copies - Copying and signing every page - as well signing my birth cert copy, passport photos and signing the form. He was really nice and charged me a capped fee for everything. Otherwise 10e per signature will cost me a kidney.

I don't know if that's a common practice for every solicitor

About the copies:
Yes, every single passport copy page needs to be signed by the solicitor.
I basically printed everything but not my passport and he done all the passport copies in his office.

I was told that some solicitors prefer to do that away.

Bring the copies with you just in case, they might just check to make sure matches with the original one.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have spent hours scouring the internet for information, ringing support lines and no one answers. I was on the verge of just giving up as 10e per page for two passports was going to be extortionate. Would you mind messaging me the name of the person you dealt with in Cork and the amount you paid? I can get there easily enough by bus. I'm in the South East and can't find anyone that specialises in citizenship applications specifically where I am. I obviously need a solicitor that is up to date on all the legalities so I have a complete application.

I really can't believe the amount of stress this has all put on me. I thought the hardest part would be securing a copy of my birth cert from Australia and trying to prove who I am after not living there for decades, but I got that sorted and there has been so many bumps in the road since. I was literally at the end of my tether today so thank you so much for your reply.

[Kay27]

Copies should be fine (doesn't matter who does them), but bring originals, so they can make sure they're a true copy of the original.

Do I need to have them copied at a solicitors office and every page signed?

Not anymore; ISD recently said only biometric page is needed to be signed.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/further ... alisation/

With effect from the 20th April, 2023 all new applicants for a certificate of naturalisation are only required to provide a certified colour copy of the biometric page of their current passport. The colour copy of the biometric page can be certified by a Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner or Notary Public.

I have a local commissioner of Oaths who can sign the declaration but I don't know her personally. Will this be a problem?

That's fine, there's a box to tick which says you're being identified by producing an ID.

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply. I have the latest copy of the Form 8 and it is still stating all passport pages have to be copied so they really should update this. This stress Ive been under today has been palpable.

Do I still provide copies of all other pages, but they do not need to be signed off on?

Do I also provide the photo ID page of my old cancelled passport and get that one signed?

If I just need two colour copies of pages certified that is fine and I won't need to consult an immigration solicitor. I can get my commissioner of Oaths to witness the declaration and show the two passport size photos.

I'm almost afraid to believe I'm almost done.

[vdc2000]

Hi,

I was referred to a solicitor here in Cork, and he handled all the passport copies - Copying and signing every page - as well signing my birth cert copy, passport photos and signing the form. He was really nice and charged me a capped fee for everything. Otherwise 10e per signature will cost me a kidney.

I don't know if that's a common practice for every solicitor

About the copies:
Yes, every single passport copy page needs to be signed by the solicitor.
I basically printed everything but not my passport and he done all the passport copies in his office.

I was told that some solicitors prefer to do that away.

Bring the copies with you just in case, they might just check to make sure matches with the original one.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have spent hours scouring the internet for information, ringing support lines and no one answers. I was on the verge of just giving up as 10e per page for two passports was going to be extortionate. Would you mind messaging me the name of the person you dealt with in Cork and the amount you paid? I can get there easily enough by bus. I'm in the South East and can't find anyone that specialises in citizenship applications specifically where I am. I obviously need a solicitor that is up to date on all the legalities so I have a complete application.

I really can't believe the amount of stress this has all put on me. I thought the hardest part would be securing a copy of my birth cert from Australia and trying to prove who I am after not living there for decades, but I got that sorted and there has been so many bumps in the road since. I was literally at the end of my tether today so thank you so much for your reply.

Hi Kay27,

I am new to this forum and I don't know if I am able to to send a DM.
That's the solicitor that I mentioned before: https://joycecosolicitors.ie/immigration/ - Eoin Joyce

I don't know if I can discuss solicitor fees here in the forum or if is against the rules, but anyway.
He cap his fee after a few signatures, like a 1/3 of the total of signatures done.
So don't worry about that. Just double check before doing it, because every case is different and demands different numbers of signatures.

I am not in possession of my previous passport, so I sent my current one only.

I think he also deals with Citizenship process in general, not only signing the documents.
You could double check just in case. He might charge you more, but you will have peace of mind.

As meself2 said, there is some updates about the passport copies.
Also, a new April 23 form is available
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-cont ... Apr-23.pdf

Now they are only asking:
2. A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your current in date passport .The colour copy must be certified by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner or notary public.

That will definitely save you some money with signatures.

Good luck!

[meself2]

Copies should be fine (doesn't matter who does them), but bring originals, so they can make sure they're a true copy of the original.

Do I need to have them copied at a solicitors office and every page signed?

Not anymore; ISD recently said only biometric page is needed to be signed.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/further ... alisation/

With effect from the 20th April, 2023 all new applicants for a certificate of naturalisation are only required to provide a certified colour copy of the biometric page of their current passport. The colour copy of the biometric page can be certified by a Solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner or Notary Public.

I have a local commissioner of Oaths who can sign the declaration but I don't know her personally. Will this be a problem?

That's fine, there's a box to tick which says you're being identified by producing an ID.

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply. I have the latest copy of the Form 8 and it is still stating all passport pages have to be copied so they really should update this. This stress Ive been under today has been palpable.

Do I still provide copies of all other pages, but they do not need to be signed off on?

Do I also provide the photo ID page of my old cancelled passport and get that one signed?

If I just need two colour copies of pages certified that is fine and I won't need to consult an immigration solicitor. I can get my commissioner of Oaths to witness the declaration and show the two passport size photos.

I'm almost afraid to believe I'm almost done.

For the copies, you, technically, shouldn't need to provide them at all (just biometrics), but I would suggest to enclose them anyway; they probably rely on digital system of tracking your absences now but as you've been here for a long time, they might not have all the records.

Do I also provide the photo ID page of my old cancelled passport and get that one signed?

No need, especially assuming your 5 years are covered by your current passport.

I can get my commissioner of Oaths to witness the declaration and show the two passport size photos.

That should suffice.

[Kay27]

Thank you both so much. I feel I am almost done now.

Last two questions if anyone can help:

The tax clearance certificate: I did not receive a certificate but instead got a tax clearance certificate application result that states my name, PPS number and an access number. Is this printout what I provide with my application?

Finally, the residency calculator printout states I have the amount of residency to apply but doesn't appear to have my name on it. It just has my last two stamps that I entered and says I meet the requirements. Is this what they are after?

If anyone can help with these questions it would be a huge help.

[meself2]

The tax clearance certificate: I did not receive a certificate but instead got a tax clearance certificate application result that states my name, PPS number and an access number. Is this printout what I provide with my application?

That should be it, yes. It states at the top that "We confirm that your tax affairs are in order" (at least on mine) and they can check it themselves with a number afaik.

Finally, the residency calculator printout states I have the amount of residency to apply but doesn't appear to have my name on it. It just has my last two stamps that I entered and says I meet the requirements. Is this what they are after?

How exactly did you print it? I went to https://www.irishimmigration.ie/natural ... alculator/ , it has a line for my name at the top that you should fill, which is present when you try to print it. Did you fill it out?

[Kay27]

Myself2, thanks again. Yes, my tax clearance cert sounds correct then. I'll just send them what I have as it is the same as you describe.

I just checked the residency one and you are correct. My name is printed there, its just very small and I had initially missed it.

Regarding my means of support, I have two jobs. One is my main source of income that I am PAYE and the other is a small private practice. I ticked the box for employed, I'm not sure if I should have ticked other and listed both sources. What do you think?

My plan is to now go to my Commissioner for Oaths and get them to sign off on the two passport biometric pages, my GNIB card and birth cert and two passport photos. I think this is the final step.

I've made more progress in the last 24 hours than in weeks thanks to the responses here. I'm so pleased I'm almost there now, thanks to the help here.

[meself2]

Regarding my means of support, I have two jobs. One is my main source of income that I am PAYE and the other is a small private practice. I ticked the box for employed, I'm not sure if I should have ticked other and listed both sources. What do you think?

It shouldn't infuence anything, but you can tick both and list both sources, explaining the situation in a cover letter, so there's no ambiguity, especially since it'll probably be seen in your bank statements.

My plan is to now go to my Commissioner for Oaths and get them to sign off on the two passport biometric pages, my GNIB card and birth cert and two passport photos. I think this is the final step.

Should be it. You'd also have to stop by the bank for the 175 euro Banker's Draft, if you haven't already.

my GNIB card

You don't have to have them sign your GNIB card - just a copy (not a certified cope) is enough. You can, of course, but if they'd be charging you per copy, you can skip it.

[Kay27]

Regarding my means of support, I have two jobs. One is my main source of income that I am PAYE and the other is a small private practice. I ticked the box for employed, I'm not sure if I should have ticked other and listed both sources. What do you think?

It shouldn't infuence anything, but you can tick both and list both sources, explaining the situation in a cover letter, so there's no ambiguity, especially since it'll probably be seen in your bank statements.

My plan is to now go to my Commissioner for Oaths and get them to sign off on the two passport biometric pages, my GNIB card and birth cert and two passport photos. I think this is the final step.

Should be it. You'd also have to stop by the bank for the 175 euro Banker's Draft, if you haven't already.

my GNIB card

You don't have to have them sign your GNIB card - just a copy (not a certified cope) is enough. You can, of course, but if they'd be charging you per copy, you can skip it.

OK, great! I am not including bank statements to make up my points as I have my annual mortgage statements, employment detail summary and TV licence (for the past 4 years) as proof of residency.

I will mention in the cover letter about my private practice, good idea.

I have the bankers draft already so it's just the certified copies I need sorted now of my passport and birth certificate. I thought I needed the GNIB card certified and made a copy when I copied my entire passport so I have that.

I am hoping now I have everything. I really just want to send it all off at this point. I'm going to send colour copies of both my passports as I've already got them done, so no harm.

I think there is a checklist at the end of the application form so will make sure I have everything they are looking for. I really didn't expect it to be as difficult as it has been, but the end is in sight now!

[meself2]

My plan is to now go to my Commissioner for Oaths and get them to sign off on the two passport biometric pages, my GNIB card and birth cert and two passport photos. I think this is the final step.

Just to be sure you don't do an extra trip, do you also plan to make them sign the Stautory Declaration in Form 8 (page 34)? That's a crucial step as well.

[Kay27]

My plan is to now go to my Commissioner for Oaths and get them to sign off on the two passport biometric pages, my GNIB card and birth cert and two passport photos. I think this is the final step.

Just to be sure you don't do an extra trip, do you also plan to make them sign the Stautory Declaration in Form 8 (page 34)? That's a crucial step as well.

Yes! Absolutely, thanks for the reminder. I'll be definitely taking that with me and getting it signed.

I am thinking of sending the originals of my mortgage statements and my tv licences I have copies of the mortgage statements to keep for myself should I ever need them. I don't imagine I will though. The TV licences was a stroke of luck as I'd just thrown them in a drawer over the years for safe keeping.

I'm sending my property tax proof of payment too. That takes me to 155 points for each ofvthe 4 years.

I was put off sending bank statements as that would have been so much paperwork to manage.

I think it says not to staple anything. Did anyone separate all the information into sections? I think I'll do that to make it easier to see what I have by just putting a folded piece of paper around the different sets of information.

I wouldn't have considered a cover letter until you mentioned it so will definitely do that.

The passport is 150 points for identity. I'm assuming I need to provide colour copies of all that for both passports as I have stamps marked on my first one from when I arrived in 2000. I just need biometric pages signed but still send it all in (colour copies) is that correct?

Thanks again!

[meself2]

I am thinking of sending the originals of my mortgage statements and my tv licences I have copies of the mortgage statements to keep for myself should I ever need them. I don't imagine I will though.

Up to you, but you're not getting those back. I would be safe and keep the originals, just because things could happen and application might even get lost in the post, for example, but that's just my point of view to be completely safe.

Did anyone separate all the information into sections?

Here post2089975.html#p2089975 someone really put a lot of effort in making sure their application is extremely easy to read; unfortunately, we can never know whether that helped or not.

The passport is 150 points for identity. I'm assuming I need to provide colour copies of all that for both passports as I have stamps marked on my first one from when I arrived in 2000.

You can apply for citizenship on the basis of your last 9 years, where you need to get 5 years of residence out of those 9. If your current passport covers last 5 years (or more), it alone should be enough - they only require "current in-date passport" on Form 8.
Side note: for 5.2 it states you have to provide "your Passport Number at the time of arrival in Ireland.", so hopefully that's what you put there.

I just need biometric pages signed but still send it all in (colour copies) is that correct?

You can send only biometric pages (signed, for proof of residence). If you wish to be safe, you can throw in copies of pages with permissions if it was stamped in your passport, just so they have record of your lawful residence wrt permissions - imo better to send a bit too much then to get asked for more data.

[Kay27]

I am thinking of sending the originals of my mortgage statements and my tv licences I have copies of the mortgage statements to keep for myself should I ever need them. I don't imagine I will though.

Up to you, but you're not getting those back. I would be safe and keep the originals, just because things could happen and application might even get lost in the post, for example, but that's just my point of view to be completely safe.

Did anyone separate all the information into sections?

Here post2089975.html#p2089975 someone really put a lot of effort in making sure their application is extremely easy to read; unfortunately, we can never know whether that helped or not.

The passport is 150 points for identity. I'm assuming I need to provide colour copies of all that for both passports as I have stamps marked on my first one from when I arrived in 2000.

You can apply for citizenship on the basis of your last 9 years, where you need to get 5 years of residence out of those 9. If your current passport covers last 5 years (or more), it alone should be enough - they only require "current in-date passport" on Form 8.
Side note: for 5.2 it states you have to provide "your Passport Number at the time of arrival in Ireland.", so hopefully that's what you put there.

I just need biometric pages signed but still send it all in (colour copies) is that correct?

You can send only biometric pages (signed, for proof of residence). If you wish to be safe, you can throw in copies of pages with permissions if it was stamped in your passport, just so they have record of your lawful residence wrt permissions - imo better to send a bit too much then to get asked for more data.

Thanks again for such a great reply. You raise a very good point about sending the originals and yes, it would be best to send copies as things could get lost!

In relation to the 5 years of residence, you mean through my last stamp, which has been I think my stamp 5 as that covers 2017 up to 2027.

The form is asking for 4 years of proof of residence with documentation and I have all that now.

My arrival was a bit odd in that I arrived without a passport as I had sent it to Ireland to be approved for a visa and it took longer than it should of. I was able to get through without it as this was before 9/11 and no one asked for it. I was able to collect it the following morning in Ireland as they thankfully still had it!

As they are not asking for my previous passport I don't foresee a problem with that and will put down the date I arrived in 2000. At least I hope it won't be a problem.

[meself2]

In relation to the 5 years of residence, you mean through my last stamp, which has been I think my stamp 5 as that covers 2017 up to 2027.

That should do it, yes.

As they are not asking for my previous passport I don't foresee a problem with that and will put down the date I arrived in 2000. At least I hope it won't be a problem.

I highly doubt they'll be diving that deep. Put your arrival date and passport number as it is, 2000 and whatever you had back then.

[Kay27]

Thanks for the reassurance. I really don't see a problem as I've been here so long. Just waiting on an appointment with the solicitor and will then send everything off.

Very thankful to those of you that took the time to reply and help me. It's been much appreciated.