If you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent, you must be able to prove that your Italian-born ancestor had not become a US citizen (i.e. naturalized) before the birth of the immediate descendant. For example, if you are applying through your father, you must show that he had not yet naturalized at the time of your birth, or if applying through a paternal grandfather, you must show that he had not naturalized before the birth of your father.

Please note the following Italian Citizenship Laws:

If your ancestor became a US citizen before June 30, 1912 you are not eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent

If your Italian ancestor was born in the following localities, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, or Trentino Alto-Adige, in order to apply for the Italian citizenship you must prove that he or she left Italy after July 16th, 1920.

A woman of Italian descent born before January 1, 1948 (the date on which Italy became a Republic) can only transmit Italian Citizenship to her children born after January 1, 1948.

If your Italian ancestor never naturalized in the US, you will need require a “Certificate of Nonexistence of Records” from the Record’s Chief of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most Consulates also require a subsequent search and letter of no-records from the National Archives and Records Administration and the County Archives. Additional documentation may also be required such as an Alien File, or a copy of the relevant census report showing the non-naturalized status of your Italian ancestor.

Our researchers are highly skilled in obtaining the documents that you need, and we have developed collaborative working relationships with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and both the USCIS Genealogy Services and USCIS Records Division.

Naturalization Records of Italian Ancestors

Our service includes:

  • Naturalization record procurement or Certificate of Nonexistence of Record
  • Alien File (if one exists)
  • US Census Search (1900-1940) and certified census report if located and relevant to your case
  • Government filing and record reproduction fees
  • Complimentary phone consultation upon conclusion of the research to discuss your next steps for Italian citizenship by descent
  • Shipping and Handling

Timeline: Approximately 30 days to 6 months. Additional time may be needed depending on the complexity of the research and processing time at the US government sources.

How to order: This service is available to those who engage in an initial phone consultation so that we can conduct a preliminary online search to help verify the naturalization status of the Italian ancestor and to ensure that the records needed for your consulate location are obtained.  Your phone consultation can be booked and paid for at our website here:  Schedule Consultation

* See our Refund / Cancellation Policy for more information.