I am pleased to inform the Deputy that since the beginning of 2022 new applicants for citizenship no longer have to submit their original passport with their application. Instead, they can provide a full colour certified copy of their entire passport, including the front and back covers.
The median processing time for Citizenship applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is appreciated that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
Details on the qualifying criteria and application forms are available on the Immigration Services website at www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/
