The Department of Justice have introduced a number of new requirements for Irish Citizenship applications from January 2022.
- Firstly, applicants will not be required to submit their original passport with the initial application. They can provide a certified full colour copy of their entire passport and all previous passports in lieu of original passports.
- Secondly, a scorecard approach is now introduced for Citizenship applicants. Applicants will be required to reach a score of 150 points in each of the years proof of residency is required. This is done by submitting proofs with a predetermined point value until they reach the required score of 150 points for each year of residency claimed. An applicant must also accumulate a total of 150 points for establishing identity in order to meet the appropriate standard. Where an applicant is not able to achieve 150 points, explanatory correspondence with the Department will need to be entered into.
The Scoreboard approach is seeking to ensure that applicants have clarity on what exactly is required. Failure to provide sufficient proofs of residence with the application will result in the application being considered ineligible.
Please contact our office for full advice and assistance on your application for Citizenship.
Nikaela Rusk
Immigration Solicitor
Connolly Finan Fleming