Not surprisingly, thousands of Americans marry people of other nationalities and immigrate to their countries every year. Although you can move to your spouse’s country, the key to living a good life is obtaining citizenship status. But every country has a process to claim citizenship by marriage, and it can be daunting for a person who wants to join their new family. Italy is a country where you can breeze through the process if you know it well. If you marry an Italian, consider it a ticket to citizenship. Applicants can visit Bersani Law Firm for understanding more about the entire process. Let us explain all you need to know about claiming Italian citizenship through marriage.

Timing is crucial for applicants
You must know that you cannot apply for citizenship by marriage right after marrying your spouse. Timing is crucial because you have to complete two years after marriage to be eligible, if residing in Italy. The period extends to three years for couples living in another country. The time period is halved if you have biological or adopted children with your partner. The wait time reduces to one year for couples in Italy and 18 months for those residing elsewhere. The good thing is that even same-sex couples in a civil union qualify for claiming citizenship through marriage. So it does not matter whether you are into a same-sex relationship or a regular one. Just make sure you adhere to the timelines.
Language proficiency is a must
Another factor you must understand while claiming Italian citizenship through marriage is that proficiency in the Italian language is a must. Any applicant applying for the process must validate adequate knowledge of the Italian language by obtaining a B1 level certification. You have to get it from an educational institution approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) or the Ministry of Education (MIUR). A B1 level certification indicates an intermediate-level proficiency. While it is an eligibility essential, mastery over the language will make life easier once you start a new life in the country.
Documents take you a step ahead
While getting ahead of the timelines and clearing language tests is crucial, you cannot overlook the value of documentation. Couples marrying in Italy have a relatively easier time because their marriage is registered in Italy. You will need your marriage registration records to get started. The other documents in the checklist include-● If you live abroad, your spouse should be registered with l’AIRE at your local Italian Consulate.
● The applicant needs to provide their birth certificate in the translated and apostilled form to make it valid for the Italian process.
● A certificate showing a clean police record from your country is the next on the list. Since it is a foreign document like your birth certificate, you must get it translated, certified, and apostilled.
● A copy of the applicant’s passport and the spouse’s passport are also required.
Besides these documents, you must fill out an application form and submit it along with the application fee. Preserve the receipt as you have to append it to the dossier.
Expert assistance to ease your journey
Although the citizenship by marriage process sounds simple, eligibility and documentation can be overwhelming. You have to appear for an interview with the authorities and carry relevant documentation to validate your claim. After the interview, you will have to wait for a response for a few months. The wait can be daunting for someone who wants to start a new life with their spouse and family in Italy. But you can do your best by ensuring complete and correct documentation. Getting expert assistance can help ease your journey as these professionals can guide you through the entire process. They can even ensure no delays and hassles in the process by keeping track of your paperwork and guiding you about the timelines and documentation. You can expect your second passport sooner than later. There couldn’t be an easy way to join your spouse and new family in Italy.
Italian citizenship by marriage sounds like a long process, but a good understanding of the immigration laws and the process can make a difference. Once you cross the waiting period, you must seek expert guidance and start with the application process right away. Remember to complete your language certification because you need it to clear the eligibility status. Marrying an Italian opens the opportunity to own one of the most powerful passports, and you shouldn’t miss out on it.
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The article has been contributed by Erika Cruz, she is working with Outreachmonks.com from past 3 years as Outreach Manager. Due to her creativity in the field she has been an asset to the company.