June 2017 at my comune, San Salvo, receiving my transcribed Italian birth certificate. A very a happy moment.

Back in March of this year, I was finally recognized as an Italian citizen through Jure Sanguinis (by law of the bloodline). I say finally as it takes a LOT of document researching and time, as well as the fact I am an Italian citizen by blood, but just needed to prove it. With that behind me and passport in hand, John was ready to apply for his citizenship by being married to me; Jure Matrimoni.

Why, do you ask, does John need to become a citizen if I am already one? I think top of John’s list of reasons, and you can ask him someday, would be that he’d like to feel an integrated part of his new life in Italy. Being recognized gives you a feeling of belonging, part of the Italian community and a pride in the heritage and culture of the land. Other reasons, to name just a few, have to do with ease of purchases, such as a house and car.

Some interesting details for those applying for JM:

Collecting John’s paperwork was nothing compared to the year or so collecting mine. Four background checks, including a FBI one, birth certificate, our marriage certificate from Italy, and a few other documents and he was set. Well, there are apostilles and translations to get, but you can get all the details from your consulate’s site.

The Italian government requires JM applicants to apply online first. Of course, the whole process is in Italian, but you can find some English help documents online to assist you. At the end of the online app, you need to upload your documents and proof of your payment for application. Note that there are size restrictions on the uploads and adjust accordingly.

After you submit your online application, you will be notified by your consulate for any corrections, etc. They will give you a case number as well. How does your consulate know you just completed the online application to Rome? You fill in a form field that states which consulate you are using. 😉 John had a few changes to make, the biggest being he had to get a more recent FBI background check. The problem with collecting his documents a bit too soon; actually a few months before I got recognized, was that they would expire in 6 months. So if you are planning to apply for JM, wait until your spouse has been recognized. He used an approved FBI Channeling Agency to receive this second request in 3  business days. I linked to the one we used, but there are many out there from which to chose.  He didn’t have to upload it, but bring it on his appointment day.

John’s appointment was just a month out from when we were contacted by the consulate. Off we went to Philadelphia. Unlike my citizenship appointment, where the clerk had me go through every document in her office for about an hour, John only had to stand at a window for about 20 minutes. I did forget one small payment for authenticating his new FBI check,  and only money orders or cash are accepted. (Check on your consulate site for fees to authenticate each of your documents with your consulate.) Not having the exact amount, I had to run down to the nearest street vendor, buy a bottle of water to get change. Also, as the citizen representing my husband, I had to fill out a form saying we were not separated or divorced. This, obviously, was in Italian. The clerk was pretty strict about me understanding Italian and what was being presented on this form. I think I got about a B- in her eyes, but made it through OK.

A happy John at Philly

All of John’s paperwork was accepted and now he waits from 1-1/2 to 2 years to hear from Rome. Once he is recognized, he will have to pledge his allegiance in a formal ceremony at the comune.

In the meantime, when we get to Abruzzo in October, he will need to apply for his Permesso di Soggiorno, which will cover him until he gets recognized. I will post down the road when he starts that process. I heard it’s a bit complex. Thank God for Google and self-help videos on All subjects!