Use our guide below to find the documents you need to confirm your eligibility for Italian citizenship.
Gather Your Ancestor’s U.S. Residence History
Make a list of all places your ancestors lived after arriving in the U.S. (e.g. New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, also include different counties if applicable).
Google how to request digital copies of immigration or naturalization records from the location(s) they lived in the U.S. and the approximate years they would have naturalized (e.g. 1910–1946).
For more recent cases where you're obtaining citizenship through an Italian parent you may need to make a request to USCIS for their immigration records.
Use the online resources you found on Google for the specific areas that they lived in (usually National Archives, or local county records) to request digital copies of immigration or naturalization documents from the relevant time period (e.g., 1910–1946).
Include all the variants of their name and birthday you are aware of for a thorough search.
Simultaneously, check genealogy websites like Ancestry to see if your ancestor was listed as an “alien” or “U.S. citizen” in any census data. Note: Census data isn’t 100% accurate, but it can give you clues as to whether they naturalized.
Once you receive the naturalization records, you’ll typically see one of the following scenarios:
Naturalized Before Their Child Turned 21
If both ancestors became a U.S. citizen before their child (whom you descend from) turned 21, you are not eligible unless the woman who you are a descendent of naturalized through marriage (see below).
No Record of Naturalization or They Never Naturalized
If there’s no record or they never naturalized, there’s a good chance you qualify for Italian citizenship.
Naturalized After Their Child Turned 21
If they naturalized after their child (whom you descend from) was 21, you are eligible.
Female Ancestor Naturalized Through Marriage Prior to 1948
If a female ancestor lost her Italian citizenship through marriage prior to 1948, you are eligible but must pursue an Italian court case (often called a “1948 Case”).
An Ancestor who Naturalized In or after 1992
After 1992, Italy allowed dual citizenship. Therefore, an ancestor who naturalized at that time often retained the ability to pass on Italian citizenship..
| Situation | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| An Italian-born ancestor who never naturalized. | Likely Yes | Most straightforward case; ancestor retained Italian citizenship, passing it down. |
| An Italian-born ancestor who naturalized after their child turned 21. | Likely Yes | Ancestor was still Italian when their child was born (and until that child was at least 21), preserving eligibility. |
| An Italian-born ancestor who naturalized before their child turned 21. | Generally No | Italian citizenship is usually lost if the ancestor naturalized too early, barring certain exceptions like 1948 cases (see below). |
| A female ancestor who married a foreign man before 1948 and lost her citizenship as a result. | Possibly Yes, but Requires Court | Known as a “1948 Case.” Applicants often must file in Italian court rather than go through the consulate. |
| An Italian-born ancestor who reacquired Italian citizenship after previously naturalizing abroad. | Varies | If reacquired before the birth of the descendant or under certain conditions, eligibility may be preserved; otherwise, it can be complex. |
| A Female ancestor who naturalized through marriage to man who became an American before 1948 (e.g., a female ancestor automatically acquired another citizenship by marrying a foreign citizen). | Possibly Yes, but Requires Court | If this occurred before 1948, a court case may be needed; if after laws changed, they may still retain eligibility. |
| An ancestor who naturalized in 1992 or later. | Likely Yes | After 1992, Italy allowed dual citizenship. Therefore, an ancestor who naturalized at that time often retained the ability to pass on Italian citizenship. |
If interested you can learn how to apply through parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents here and what documents are required (in detail) here
At this point, you can reach out to us for assistance with your case. We only move forward with clients who are legally eligible, ensuring a positive experience and allowing us to focus our resources entirely on helping people successfully obtain their Italian citizenship.
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