How to Obtain an Irish Passport If You Were Born in the US with Irish Parents

Is obtaining an Irish passport a possibility if you were born in the United States to Irish parents? The process can be a bit complex, but it is achievable under specific conditions. In this article, we will break down the requirements and steps involved in obtaining Irish citizenship and a passport, should you qualify.

Understanding Irish Citizenship and Passport Requirements

According to Irish law, anyone can apply for Irish citizenship if they can prove that one of their grandparents was born on the Island of Ireland. This requirement applies to individuals born in the United States to Irish parents.

Joint Application Pathway

The process usually involves several steps:

Prove Irish Citizenship: You must first establish that you qualify for Irish citizenship based on the lineage of your grandparents born in Ireland. DNA ethnicity alone is not sufficient to prove this relationship. Apply for Irish Citizenship: Once you have the necessary proof, you can apply for Irish citizenship. This step will confirm your status as a dual citizen of Ireland and the United States. Apply for an Irish Passport: After becoming a citizen, you can then apply for an Irish passport. However, it's important to note that, currently, dual citizens are not allowed to use the Irish passport to enter the United States without a visitor's visa issued at the US consulate in Dublin. Considerations for European Travel: If you intend to work or travel in Europe, obtaining an Irish passport may offer some benefits, as it allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area.

Qualification and the Nationality and Citizenship Act

According to the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956:

Every person is an Irish citizen if his father or mother was an Irish citizen at the time of that person’s birth, or if that person would have been an Irish citizen if alive at the passing of this Act and would have been so if he or either of his parents was an Irish citizen at the time of that person’s birth.

This act allows individuals with a parent or grandparent born in any part of the Irish island, including Northern Ireland, to qualify for Irish citizenship.

Contacting Experts for Guidance

Several sources can provide valuable guidance in this process:

Immigration Attorney: Consulting with a qualified immigration attorney in the United States can help navigate the complexities of Irish citizenship and passport applications. Irish Government: Directly contacting the Irish government for current requirements and processes is also recommended. While it used to be easier to apply in the US, the Irish government has centralized the application process in Dublin.

Conclusion

The journey to obtaining an Irish passport from the US can be challenging, but with the right documentation and guidance, it is definitely possible. Whether you are looking to explore Irish heritage, travel, or work in Europe, the Irish passport can be a valuable asset. Good luck with your application process!