If you are one of those fortunate persons whose spouses are Irish, and unfortunately have not yet claimed Irish citizenship, take heed. Your chances may be slipping away.

According to a notice issued through all Irish embassies and consulates, the procedures by which a non-national may claim Irish citizenship through marriage to an Irish citizen will change as from 30 November 2005.

Up to and including 29 November, 2005, the last day when the existing Post-Nuptial Citizenship arrangements will apply, a non-national will be able to claim Irish citizenship if she/he:

before 30 November 2002, married a person who was an Irish citizen before 30 November 2002,

and

makes a post-nuptial declaration at least three years after the date of the marriage, but before 30 November 2005, and lodges it at an Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Those intending to apply for citizenship through PNC must have made their declarations by 29 November 2005 at the latest and lodged them at an Irish embassy or consulate, together with the required affidavit completed by the Irish spouse, signed and witnessed on the same day as the declaration. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications, including all of the required documents and certificates, as soon as possible, and as far in advance of the 29 November 2005 deadline as possible. If any documentation is still outstanding on 30 November 2005, it may not be possible for the non-national spouse to claim Irish citizenship through the existing arrangements.

As from 30 November 2005, it will no longer be possible to become an Irish citizen by making a post-nuptial declaration. Instead, it will be necessary to apply to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a certificate of naturalisation based on marriage to an Irish citizen. The certificate may be granted subject to certain conditions, including a period of residence in Ireland.

You should contact your local Irish embassy or consulate for advice and assistance regarding these changes, which are in accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2001.

--30--