Because of the growing number of applicants, Italian Consulates are overwhelmed. Timelines are getting longer; currently appointments at some Consulates are booked 2+ years out. However, we are seen more and more Consulate making appointments available a few months out, for applicants who are ready to present their document portfolio. Make sure you are registered with the online booking system called Prenot@Mi of the Italian Consulate that has jurisdiction over the State where you permanently reside so you can start looking for an appointment. Read our instructions on how to book an appointment with the Italian Consulate.
Remember: getting your document portfolio ready in case you can secure an appointment either from another person’s cancellation or by finding a closer date in the next year or so can be helpful. Note: once a vital record has been legalized with an Apostille, it does not have an expiration date.
If you don't want to wait years for your Italian Citizenship recognition letter to reach your inbox, there is a way to petition the Italian Courts on the basis that the Consulates’ unreasonable delays and failing to provide an appointment can be viewed as a “denial of justice”. This process consists of filing a court action in Italy against the delay and request adjudication by the court if you have evidence that it is impossible to obtain an appointment within a reasonable timeframe at the Italian Consulate where you live, (this option does not require taking formal residency in Italy).