Has anyone used a company called “Italian Citizenship Assistance” (ICA) or “ITAMCAP” to help with getting their citizenship in Italy?
Posted by donnawarren123@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 108 comments
I have the potential for Italian citizenship through decent - my great grandparents were born in Italy. I have a cousin who finally got his by doing the paperwork himself but it took 12 years!!! I was wondering if anyone used one of the above companies for help - what kind of timeframe could I expect and general cost. I would like to start the process but am concerned with fraud. Any info would be appreciated! Thank you 🙏
Current_Cod1593@reddit
f you’re worried about fraud or just general incompetence, avoid Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program (ITAMCAP) like the plague. I hired them for a basic jure matrimonii case—which is way simpler than descent—and it’s been a mess from day one. Documents sitting in Milan for months, emails completely ignored, and when they do respond, it’s like they didn’t even read what I wrote. Chelzea might as well not exist, and Giorgio Nusiner puts his name on the company but clearly isn’t managing anything.
They charge premium prices and deliver bottom-of-the-barrel service. I’ve lost months and am now cleaning up their mess. If your cousin took 12 years doing it himself, at least he didn’t pay someone to waste his time.
Seriously—run. There are better, more responsive companies out there. Do your research and don’t get burned like I did.
CompetitionFluffy492@reddit
I used them. After being told my case was great (and it was), the comedy of screw ups began. My case manager overlooked numerous glaring issues in the submission of my application, thus necessitating amendments and additional requests.
After five years of screw ups, the law in Italy changes to the detriment of my application. We missed the deadline by 1.5 months on errors that should have been rectified nearly 3 years prior.
After their own mistakes cause the rejection of my application, they suggest I be their guinea pig on testing a suit with the courts, which they haven’t succeeded on once since the change in the law. And then tell me I will need to pay them $7,500.
Foremost, they did not do what I paid them to do, which was review the application to ensure perfection before submission. After paying nearly $20,000 for failure, they ask for more so they can try a new angle.
Secondly, they have the audacity to charge me so they can try to fix their own problems.
There are better companies out there. Do some research. These guys are well marketed but you’ll never speak with the attorney again after you give them your money. You will get a case manager who sends you more out-of-office replies than actually does the job.
With that Asterix - they don’t actually work. The case managers seem to be on vacation half the year.
c_929@reddit
Have you had any success trying to get some of the money back? I am in the exact same position with them and at a loss.
desidezdez@reddit
I was considering going through the courts because the NY consulate appointments take forever, but if you're telling me that they haven't actually done that before, then I'll save my $$$ and avoid ITACAMP. Sorry for all the frustration they've caused you.
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
I am using "ITAMCAP" at the moment its been 2 years . I did all the leg work as far as getting birth certificates and necessary paperwork . They got the apostilles . Originally they told me 10 months to 2 years in the August 2024 it will be 2 years . They said my case was straight forward and would be 10 months but like I said its going on 2 yrs . I think If I knew now what I know now back then I would have done it myself. but financially now I'm in to deep. Fingers crossed they do what they said they could do ,get my citizenship to Italy .
Both_Insurance5380@reddit
I just had a massive argument with them and they are returning my documents. I am rolling on to year 3 and they are still making up stories. Err with caution. I am not going to spend a ton more money on an actual lawyer. Should have been smarter on my end and done that in the first place.
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
Starting to feel the same way . ALL they give is excuses every month it a different excuse . They took over $6,000 from me and have done very little . This is suppose to be a joyful experience but it hasn't been .I know using a company in Miami would be a problem .
Possible_Place_7174@reddit
Same they charged me 13k and refunded me 6k after I complained enough. I tried getting help from the National Italian American Foundation as I found ITACAMP through them but instead they ignored me and threw it back i. iTCAMPS lap. The resolution they sent me all of my documents and I started over with a company called Portale Italy in NYC. Let’s see has this goes its been 4 years for me now thanks to ITACAmps constant lies and corruption
c_929@reddit
I am currently going through the same thing with them, how were you able to get them to refund you half the money? They even lost one of my documents and are refusing to refund anything. I’m extremely frustrated
Alternative_Wealth58@reddit
I'm also curious about Portale Italy. I have a service agreement ready to sign but got nervous because they have almost no digital presence besides their website.
Cultural_Ferret7830@reddit
u/Possible_Place_7174 are you having luck with Portale Italy in NYC? I did an initial phone consultation with them, but then I realized they are not lawyers and more like brokers. They didn't have any customer reviews so I was a little hesitant. Thanks!
desidezdez@reddit
Yea any updates on Portale Italy? I was ready to sign with them and then saw they had no reviews, a website with AI-looking photos, and a sketchy LinkedIn member. When I asked them directly if they could prove that they were a legitimate firm, they declined to and just told me to look for another firm if I really wanted (they wouldn't even tell me how long they have been around). Very fishy.
georgecolombo@reddit
I'm looking at them (Portale Italy) right now and would be very interested in hearing about anyone's experience with them.
OkClothes7692@reddit
d
Independent_Head169@reddit
I use TTAMCAP And I am now in the process of asking them to give me my money back. I spent over two years waiting. They told me in the very beginning I qualified and mine was easy. I had all the birthdates, everything. This last October 2024 I was now told the consulate has changed its rules. I do not qualify . Do not pay them. For me to continue on they told me going to the Italian judicial court would cost me an additional $4000.😡
c_929@reddit
Have you had any success getting your money back from them? I am in the same position
Ok_Switch4560@reddit
Am I getting scammed? About a year and a half ago, I signed a contract with ITAMCAP for a Juris Sanguinis claim. They've completed almost all of my paperwork, and I've been waiting this whole time for the NYC Italian consulate to put me on a waiting list. I just heard from ITAMCAP that a very recent ruling from the Italian Minstery of the Interior meant my case might fall through. After a few days of panicking (all that money and all my dreams down the drain), I heard from the ITAMCAP lawyer. She said I still had a good case for dual citizenship, but I could no longer do it through the consulate. Instead I would need a lawyer to bring it in front of a judge in my grandfather's home town back in Italy. The lawyer would cost over $4,000, but the good news is that the case could be completed in about a year and a half instead of the seeming infinite wait for a consulate appointment. I'm told as long as my paperwork is perfectly in order the odds are very good I will be granted dual citizenship.
My husband thinks this is a scam, trying to milk me for more money. Does anyone know if there really was a new ruling from the Italian government? Any insight would be welcome.
lilpumaa@reddit
I am in the exact same situation and they told me the same year and half timeline. I know the ruling is 100% true. Did you end up signing the contract to pay the extra $4000? (they told me it costs 4950). Did they offer you a refund if you did not want it? Please let me know.
Ok_Switch4560@reddit
Hi. I have been gathering details to go through my grandmother instead with a 1948 case. I was planning to sign the contract once I am certain I can get a CoNE for her, but not until then. (Frankly, I have no faith in the US government at the moment, and the CoNE has to come from USCIS. I ordered it in early January, and am still waiting.) Also, the even newer ruling that makes it impossible to use a LIBRA from an earlier generation than our grandparents might, from what I'm hearing, mean the minor issue rule goes away after all. But I'm not sure whether or not that means we still have to hire a lawyer to make our case in Italy. Until all of this is 100% clear, I'm not signing any contracts.
desidezdez@reddit
Most firms say they will get you an appointment, but it's nearly impossible, especially in NYC. I have been on the "waitlist" for over 2 years, but I don't think the consulate actually uses it. When spots open up, it's free range for whoever notices it and books it first (though the website crashes every day and the spots are gone by the time it is back up). I've heard that the consulate gives out 3 appointments a week. When I signed up 2 years ago, I was #5,000 on the list, which translates to about \~15 years. ITAMCAP surely left out the part that you'll have to wait that long before the timer actually starts.
As for the court ruling, that much is true. I'm looking for a reliable firm myself to go through the courts as well, but I'm not seeing many great reviews. The pricing seems correct as well.
Excellent-Whole4457@reddit
At this moment my sister and I are VERY unhappy with Dr. Giorgio and ITAMCAMP. We have been with them two years - and have paid them $7500. Initially they were very responsive... but sine they've been paid in full - they do not answer my emails. I met with an attorney in Palermo who within half an hour alerted us to errors with our paperwork that ITAMCAMP never mentioned to us. I have asked for a COPY of what they have to date for months - nada. I have asked for a refund - they have not been able to obtain our great grandm other's birth cerificate - and they offered $100. their contract is very iron clad BUYER BEWARE!!! I am still trying to get our folder (we were charged for two people but they are only providing ONE folder which means my sister and I have to either apply athte consulate in LA - we have not been able to obtain appts for over a year now - or it looks like i will need to move to Italy to finish the job hopefully and lay out an additional $5,000 to an attorney there.
type1NP@reddit
who is the attorney you met with in Palermo, do you recommend them?
Possible_Place_7174@reddit
I had the worst experience with them too. It’s worth contacting the attorney general of Florida it seems. We have enough of us in this thread alone
aftermidnightsolutio@reddit
The American embassy maintains a list of companies in Italy that can do record search's for you. You may want to try using then to do your record searches, and then doing all the application work yourself in the US in conjunction with your Italian Consulate. I think if you take this approach, you learn more, and save much.
Ok-Raspberry-293@reddit
How do we contact the American embassy? I am from South Florida and we also have an Italian Consulate and not sure how difficult it is to set up an appointment to discuss possibilities for the Italian citizenship request.
vandyinthesun@reddit
I'm also looking to engage with ICA. So far they've been professional but I'm at early stages of signing the contract.
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
did you go with ICA ?
vandyinthesun@reddit
Yes I did. They've been good so far. Super responsive any time I ask a question. I'm ready to submit now, but the minor issue came up, so now I'm not sure if it's worth it.
InquisitiveMind705@reddit
They just posted a video on YouTube that the minor issue was overruled. So hope might not be lost? I signed a contract with ICA back in November/December. I initially engaged with them in 2022 just to see if I qualified and what they could gather on my great grandparents. When I reached out to pursue citizenship in 2024 they brought up the minor issue before I signed. Though my Great grandfather never naturalized despite trying so it shouldn’t be an issue. Sometime around the end of dec/beginning of jan they sent over docs I needed to complete and send via mail (requesting birth and death certificates for my ancestors in the states). I was slow to send them back (life happens) and ICA received them a week and a half ago. Got an email earlier this week letting me know that they’ve received my docs and are working on it. So thus far I’ve had a good experience. However, I will say I’ve caught a few issues. 1) the death certificate for my dad was for PA - he died in SC (I had sent over the scan for their reference a few weeks prior). 2) my ancestry is through my mom, not my dad. They started asking about my dad’s marriage to my stepmother (he remarried after my mom passed away). I was confused as to why my father and stepmothers marriage was relevant as that shouldn’t have any role in my claim. They responded quickly confirming that no additional information on that marriage was needed. I think the person I’m working with is new as their manager is included on all our correspondence. More than anything it confirms I need to keep an eye on certain elements to double check their work. A google search informed me on of the states where my grandparents passed can take up to 12 weeks just to send a DC! So I assume I won’t have any useful updates for a few months.
Independent_Head169@reddit
I use the Italian citizenship company in Florida. It’s a long process, but it’s not something you can do by yourself unless you can speak fluent Italian and you have to understand law in Italy you have to be able to go through the court and to do all that yourself it’s almost impossible. The wait time is long, but several of my family members have gotten theirs and now with the way, the country is, there’s a lot of people leaving to go get dual citizenship in many countries.
Independent_Head169@reddit
ITACAMP
Sad_Comfortable7454@reddit
Hi - I have a couple questions.. are you using ITAMCAP or another 'Italian citizenship company' in Florida? Did your family that get Italian citizenship use the same company or a different way? The reason I ask is I've been working with them for almost 2 years on a 1948 case and I honestly can't tell if I've found someone who's successfully got citizenship using their services. It's either in progress or have parted ways.
Independent_Head169@reddit
Yes, I am using them. But now here’s the new hiccup. My father after he became an adult did not request dual citizenship since of course his parents migrated to the United States and did not keep their Italian citizenship. Therefore, I am not eligible. But they said I could go to the Court system in Italy, this ruling came from the consulate, but the court system and file with them, which is an additional $4000. I think this is bullshit and I am looking over my contract and I called my bank to charge back. It’s been two years for me already, but I knew that it could take years. I was told that my family that got dual citizenship said the same thing but they didn’t use this company. I hope that helps.
lilpumaa@reddit
which company did they use?
Independent_Head169@reddit
This is extremely hard to do yourself unless you’re an attorney and you understand Italian law. There is no way you can do this by yourself, trust me.
liblover64@reddit
Has anyone used a company called Portale Italy for dual citizenship?
Embarrassed-Owl-7410@reddit
Hi, How far did you get with this. I was quoted today for 6,930$ to get dual citizenship through ITAMCAP and they do the whole process for you at 495$ a month for 14 months and it takes 2.5 years to get. I can also go to the final court date in Italy.
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
They charged me $1000 then another $5000 over 10 months , but I had all the paperwork . Going on 2 years now still no movement in my case . It doesn't seem to be many positive comments .
Sad_Comfortable7454@reddit
How is your case going on?
mypc1@reddit
How many generations do they have to go back for that quote?
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
Not far just to my grand parents. I got all the paperwork except my grandfathers Birth Certificate . Thats all they have done in 2 years. Like a lot of people here after they get your money everything stops.
dakonblackblade1@reddit
I got the same quote from them, did you end up moving forward with Itamcap? Would love to get this process started for myself and family member through my GGM, but want to ensure this company is legit
Embarrassed-Owl-7410@reddit
I ended up not going through this company but read on the Dual-US Italian Citizenship Facebook group that they are legit and people did have success. I am gathering my documents on my own with help from the Facebook group which many have success doing it on their own.
Capable-Caregiver-76@reddit
Be careful of being lured into moving to Italy and getting citizenship. There are Italian criminal organizations offering one euro houses and Italian citizenship to people moving to Italy. They don't tell you that the rightful owners of the homes were murdered and the homes taken over by the murderers. They proceed to sell the houses illegally in hopes of identity theft on the new tenants along with all their victims assets, property abroad, theft of victims pensions like social security, stock portfolios. Never fall for this!
Parking-Space3435@reddit
I have been working with ICA for the past two years. They are legit. Don’t worry. I researched companies and directions for a year before I hired them. So far so good and I’m close to the finish line.
SFeChica@reddit
Glad to know. We are starting our journey--11 of us. Defrays the cost immensely. I started with ICA a couple years ago by myself and the cost was not justifiable then. But when we explored a group effort--the cost is do-able for sure. So far they have been very responsive and helpful.
Existing_Priority279@reddit
How has it been going with ICA for you? Still satisfied?
SFeChica@reddit
Yes, we are progressing. We are submitting our birth certificates, drivers licenses, passports, divorce papers , found our grandmothers marriage license and death certificate. Those are the things that they need from us. Not sure what the next step will be. Good luck.
Existing_Priority279@reddit
How did ICA end up working out for you? Did you ever complete the process?
Parking-Space3435@reddit
I am currently in the final stages of the process. Where are you in the process?
dogs0z@reddit
Update?
False_Television_610@reddit
Did you actually get to the finish line? I am 2 years in and still not complete!
Parking-Space3435@reddit
Sorry I didn’t write back before I was on the road at the time and couldn’t focus. I am nearly done and expect results end of the year. Been tedious. How’s your case
False_Television_610@reddit
Supposed to have been straightforward. They have had all my docs for 6 months and keep telling me they are translating the docs for 6 months now
Silver_Jeweler4390@reddit
I am starting to worry about them. My documents were recently translated and they are asking for a large sum to have them notarized. It's about 5x what I've been paying in the US. Does that sound right to you?
ResponsibleOven6@reddit
I know you only posted this 4 months ago but do you have any updates? Thinking about working with them.
GenealogyGeek@reddit
Personally I had an awful time with them. I ended up letting them go and hiring Ancestry and they were more costly but did better in terms of being responsive and actually being able to get the paperwork they said they could. Also my linage goes from Italy through Argentina and then I had already gathered all of the US necessary documents. Make sure you do your research before you hire anyone.
Hairy_System_2384@reddit
Was this with ITAMCAP or with IDC? The quote sounds like what IDC is telling us. (ITAMCAP had a quote that included out of pocket expenses.)
GenealogyGeek@reddit
Sorry just seeing this now - it was Italian Citizenship Assistance. ICA apparently works with Andres Rodenstein with Vital Records for Argentine paperwork. This is the same man who I had hired before the pandemic to help me pull some records, but after I paid him he did about half of the work (with no hard copies sent) and ghosted me. I told ICA I didn't want to work with Andres, since I had paid and he didn't deliver what he had promised via email communications. They literally have no one else, and the best they could do was have him give me a very small discount. He still didn't deliver exactly what was provided in the quote so I would be very careful with the "experts" you hire.
ResponsibleOven6@reddit
Can you elaborate what was awful about them? Also I didn't realize ancestry did this sort of thing, is that new?
GenealogyGeek@reddit
Hired them in early 2021, was quoted $4.8K to gather all the needed Italian documents (which was a single birth certificate) and handle the process of applying at the consulate. They state they can get you an appointment too but that’s actually illegal, you need to do it yourself and it’s hard. I paid half and got some paperwork but due to their lack of contacts, they told me I needed to hire an Argentine researcher to get the majority of the paperwork. The person they use is a guy who ghosted me after payment, so I refused to pay him again so they gave me a “discount.” Wanting to get things over with I agreed and he didn’t do what was set out in his quote. Things took forever and they couldn’t find all the documents needed. They said I could pay more to try and find a marriage certificate in Argentina but I wanted real experts so I turned to the research team and ancestry and I honestly wish I had started with them first. They are honest, quick, and more professional than ICA. Do they cost more, yes. But do they finish what they set out to do in a very timely manner, also yes.
Below in quotes is ICAs email quote and basically doesn’t provide much support and is overpriced based on the fact I was already handling all US documents outside of my dad’s naturalization paperwork. That is what they were good for though, they pretended to be my dad and get the necessary paperwork for that so I guess it wasn’t a total waste.
“Our total fee to assist you would be $4,800 payable in 2 installments (exclusive of the expenses related to the process and the cost of the Argentinean company).
Please note: Our service fee includes assistance from start to finish, throughout the whole process, except only for any out-of-pocket expenses. As far as other additional expenses are concerned, they related to the process that will allow us to finalize your citizenship portfolio.
The additional charges will consist of as any and all out-of-pocket expenses that are related to the completion of your “Citizenship Portfolio” and in the process of preparing your application for Italian Citizenship. These generally include certification and authorization costs, notary fees, agency fees (such as VitalChek), custom translations (form languages different from English), postage & shipping.
For maximum transparency, expense invoices will include itemized descriptions and scans of all available receipts. Expenses will be billed after they occur and expense invoices are payable upon receipt.
Our fee would then cover:
I highly suggest joining the dual Italian-US citizenship group on Facebook if your family line is easy to follow there are so many tips and tricks to help you DIY. If you actually need support and research due to not having the proper names and dates, reach out to ancestry.com because Kelly is awesome.
ResponsibleOven6@reddit
I'm in that group as well as another one but mine is a 1948 case and while I initially planned to DIY the process, here we are 2 years later with me having done very little work on this outside of the first few months.
I simply don't have the time to tackle this on my own and because of the 1948 aspect I'd really like a lawyer to handle it.
I've seen a few bad reviews of ICA but the overwhelming majority of people seem very happy with them. I'm still shopping around but I haven't found a more reputable lawyer-based firm to handle this.
GenealogyGeek@reddit
I would definitely reach out to ger a quote from them as well as the other providers listed in the group and go with what will work best for you. Maybe the employees they have working the 1948 cases are more organized and professional than other JS cases, just personally I cannot recommend them and my researcher has only heard the worst of them. But then again by the time you go to find another provider you probably were not getting the service you expected and paid for.
Good luck!
Scared-Opposite8882@reddit
Any follow up ? Did you finally get Citizenship through ICA ?
Scary-Disaster9687@reddit
Can I ask what the fee is?
RealAntDeC@reddit
So ITAMCAP is legit?
RealAntDeC@reddit
Hi so they are legit?
BAFUdaGreat@reddit
If you have a Jus sanguinis claim on citizenship then you can really do 99% of the legwork yourself. There's a good Facebook group that I belong to that has all kinds of really helpful info. If you do decide to use a service, they have suggestions and reviews that you can consult.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dualusitaliancitizenship/
Jacklesprit@reddit
Hey, in case you still know about this/have info - is there any legwork that you can't do yourself? I'm starting to look into this and trying to figure out what's what.
Thanks!
BAFUdaGreat@reddit
Unless you have a special case (like a 1948 case) then you can do everything yourself. It's time consuming and a PITA but eventually it will be over with
dogs0z@reddit
1948?
georgecolombo@reddit
https://itamcap.com/blog/italian-citizenship-maternal-line-before-1948-and-the-1948-rule/?utm=citizenship_assistance_PMax&ar_clx=yes&ar_campaign=17169245518&ar_ad=&ar_adgroup=&ar_channel=google&campaign=17169245518&content=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAudG5BhAREiwAWMlSjEq4ITYbID3FCxuVEn_dA98p6xwLcV7NvTHKoZVGJHGnbgOeZnbLyxoCBnkQAvD_BwE
Jacklesprit@reddit
Cool, thanks for that - appreciate the reply given how old the OG comment was
Kind-Yogurtcloset-33@reddit
Update, Italy courts just ruled against Juri sanguinis and I got an email from ICA today saying it’s unlikely our citizenship (which we have been working on for two years and just trying to get an appointment at consulate) will no longer happen. Apparently this has been slowly moving this direction since 2022 but IAC never mentioned it to us. They gladly took my upfront money and have yet to respond to me if they will return all my documents that I have paid for. Buyer Beware everyone!
goingroam@reddit
What was the Italian court’s reasoning for denying your case?
Did you apply in Italy through the court system…because you couldn’t get an appointment at a US Consulate?
Very interested to hear more about your case and your experience with ICA as I’ve been considering hiring ICA…
TottyMcGoobstain@reddit
didn't deny our case, just ICA says it's no use moving forward (because of Italys Supreme Court rulling) but we can sue in the italian local courts...of course it's going to cost extra $$$ and more time before the case is heard 6-12 months....so not sure i even want to bother anymore at this point and just take the L.
TottyMcGoobstain@reddit
I should add the Supreme court ruling was if your using Juri Sanguinis through bloodline and your ancestor was "under age" when the bloodline gave up citizenship...
Level_Look_5945@reddit
I have an interview to start the process with Itamap tomorrow. A scam? Please someone tell me what to do.
somedude456@reddit
As said, read the FB group and you can do this on your own. You'll likely have a 2 year wait for an appointment. That gives you plenty of time if you start now. Start reading what you will need for your consulate and make a list of each document. Each month, make progress on something.
EDIT: does your cousin live under the same consulate as you do? If so, which one?
donnawarren123@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your response. Yes, we both live in NY and the consulate is in NYC. I just thought if maybe I had help with obtaining the proper documentation I might have an easier time. I am currently looking into the FB group and reading all in info!
somedude456@reddit
So if he applied, that means all the docs he turned in, are in file. You only need to turn in what wouldn'tbe the same, like your docs and your parents.
donnawarren123@reddit (OP)
Really? I don’t have to reproduce all the originals? That would be a huge help but how do I access them? Do I just tell the consulate when I apply?
somedude456@reddit
It's a common question in the FB group, something like "I am applying in LA and my sister lives in Boston, what will she need to apply?" The answer is everything, because all docs you submit are kept on site, at that consulate. There is no central database. If two people are applying at the same consulte, they can share off one another's documents. I applies in 2017. My uncle then went to apply at the same consulate. Because my grandpa and further back documents were already on hand, all he needed was his birth cert, with an apostille and translation. I needed like 18 docs, he needed 1. Must be nice. LOL So yeah, you just give his name, they pull his record, and they allow you to branch off it. You said cousin, so they will look at your parent's birth cert, see the names listed, make sure it matches the documents for your grandparents already on file and that's that. You owe your cousin a nice Italian meal for all the hard work and money he is saving you. :)
dogs0z@reddit
What do you mean they keep your documents?
somedude456@reddit
Yes, you gather the required proof, and hand it in with payment. They keep everything with one small exception. If you have the original issued certificate of naturalization by your ancestor, they will look out over and hand it back. Everyone else can easily be replaced and this you have to gather new ones to hand in.
dogs0z@reddit
Can easily be replaced.
Ok that makes me feel a lot better. Thanks
dogs0z@reddit
What do you mean they keep your documents?
mareinmi@reddit
I used Get Italian Citizenship for my documents from Italy. They've been helpful-not fraud at all, $100 per document from Italy. Tracked down one birth certificate I needed in Italy, still working on the other one. I only used them for those documents, everything in the US, I've done myself. I did get in touch with one comune to get an additional copy (I mean on my own-not with the company) and they were incredibly helpful and nice via email. Lucky break and I speak some Italian so that helped.
Side note-why did it take him 12 years? Did the research take 12 years or did government take that long to approve him?
profecross@reddit
Hi. Can you please post the link to the GET Italian CITIZENSHIP company?
ZenCrisisManager@reddit
I'm not 100% sure, but I believe this is the company that mareinmi was referring to. I need a birth certificate from a small village in Sicily and am planning to contact them as well. They list the fee of $100 per Italian document procured, which leads me to believe it's the same company that she used. https://getitaliancitizenship.com
dogs0z@reddit
Update?
donnawarren123@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your response, I’ll look into that company as well. From what I understand he had trouble obtaining original copies from Italy, doesn’t speak fluent Italian and had 4 meetings/interviews with the consult! I think each of them took over a year for appointments. He described a very tedious and prolonged process that I was hoping to avoid if possible!!
mareinmi@reddit
Ah gotcha. I think that a fair number of the companies that help people with this process are a little fishy. I chose the one I did because the owner was featured in a travel podcast I listened to---I guess I reasoned that she wouldn't do things like that if she was totally phony so I took a leap and she's been very helpful. I did try one other company before hers and I sent a deposit payment and never got anything back, but it was only $20 so I just let it go.
My consulate is Detroit and they've been really helpful over email with questions. They also have a checklist that helped me get organized. May be worth a look to get you started. Good luck!
dogs0z@reddit
What was it
SignificantField2644@reddit
Has anyone had success with this company from start to finish? Seeing a lot of “in flight” applications, but has anyone actually gotten citizenship?
Few_Department_5288@reddit
We have been trying to get an appointment for over a year and never available. ITAMCAP is no help if you call. They take your money and do the easy part
Frequent-Reading6427@reddit
Another company offering cheaper and reliable services, directly based in Italy, is Futura Citizenship Services. They can be easily located on Google https://futuraitaliancitizenship.com/ or Instagram using their name.
Educational-Air5947@reddit
Futura seems to be a scam. I was able to talk to a person once and then never heard from them again.
GenealogyGeek@reddit
Futura is not a scam, will be using them to apply directly in Italy based on the recommendation of my Ancestry.com research team. Likely they are slammed and missed your email.
PanApocalpyse@reddit
I read through your posts. Thanks for all the info. I'm checking out ITAMCAP and also ItalianSide. The Italian Consulate in NY is not taking reservations (prenota) for dual citizenship claims and there's no waiting list. After doing months of research work on my own and finding an unbroken blood line via my paternal great-grandfather, I reached out to ItalianSide to order copies of his birth and marriage certificates that would be valid in Italian courts. They are very responsive via email and quoted me much more than $100 per document for the birth and marriage certificates. Prices overall may have gone up because I know demand is high. I found the documents in the Italian archives "Ancestors Portal" online after learning of their existence on FamilySearch.com. I use both Ancestry.com and FamilySearch since each has unique value to add. The AI features in Ancestry enable them to serve you hints from documents and other members' family trees. Here's the link for Ancestors Portal and I recommend FamilySearch's video tutorial on how to use it: https://antenati.cultura.gov.it/the-site/?lang=en. I got very lucky when I found my grandfather's birth record with his subsequent marriage written in the margin. That was a breakthrough because there are many men of that era with my great-grandfather's name from the town.
Good luck to all of you.
Acrobatic-Height-772@reddit
Hey, Ive been corresponding with ITAMCAP now too. Wondering if its legit as well before I continue. They said I have qualified and before I commit I want to know if it's not a scam!
PicklesAndCoorslight@reddit
Hey, how did it go? My ex husband is an italian citizen and I need documents for my daughter. Not trying to gain citizenship though.
katnip_fl@reddit
Right now if want to file in the US Italian consulate for your area, there is about a two year wait for an appointment. That should be enough time to get your paperwork together. Or, if you can get away, you can apply in Italy. You would then apply at the town you’d want to reside in as you need to show an annual lease agreement. Or go through an agency there, but it’s costly. Definitely join the dual citizenship Facebook group there’s lots of information in the units section.
kikashoots@reddit
Consulate wait times are more like 10 years. And to apply in person, your documents all need to be completely correct: names, dates, etc.
And Italy doesn’t typically have annual rental lease agreements. Theirs are about 3-5 years long and they don’t like to rent to foreigners. If you do manage to find one for a short term, it might and probably will be more expensive.
Also, when applying in Italy, you aren’t allowed to work while your documents are being processed. So there’s that too.
SpiritualPlay9730@reddit
Im here to see what people say about ICA, bit no one has spoken on their legitimacy. Anyone out there have any positive or negative experiences?
BrowserMario2016@reddit
We have used ICA and so far good experience. It’s expensive but for us it’s worth it as I don’t think we can handle all the document collections and amending etc. also, I wish they told us to make appointments with NYC consulate earlier. The waitlist is brutal. Just learned about the FB group, the group is so amazing! Lots of good tips for DIY folks. They also talk about the appointment challenges and people share experiences. Good to go to the FB group for insight.
Charming_Syllabub838@reddit
Did you end up getting your citizenship with ICA? I’m starting the process now with their sister company IDC.
Substantial-Shame811@reddit
Yes our Lawyer gave us their info.... They are Legit