Italian Citizenship (Jure Sanguinis): Apostilling NARA & USCIS Records

Italian Citizenship (Jure Sanguinis): Apostilling NARA and USCIS Records
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If you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis), one of the most important steps in your process is ensuring that all U.S. records are properly apostilled.

Applicants often discover that federal-level documents—especially those issued by USCIS or NARA (National Archives and Records Administration)—require a different authentication process than state-issued birth, marriage, or death certificates.

Mistakes in federal apostille preparation can delay consulate appointments by months. This guide explains how to properly apostille USCIS and NARA records, what format they must be in, and the seal and signature requirements needed for acceptance by Italian consulates.
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What Is Jure Sanguinis (Italian Citizenship by Descent)?
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Jure Sanguinis allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship through their ancestry if they can prove an unbroken line of Italian descent.

Applicants must typically provide:

• Birth certificates (all generations)
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates (if applicable)
• Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization
• USCIS records
• NARA records

While state documents are apostilled by the Secretary of State, federal documents must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
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Why NARA and USCIS Records Are Critical
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Italian consulates require proof regarding whether your ancestor:

• Naturalized before or after the birth of the next generation
• Never naturalized at all

These records typically come from:

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• NARA (National Archives and Records Administration)

Because these are federal agencies, their documents follow federal apostille rules, not state rules.
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USCIS Records for Italian Citizenship
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USCIS may issue:

• Certificate of Non-Existence of Record (CONE)
• Certified copies of naturalization records
• Certified immigration records
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Important Requirement:
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For apostille eligibility, USCIS documents must be:

• Issued as an official certified copy
• Signed by an authorized USCIS official
• Bearing the official USCIS seal

Photocopies, FOIA printouts, or unofficial digital copies cannot be apostilled.

Only a certified copy issued directly by USCIS with proper signature and seal can be authenticated.
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NARA Records for Italian Citizenship
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NARA may provide:

• Certified naturalization records
• Certified “no record” statements
• Certified archival copies

For apostille processing, NARA records must include:

• Official certification language
• A federal officer’s signature
• An embossed or stamped official seal

If the document does not contain a proper federal signature, it will not qualify for apostille by the U.S. Department of State.
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Federal Apostille Requirements for Italian Citizenship
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Unlike state documents, federal records require:

1. A valid federal officer’s signature
2. An official agency seal
3. Certification language confirming authenticity
4. Submission to the U.S. Department of State (Office of Authentications)

State Secretaries of State cannot apostille federal documents.

This is one of the most common errors applicants make.

If you’re ready to move forward, you can start your federal apostille application here to ensure your USCIS or NARA records are submitted correctly.
start your federal apostille application here : Apostille Services
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Certified Copy vs. Photocopy: What Italian Consulates Accept
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Italian consulates require:

✔ Certified copies issued by the originating federal agency
✔ Proper seal and signature
✔ Apostille attached to the certified document

They will not accept:

✘ Plain photocopies
✘ Digitally downloaded FOIA responses
✘ Notarized copies of federal documents
✘ Uncertified printouts

Only the official certified version qualifies for federal apostille processing.

Not sure if your USCIS or NARA document qualifies for apostille? You can submit your document for a free review before processing begins.
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Where Federal Documents Are Apostilled
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All federal documents—including USCIS and NARA records—must be apostilled by:

U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
Washington, DC

Because USCIS and NARA records are federal documents, they must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (Office of Authentications) in Washington, DC.

According to the U.S. Department of State, standard mail-in apostille processing for federal documents can take several weeks depending on volume. In many cases, applicants experience processing times of approximately five weeks or longer through standard mail submission.
(Official processing information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document.html)

For applicants facing Italian consulate deadlines, waiting over a month may not be practical. DC Mobile Notary offers an expedited federal apostille service with an estimated 7–10 business day turnaround, helping Jure Sanguinis applicants stay on schedule.

You can start your federal apostille process with us today or request a complimentary document review before submission.

Processing delays at the federal level can impact your Italian consulate appointment timeline.
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Common Reasons Federal Records Are Rejected
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Italian citizenship applicants often face rejection because:

• They attempt to apostille a photocopy
• The USCIS document lacks a proper signature
• The NARA document does not include official certification language
• They send federal records to a state office
• The document format does not meet Department of State requirements

Rejection can delay your application by weeks or months.
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How DC Mobile Notary Assists with Federal Apostilles
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DC Mobile Notary specializes in federal-level apostille services and helps Jure Sanguinis applicants by:

• Reviewing USCIS and NARA documents before submission
• Confirming seal and signature compliance
• Ensuring certified copies meet Department of State standards
• Submitting documents correctly for federal apostille
• Coordinating timing with consulate appointments

Because we are based in Washington, DC, we are experienced in handling U.S. Department of State apostille processing.
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Triple Seal and Additional Legalization (When Required)
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Although Italy accepts apostilles under the Hague Convention, certain rare cases may require additional authentication steps.

DC Mobile Notary also provides:

• State authentication
• Federal authentication
• Embassy legalization (if ever required for other destinations)

We handle full Triple Seal processing when necessary for other citizenship or international applications.
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Timeline Planning for Italian Citizenship Applicants
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Timing is critical.

Before your consulate appointment, ensure:

✔ USCIS certified copies are properly issued
✔ NARA records include seal and signature
✔ Federal apostille is completed
✔ Documents match all generational records

Because federal apostilles take longer than state apostilles, applicants should begin preparation well in advance.
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Final Answer: Apostilling USCIS and NARA Records for Italian Citizenship
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For Jure Sanguinis applications:

• USCIS and NARA documents must be official certified copies
• They must include proper federal signature and seal
• They must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State
• Photocopies or unofficial printouts will be rejected

Proper preparation prevents consulate delays.
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Get Your Federal Records Reviewed Before Submission
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Italian citizenship by descent is document-intensive and unforgiving when mistakes occur.

DC Mobile Notary helps applicants:

• Confirm federal document eligibility
• Avoid rejection due to missing seal or signature
• Complete federal apostilles correctly
• Stay on track for consular appointments
  👉 Start your federal apostille application
  ‍👉 Submit your documents for a free review

📞 +1 202-247-0837
📧 support@dcmobilenotary.com

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