Download the updated Guide to Citizenship through Marriage or Same-Sex Union (only in Italian).
How to obtain certification of Italian language proficiency to the B1 Level
GENERAL INFORMATION
The foreign spouse of an Italian citizen can apply to acquire Italian citizenship after three years of marriage or same-sex union if residing abroad, or two years of marriage/same-sex union and residency (in Italy) if residing in Italy. This period is reduced by half in the presence of children (also adopted). Before April 27, 1983, acquisition of Italian citizenship was automatic for women marrying Italian citizens (some restrictions apply).
The Italian spouse must reside in the jurisdiction of this Consulate General and be registered in the AIRE. At the time of application, the marriage/same-sex union must be registered in Italy, with the competent Municipality. At the date of the swearing in of the applicant as an Italian citizen, which occurs at the end of a processing period of 36 months*, the marital union must be in effect (with no separation or divorce).
The application is processed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Rome in approximately 36 months* from date of receipt. The Decree of naturalization is subsequently issued and forwarded to the Consulate General. The bond of marriage or union must be maintained by the couple until the process is completed and the oath taken.
Citizenship becomes effective on the day after oath of allegiance to the laws and Constitution of Italy.
Legalization and Translation of Documents
Before uploading the application online via the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the original Canadian long-form birth document and the original RCMP police certificate (with fingerprints) must bear the apostille of the Canadian authorities. The Canadian authorities with territorial jurisdiction for the Province/Territory of origin of the document must issue the apostille on the original, not on a certified/notarized copy. For documents issued outside of Canada, please consult the website of the Italian Diplomatic/Consular office responsible for the Country of origin of the documentation.
The Italian translation of a birth document originating in this consular jurisdiction that has already been issued the apostille of the Canadian government can be requested exclusively for a translation issued by a certified translator (from English to Italian) registered with STIBC or ATIA whose signature is deposited with this Consulate General (use form SCIV01 to request the service).
Applicants residing in this consular jurisdiction may also request the legalization of the Italian translation issued by a certified translator (see above) of a Canadian Criminal Record with fingerprints issued by the RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa and apostillized by the Canadian government in Ottawa. A translation of the Apostille certificate is no longer required.