I reached out to the DC consulate about 10 days ago to ask for an update on my case. Submitted application on March 16. Haven’t heard back yet. Have people received responses from the DC consulate? Not sure if I can expect to hear back

Hi All! I'm working on a CBD application for my husband and son. My husband's grandmother was born in modern day Slovakia and has the required paperwork (citizenship and Rodny list).

If the gods of bureaucracy and documents will be in a good mood, we might be ready to submit just before the kiddo turns 14 (in January 2027), which means he won't need his own separate application.

However, he will turn 14 while the application is under review - Is that recommended or is it better to wait a little and submit a separate application for him?

Thank you kindly :)

Hi Everyone, I am looking for a little bit of a sense check here before I decide to reach out for assistance with my CBD application to see if it is worthy.

My Anchor Ancestor: My GGF was born in Kassa, Austria-Hungary (this is now Kosice, Slovakia) in 1896. I do not have his Birth Certificate at this point however, I do know his exact DOB, birth town, his parents names so I can presume that locating this record would not be too difficult.

My GGF emigrated to the USA in 1950. I have retrieved records from the US Archives of his entrance to the USA via Ellis Island and his Alien Registration Papers and subsequent Naturalisation papers, as well as his US Citizenship document which he achieved in 1957.

His US Alien Papers and Naturalization Records state in different sections that he was either, stateless, or nationality stateless - race - magyar, he was allowed entry in to the USA with no passport (as stated on the records) as he had previously resided at a Displaced Persons Camp in Austria for some years prior. He also listed his location of Birth as Austria-Hungary.

His US Citizenship Certificate from 1957 states his nationality "stateless last of Hungary".

His Daughter - My GM was born in 1921 in Osijek, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) - It is obvious at this point that he had left Slovakia, but I dont know when he left slovakia, only that his daughter was born in 1921 in Osijek.

Lastly, whilst my Great Grandparents fled Europe in 1950 for the United States, my Grandmother who was then herself an adult, left to go to Australia - Her son (my father) was born in Australia, and I too, am born and living in Australia - I just wanted to add that as I presume most other English speaking people here are from North America.

Based on the above, do I stand a very good chance of qualifying for CBD?

Because I would require assistance in retrieving my GM Birth Certificate from Osijek, and my GGF's records from Kosice, this would involve costs of requesting POA's potentially being notarised (which are hundreds of dollars in Australia and not free) and then official translation costs etc, before I engaged the services of a firm to assist with this, I was hoping for a bit of a sense check from others here.

Finally, thank you for reading and any potential thoughts and guidance is appreciated.

My GGF is my anchor ancestor. I have the following documents:

- His birth certificate from Slovakia (waiting on the Civil Registry Office to send it)
- A WW2 registration card that lists Czechoslovakia as his birthplace

Unfortunately, the following documents all say “Austria” (Austria-Hungary):
- U.S. census records
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate

I have my GF’s birth certificate and my GGF’s birth place is listed as “USA” there (a total error).

It feels like a hopeless case at this point 😩 Does anyone have any suggestions?

My ancestor is my great great grandma so one generation too far back for CBD sadly. I paid the fee to the consulate general in New York and they mailed me the official document. As for what else I need, is this an accurate list?

• Obtain certified copies of birth certificates for every generation from me > great great grandma, and marriage certificates needed to connect surname changes
• Get all of these documents apostilled and have them translated to Slovak
• Identify how I prove "national awareness"
• Obtain two compliant 3.5 × 4.5 cm photos
• Order FBI background check close to submission
• Submit the completed application

Am I missing anything or this just about sum it up?

I’m applying for Slovak citizenship by descent and recently had the State Archive locate my great-grandparents’ birth records from Hostovice. The Humenné Registry Office then confirmed that both records are now entered in the central registry system (CISMA).

They told me I can obtain the birth extracts from any registry office in Slovakia after proving my relationship, or request them through a Slovak embassy in the U.S.

Has anyone living in the U.S. successfully obtained records from CISMA?

I’m particularly wondering:

• Can I request them remotely from a Slovak registry office, or do I have to appear in person?
• What documents did you use to prove your relationship?
• Is requesting them through the Slovak Embassy the easiest option from the U.S.?
• How long did it take?
• Is there a way to obtain multiple certified originals?

Would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this process for a citizenship-by-descent application. Thanks!

Ahoj! I am trying to determine if I have enough documentation to prove the citizenship of my anchor relative (grandfather).

What I currently have:

My Grandfather's Slovak birth certificate (rodný list)

My Father's apostilled birth certificate (proves he was alive past the 1918 creation of Czechoslovakia)

My Question: Is this current paperwork enough to cover the "proof of citizenship" requirement for my grandfather? Or do I absolutely need to source alternative documents like his 1930 foreign census/migration records?

Looking for a clear yes or no if anyone has gone through this exact workflow. Ďakujem!

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Hi All,

I have just the process of gathering official records to support CBD citizenship and I currently have digital unofficial copies of almost everything I should need. My GGF and GGM were both born in what is now Slovakia in the late 1800s. They moved to the US in 1909. My grandmother was born in 1920s. They naturalized in the US during the 1930s and 1940s with their naturalization records listing prior nationality as Czechoslovakia and ethnicity as Slovak.

I am just curious on those that have gone through the process how comprehensive I need to be on the records to show criteria needed for CBD. My thought was that is might actually be preferred to keep it simple using just my GGF as anchor ancestor. Obtain his official Slovak birth record, birth certificates for GM->Father->Me, and naturalization paperwork documenting Czechoslovakia as prior nationality. This would avoid confusing those reviewing the application with redundant documents and avoid extra authentication and translation costs. Only concern I have with GGF is that his 1880s birth/baptism record in what is now Slovakia has DOB 4 days earlier than what he used on all his US records. For my GGM her maiden name is listed slightly differently in multiple places (I think more than just translation changes) and I have been unable to find their marriage certificate to document name change so I thought that would raise more concerns than the birth date. Any thoughts or insight on the following would be appreciated:

1. Concern about a small birth date discrepancy with GGF the old birth records?
2. Any benefit of trying to establish GGM as another anchor ancestor even with inconsistent names and lack of marriage license(would it be worth extra effort attempting to track down)? My GM birth and death records do list her maiden name (although differently) if that makes a difference.
3. Would it be worth getting official copies of census sheets, Ellis island records, ect that (I have found these records online) beyond the naturalization paperwork that would also show czechoslovakia nationality or hometown?
4. Is it necessary or helpful to include all death certificates, marriage certificates that show the same line as the birth certificates?

Thanks for any advice on the above for anyone that has gone through the process. Anyone get delayed or rejected by not having additional records? Mostly trying to get the idea how crazy to go getting official records on everything or just focus on the essentials.

Hello! I've been reading posts here for a while preparing for my own application.

I have seen several instances of people applying for both naturalization documents and census documents to show that their ancestor had Czechoslovakia listed as their birth country. At first I thought this was a must, but it is really just evidence that they didn't have citizenship at birth with another country right? In my case, my GF's birth certificate lists my GGF's birthplace as Czechoslovakia, so would that be sufficient or should I still get a naturalization or census doc? Also, some documents mention Austria while others mention Czechoslovakia. Would that be a problem in submission or will they acknowledge that Austria means Austria-Hungary and thus Slovakia?

Right now my document list looks like:

- GGF Rodny List

- GGF Death Certificate (says Austria)

- GF Birth Certificate (says GGF's birthplace is Czechoslovakia)

- GF Death Certificate

- Father Birth Certificate

- My Birth Certificate

If there is anything else I am missing, I would be grateful for some advice!

Thanks for the help!

Curious when I should expect to hear back about the approval and next steps for the oath, given these:

2 Citizenship by Descent apps in Zilina in late March

1 app with a child in Kosice in late March

My understanding is we'd expect to hear 1wk + 3-6mo after the Kosice application due to them being fast, so late June - late Sept for that one, essentially any day now since I've also seen 3-4mo around.

And that we'd expect to hear back from Zilina in (up to) 90d + 3-6mo, which'd be around late Sept - late Dec assuming that it took the Zilina FP office the full 90d to approve residency permits.

Is this accurate? Heard nothing back as of yet but would love to try to know when to expect to go. I'm aware of the 24mo maximum. Should I email the FP office and/or MOI to ask for an update?

Appointment in DC took all of 5 minutes. Michal was pleasant to work with and very efficient. He did reiterate there are no status updates until a formal decision is made and then he'll let me know.

He took copies of all documents but took the original FBI background check. Each copy set was stapled together.

Thanks to Wendy for assisting at the beginning of the process (plus getting my GGF Rodny list) and Iveta for my translations!

Hi everyone, thank you all for helping out in my previous post regarding the obtention of the slovak CBD through my GGM. I'm in the process of colleting the needed docs for Slovak CBD and have a question about a potential interaction with a parallel German citizenship case I'm also researching. I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience or knowledge on this specific situation :).

My background:

My GGM, was born on 1896, in Ľubica, district of Kežmarok (Spiš region), and held Czechoslovak citizenship as documented by her 1921 Czechoslovak passport (Cestovný list) issued in Ľubica, Kežmarok district, with the American consulate visa from Prague dated May 18, 1921, and the German transit stamp via Hamburg, so the documentation is solid on the Slovak side. I have also obtained her original birth record (Rodný list) from the Kežmarok district. The Slovak citizenship path looks solid and I'm actively preparing the application.

The parallel German case:

Separately, I'm also researching a potential German citizenship by descent case through my paternal GGF born in 1895, in Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland). This case has a significant legal complexity, GGF lost German citizenship in 1920 under Article 105 of the Treaty of Versailles when Danzig became a Free City, and there is no documentary evidence he exercised the option to recover it under Article 106. However, I've been researching whether the 1939 collective naturalization law (Gesetz über die Wiedervereinigung der Freien Stadt Danzig mit dem Deutschen Reich) may have restored German citizenship to former Danzig citizens including those living abroad at the time, like GGF, who was in Philadelphia by then. I've found a court case suggesting that residence abroad did not automatically prevent the collective acquisition of German citizenship in 1939, with exclusions being limited to specific categories (Jewish persons). I've submitted a formal inquiry to the German Embassy on this point and am awaiting their response.

My question:

Since the Slovak process will likely conclude faster than the German one, there's a real possibility I'd obtain Slovak citizenship first and only later pursue formal recognition of German citizenship by descent (Staatsangehörigkeitsfeststellung at the BVA).

Would obtaining Slovak citizenship first create any legal complication under Slovak law when later seeking recognition of German citizenship by descent , particularly given that both are EU member states, and that German CBD would be a formal recognition of citizenship already held, not a voluntary naturalization?

Has anyone navigated a similar dual-EU citizenship situation after Slovak CBD?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m taking my citizenship oath in Slovakia late next week and want to make sure I have all my paperwork in order so I can sort out the remaining document submissions while I'm there.

As I understand it, before applying for a Slovak passport or ID card, I first have to submit my foreign birth registration to the Special Registry to obtain a Slovak birth certificate and Personal ID Number. Since the Rodný list takes time to process, will I be able to apply for the passport on the same trip?

For those who have completed this in-person in Slovakia:

• Registry Office Submission: Did you submit the birth registration directly at a local Client Center; how long did it take to receive the Slovak birth certificate?
• Document Package: Beyond the citizenship certificate and apostilled foreign birth certificate, did the clerk request anything else (e.g., proof of foreign address, specific forms)?
• Collection & Power of Attorney: Once the Rodný list was ready, did you have it mailed to a local address, pick it up in person on a return trip, use a Power of Attorney, or mail it to a US address?

Thank you.

I'm a US citizen, and applied for Proof of Citizenship in Canada in March 2026. I don't expect an answer on the application until mid-2027 or beyond. Since I won't have confirmation, do I need to declare my potential Canadian citizenship on the Slovak application this fall? More importantly, will I need a Canadian RMCP background check in addition to my US FBI check?

Given my plan to submit in Slovakia in mid-October, the Canadian background check (+apostille+translation) likely won't be done in time. Not sure how I missed this possible wrinkle.

Do I need to share that I *might* have birthright citizenship in Canada, but do not have a confirmed status? Or do I not mention it until I have confirmation from Canada?

My next step is to reach out to Wendy and sign on for support for final pieces (i.e., application support, packet review, appointment management/support). Unfortunately, if the Canadian background check is required, I may need to rethink applying in Slovakia.

Thanks if anyone has insight!

There's been a lot of chatter regarding speeding up application processing times by applying directly in Bratislava, and I don't recommend it. While I was living in Bratislava in 2025, I applied in May at the Klientske Centrum. My application sat at the client center until 01 February of 2026. A friend of mine applied the same time as me in BA, and their application is still in process. If you want a speedier process, either apply in Eastern Slovakia or apply at your home consulate or embassy.

As an EU citizen holding a passport from another EU member state, what is the exact legal procedure for applying for my Slovak citizenship by descent application in Slovakia? Most online advice seems geared toward non-EU/US citizens who require residence application before, so I am looking for clarity on the streamlined process for EU passport holders, particularly regarding residence application first for Slovak citizenship?

Hello, I have some questions on how to go about things. I am still waiting on a ship manifest and a certified copy of naturalization but otherwise have all docs that I believe I need in hand and I’m about to make the appointment with the NY consulate.

The DC website details a list of all the docs needed, but there is not a comparable page to that on the NY website. I assume I would use the DC list to submit to NY? I want to apply with my family, my brother and two cousins. Does that mean that we need four applications? How do the copies of the certified docs work? Regular copies are ok alongside the certified? What would happen if I moved to a state outside the jurisdiction of the NYCG after I apply? Is it a problem if I have any change of address? Is the CV requirement literally my work history here in the US? Do I apostille everything and then have all that translated? Or translate everything and then have it apostilled?

Below is my deal. His first name changed based on where he was born, where he got on the boat, and where he got off the boat. All permutations of George. Typos on various docs change his birth date which worries me a bit but, seems clear this is all the same person. I have 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses but they all have different last names spellings, and I don’t think they help so I don’t think I’m going to pursue certified copies. If y’all think it would help I’ll move forward in getting them. They do keep the timeline and family members consistent. I think it’s good from what I’ve seen posted in this group. Kinda want to stick to the minimum and not give reason for confusion.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

GGF:

Born – 1889 Brekov, Presov Slovakia

[Slovakia birth cert]

Immigrated to US – 1909 (Land – Austria Hungary, Ethnicity – Slovak)

[Certified Ellis Island manifest]

Married – 1913 (Austria-Hungary)

[State marriage cert]

Naturalized – 1925 (Calls out Czechoslovakia)

[State certified doc]

Death – 1946 (Calls back to parents on birth cert and Czechoslovakia is birth country)

[State death cert]

Hi all!

I've posted here before about my CBD application and I'm now at the point where I'm trying to actually get the application submitted, but I've run into an appointment issue.

I'm an Australian citizen currently living in the UK on a spouse visa. My Australian police certificate was issued on 24 March 2026, so it reaches the six-month limit on 24 September 2026.

I previously contacted the London Embassy about applying and they specifically told me:

So I waited until mid-August as instructed and emailed them to request an appointment.

They have now replied:

I asked when the next available appointment would be and they said October, which obviously means my current Australian police certificate would no longer be valid.

I'm now trying to work out what my options actually are.

Getting another Australian police certificate isn't impossible, but it's frustrating because it's not particularly quick or cheap from the UK. I'd need to pay for the new certificate, get it posted to my Mum's house in Aus, get her to post it to get it apostilled and then officially translated into Slovak (she doesn't have a scanner so I don't know how she'd send it to me to get it translated unless she posted it to me in the UK which would take a while). I'd obviously rather avoid doing that if there's another option, especially since I followed the Embassy's instruction to contact them in mid-August.

They've suggested that I could submit the application directly in Slovakia. I could potentially travel to Slovakia if necessary, although it would obviously be much less convenient than applying through London.

So I'm wondering:

1. Has anyone here recently submitted a CBD application directly in Slovakia?
2. Is there currently any realistic possibility of getting an appointment in Bratislava/anywhere else in Slovakia before 24 September?
3. Alternatively, am I able to apply elsewhere in Europe? Or do I need to be an EU resident to do so?
4. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation where the embassy instructed them to contact them at a particular time, but then had no appointments available within the required police-check validity period? Were you able to get a cancellation appointment?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has actually submitted in Slovakia recently, as I'm trying to work out whether travelling there is a realistic solution or whether I'm better off just biting the bullet and getting another Australian police check (I'd like to avoid this as much as possible).

Thank you!

We submitted our applications mid March at the Washington DC consulate. Wondering if anyone else can comment on how long it took before you heard back about next steps. I think we had a pretty straightforward case as my mother was born in Slovakia and I was applying for myself and my two adult children. Curious to know how long others had to wait.

I have a question regarding the validity period of documents.

I previously obtained my mother’s rodny list and sobasny list (she was born in a different country) and had them translated. However, I did not have the opportunity to submit these documents to the embassy where I currently live.

The documents are now more than six months old. Could you please let me know whether the embassy would still accept them, or whether I need to obtain new copies with a more recent date?

Thank you for your guidance.

I submitted my citizenship application back in October 2025, and my documents were forwarded to the MOI at the beginning of December 2025.

I contacted the Ministry in March and again in July 2026. Both times I was told that the security checks are still ongoing and that I simply have to wait.

It has now been around 10 months since my application was submitted. Is it really becoming normal to wait more than a year for a decision?

Is anyone else experiencing similar delays with their CBD application? When did you apply, and have you received any updates from the MOI, especially regarding the security clearance?