Former natural-born Filipinos in the New York area can apply for dual citizenship at the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
The consulate serves residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states in the jurisdiction.
This guide covers the specific requirements, fees, appointment procedures, and important considerations for applicants in the New York jurisdiction.
Who is eligible?
Former natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country are eligible.
Natural-born Filipinos are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
This includes persons born after January 17, 1973, whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines at the time of their birth, and those born before that date to a Filipino father or to a Filipino mother who elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
What are the core documents required?
Applicants must submit the following core documents: a duly accomplished dual citizenship application form, original and one photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate, original and one photocopy of latest Philippine Passport, original and one photocopy of US Certificate of Naturalization, original and one photocopy of valid US Passport or any valid US government-issued ID (if foreign passport is expired), and two passport-sized photos with plain white background taken within the last six months.
Married female applicants must also provide a marriage certificate, and widows/widowers must provide a death certificate.
Divorced applicants must provide a divorce decree or PSA Marriage Certificate with annotation on divorce.
How to book an appointment and pay fees?
Applicants are required to set up an appointment online and pay the fee through the online payment portal before scheduling their appointment.
The prepayment policy aims to deter no-shows and ensure efficient allocation of appointment slots.
The fee is US$50.00 for the principal applicant. Additional fees apply for derivative dependents and other services.
Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted for payments; applicants must use a bank draft, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Philippine Consulate General.
What is the process and timeline?
If the documentary requirements are found to be in order, an oath-taking ceremony will take place in the afternoon on the same day of the appointment schedule, typically between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
Applicants who lack core documents on the day of their appointment will have their application rejected and fees forfeited.
To request certified true copies of dual citizenship documents previously filed with the New York Consulate, applicants can send an email to the consulate.
The fee is US$25.00 per document, and processing takes at least fifteen working days.
How will dual citizenship papers be used?
Applicants will need to present their original dual citizenship papers (Oath of Allegiance, Identification Certificate, and Approval Order) when applying for a Philippine passport and when traveling to the Philippines with a US passport and planning to stay for more than thirty days.
The Philippine Consulate General in New York also advises that residency in the Philippines is NOT a requirement for those who retain or reacquire Philippine citizenship.