Consular Counseling Day in Kitchener

As promised in February, the German Consulate General came to Kitchener for the second time to make a presentation and answer questions on Citizenship issues. During their first session 3 months ago, Consul General Holger Raasch and Vice Consuls Kathrin Brandt and Susanne Wolff answered questions primarily on new passport application procedures.

(see also Article in our March Print Issue – or on the Internet under www.echoworld.com/B08/B0803/B0803HW1.htm. So many questions then were on Citizenship that a second session was immediately planned on this subject.

Again, the Concordia Club generously made the Halle and this time also the Boardroom available for the presentation and individual consultation. Vice Consuls Kathrin Brandt, Catrin Stibbe and Susanne Wolff were on hand for the presentation and the consultations.

Attendance this time was little more than a third of the first session, even though staff was available after the presentation to provide certain consular services, such as certification of "Lebensbescheinigungen", notarization of signatures for Powers of Attorney, for application for Police Clearance Certificates and the like following the presentations on citizenship.

The presentations focused on how to obtain German Citizenship, how it will or can be lost, what to do to keep it, and how it can be re-gained after having lost it. Citizenship laws were updated effective January 1, 2000. Prior to this date German Citizenship applied only to those having German parents (Citizenship by descent only, not by place of birth). Thereafter it has become possible to gain Citizenship by birth in Germany from foreign parents with legal residency in Germany for at least 8 years.

The basic principle that continues to be applied is avoidance as much as possible of dual citizenship, Exceptions exist, eg in cases of specific professional or resident reasons. Substantiated strong ties to Germany are required in all cases. Sentimental or convenience reasons (eg, to retain German while applying for Canadian Citizenship to make it easier to cross the US border, or to have the right to vote etc) are absolutely not sufficient. The application procedure requires a payment of $255 Euros, roughly C$400 per person.

Presentations had to be limited to general concepts and changes in legislation. Individual situations could not be clarified and the audience was encouraged to contact the Consulate directly to discuss individual situations. (Not to forget, the Consulate will be at a new location as of January 2009!!). Forms, applications and brochures were made available on a number of consular services – a basis from which to approach procedures for recognition of Citizenship and new passport applications.

The audience much appreciated the presentations and the consular services. However comments were made by several participants that the sound system and its echo in the Halle made it difficult to understand and follow the presentations. Given the number of participants, the Jägerstube or similar venue would make it easier to understand, perhaps even without a sound system.