Your Family Evidence Checklist

1. Connect one generation at a time

• a.Write your name and the names of each person connecting you to the ancestor.
• b.List birth, marriage, and death records that connect those people.
• c.Keep each name spelling as it appears. Note the date, place, source, and record reference.
• d.Mark missing links and contradictory details for further research.

2. Identify the place

• a.Record the village, nearby town, parish, and historical region if known.
• b.Check for places with the same name and changes to borders or place names.
• c.Compare dates and relatives before deciding that a search result is your ancestor.

Find sources in the Research Hub.

3. Separate facts from conclusions

• a.Record exactly what each document says about nationality, citizenship, and birthplace; they are different facts.
• b.Keep a copy of the original record and its source citation.
• c.Note which statements remain unverified. A surname or birthplace alone does not establish an application route.

See a worked example from our family research.

4. Make one focused request

• a.Identify the likely record holder and the period its collection covers.
• b.Prepare name variants, approximate date, place, and the record type you need.
• c.List what you have already checked and ask a specific question.
• d.Save the request date and any reply with your research notes.

Prepare a record request · Understand a reply.

5. Choose your next step

If evidence is missing, continue researching. If you are exploring an application, compare your evidence with the current official requirements and your consulate's instructions. This research checklist does not determine eligibility or replace an official document list.

Application document guidance · Find your consulate · Explore the citizenship branch.

If interview preparation is next, try two coaching lessons free. Practise truthful answers using your own family facts.