Naturalization and U.S. citizenship immigration law

Guiding you through becoming a U.S. citizen

naturalization and us citizenship services

We can help you through the naturalization process

Are you thinking about how to become a U.S. citizen? If yes, then you have come to the right place! Hundreds and thousands of people apply every year for U.S. citizenship, but not everyone manages to attain citizenship in the U.S., with some even ending up in removal proceedings. It is crucial to thoroughly review all the eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship before applying. This is why we are here, to provide you with years of experience and guidance to help you through becoming a U.S citizen.

Naturalization and U.S. citizenship process

Eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship:

In order to become eligible for citizenship or naturalization, you need to meet the below-mentioned requirements:

  • You must be at least eighteen years old.
  • You must have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
  • You must be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of your residency period.
  • You must not have left for another country for more than one year at one time. Frequent trips abroad over six months and less than one year at a time may result in interruptions in the continuity of your permanent resident status and cause complications in your naturalization application.
  • You must have a good moral character.
  • You must swear loyalty to the U.S. government.
naturalization and us citizenship process

Most common options for naturalization

How to apply for naturalization

Fill out form N-400:

You need to fill out Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) which can be done either online or by mail. Don’t forget to attach the following documents with your application for naturalization:

  • Copy of permanent residency card.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Relevant supporting documents to prove the bona fide nature of your marriage
  • Copy of official military orders (if applicable).

Payment:

Once you have completed your application you will have to submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The filing fee of Form N-400 is subject to incremental government increases and can be seen by going to the USCIS Application for Naturalization. Citizenship application processing time varies and can be looked up by going to the USCIS Processing Times.

Interview and U.S. citizenship test:

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will then schedule an interview for you where they will conduct an English test and a civics tests. Through this interview they will determine your English speaking and writing skills. Moreover, an officer will be asking you ten questions in the civics tests. Make sure to answer at least six of the ten questions correctly to pass the civics test.

Final decision:

You may either be granted or denied U.S. citizenship. If denied, you may have the option to appeal the denial.

Oath of allegiance:

You will have to fill out Form N-445 and give an oath to the officer at the Naturalization ceremony.

Potential problems during naturalization

Identifying your family’s situation

How your application could get denied

There are many reasons why your naturalization application could get denied. The most common are as follows:

You don’t meet the eligibility requirements

Above we noted the exact criteria that are required to become a U.S. Citizen. If you do not meet them, you will likely get denied.

Incomplete documents or proper documentation not filed

The naturalization application has to be completed in full and all of the correct information has to be stated. Simply filling out this form wrong, missing a page, or failing to send in the proper documents can cause your application to be denied.

Failing the citizenship tests or interview

Subject to limited exceptions, you will be required to interview with a government employee and take a test proving you are eligible for U.S. citizenship. Most often, not being strong enough in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to the English language are reasons citizenship may be denied. The lack of government knowledge is another very common mistake on the citizenship test. Most importantly, fraud or criminal issues for the naturalization applicant may lead to a denial and even the initiation of removal proceedings against him/her. If you are thinking of applying for naturalization and have questions about your eligibility, contact our office today.

Not meeting deadlines

There are specific timelines by which documents have to be completed and submitted. Paperwork that is submitted late will not reach the government employees at the time of review, therefore

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Applying for naturalization and U.S. citizenship does not have to be a complicated process. We will explain your options, help you with your application, and protect your interests through the entire citizenship process. Whatever your circumstances are, our professionals are educated, diligent, and will ensure you have the best possibility of becoming a U.S. citizen.

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See our Frequently Asked Questions below for commonly asked questions about Naturalization & Citizenship.

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Frequently asked naturalization & citizenship questions

Unless you qualify for a language waiver and can attend your naturalization interview with the help of an interpreter, you will be expected to be fluent enough in the English language to complete the interview. The English portion of the naturalization exam is not difficult, as the interviewing officer may likely speak a sentence and expect you to write it down on paper. However, the entire interview is conducted in English (unless again you qualify for a waiver), so a moderate amount of English fluency will be required.
As long an applicant has been residing within the same US Citizenship and Immigration Services service district for at least 90 days, he/she may apply as soon as 4 years and 9 months after becoming a U.S. permanent resident or, in the case of an applicant who obtained his/her green card through marriage, 2 years and 9 months from the date of his/her green card issuance.

There is no formal dress code set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the citizenship interview, and what you wear during the interview won’t affect the outcome of your application. However, it must be kept in mind that since you will be meeting a federal officer who has the discretion to decide the outcome of your application, so it is advised to dress business casual for your citizenship interview. Learn more about the USCIS interview here:

Typically, a citizenship interview doesn’t last longer than an hour, however this is not the fixed time, and may vary from person to person.