Naturalization

Our citizenship lawyers have assisted several green card holders with naturalization,  including many complex cases involving prior convictions. Generally, you can submit an application to become a U.S. citizen if you are at least 18 years old and you:

• have been a permanent resident of the United States for five years; or
• are married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years; or
• are currently serving in the US military.

If you are a U.S. citizen who has a child that was born outside of the U.S. and currently lives in a foreign country, your child may also be qualified for naturalization. Additionally, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Satisfy physical presence requirements.
• Evidence of good moral character;
• Demonstrate knowledge and attachment to the U.S. Constitution; and
• Ability to read and write basic English; and
• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government

The USCIS provides an in-depth naturalization eligibility worksheet to help you conclude if you are qualified for citizenship both mentally and legally.

Although the application process is complex, here’s a brief outline of how it works:

• First, complete the citizenship application or N-400 form and send it to USCIS along with a copy of your green card, the required photos and a check for the processing fees. (Contact a citizenship attorney for help filing.)
• Next, you’ll be required to attend the in-person interview. Depending on the backlog this could take several months to schedule. This interview will test your basic understanding of U.S. history and proficiency of English as well as your background and dedication to the United States.
• From there you will have to set an appointment for biometrics at a local USCIS office. You will also take a U.S. Oath of Allegiance to demonstrate your commitment to being an American citizen.

Your biometrics are an important part of the naturalization process and not following the instructions concerning your appointment carefully can result in a delay in your citizenship. It begins with including two passport-sized profile photographs and completed fingerprint cards with your N-400 form at the time of filing. At the time of the appointment, you need to bring the appointment notice as well as a valid form of photo ID. The USCIS has resources to help you prepare for your biometrics appointment. There are several issues that can complicate the naturalization process such as prior criminal issues, tax fraud, expired visas, deportation defense claims, expatriate declarations etc.

Once you have filed an application and completed the N-400, you will be scheduled for both an interview and a test that will examine your familiarity with civics or U.S. politics, your grasp of the English language, and your knowledge of the history of the United States. The interview will require you to answer several questions under oath concerning your eligibility for citizenship. These include questions about:

• Your status as a legal permanent resident
• Your background including your marriage and possible military history
• Where you have lived and worked during your residency
• Your moral character as explained above
• Your relationship with constitutional principles
• Whether you are willing to take a United States Oath of Allegiance

During the interview, your ability to speak the answers in English will also be examined. It is important to speak confidently and clearly to your USCIS officer. Being truthful, however, is even more important. If it is discovered that you were dishonest under oath in your interview, your citizenship will be denied and you may face more serious charges. Therefore, it is advised that you say “I don’t know” rather than lie if you are ignorant of the answer to a question.

To pass the civics examination, you need to answer 6 of the 10 given questions correctly. It is important to note that American politics are constantly changing. Make sure that you are up to date with the most recent elected officials to be able to answer the questions correctly.

If you live in one of these states: Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, file your N-400 form to the following address:

This Naturalization Guide provides information on the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, an overview of the naturalization process, and eligibility requirements. Complete Naturalization Guide Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize. Naturalization Information for Military Personnel.