For immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is a big goal. It means they can live in the United States, travel freely, vote, and have constitutional protections. Achieving this goal can prove to be challenging and time-consuming. One way to become a citizen is through a process called naturalization.
We offer expert legal assistance for those seeking U.S. citizenship. Our immigration lawyers are here to help you every step of the way. We provide clear guidance and strong support to ensure you achieve your citizenship goals. Whether it’s naturalization, eligibility questions, or navigating immigration laws, we’re here to make your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen smoother.
Requirements to become a U.S Citizen
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must legally lived in the United States for at least five years helding a Green Card (there are some excepetions).
- Demonstrating good moral character is essential.
- You should be capable of reading, writing, and speaking basic English
- Having a basic understanding of U.S. history and government is necessary.
10 Steps to Naturalization
- Verify if you are already a U.S. citizen.
- Find out if you meet the requirements to become a U.S. citizen.
- Fill out the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization.
- Submit your completed Form N-400.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Attend a fingerprinting and identity check appointment.
- Participate in an interview, which includes tests on speaking, reading, writing, and civics.
- Wait for a decision from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Get a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
- Attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.
Working with a US Immigration Lawyer for Naturalization
Hiring a skilled naturalization lawyer can help you grasp the process better and utilize any benefits your situation may offer. Their knowledge can help you become a U.S. citizen. This is especially true if you qualify for quicker citizenship through marriage or military service.
Obtaining U.S. citizenship through marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the most common routes. If you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for three years and have a green card, you can become eligible for citizenship. This is a faster timeline compared to the standard requirement of five years with a green card before applying for citizenship.
Additionally, an expedited path to naturalization is available if you’re married to a member of the U.S. military. To navigate these diverse paths to U.S. citizenship successfully, it’s crucial to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney.
After your attorney submits your application and deals with any requests for additional information, you’ll receive an appointment. This appointment will be for a citizenship interview at the USCIS office in your area.
Having your attorney by your side during the interview significantly improves your chances of a successful naturalization application approval.
- Review the Denial Notice: First, carefully review the denial notice provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This notice will typically explain the reasons for the denial.
- Consult with an Immigration Attorney: If your application gets rejected consulting an immigration attorney is a good idea. They can explain you why you got denied, and help you figure out what to do next.
- Appeal the Decision: Depending on the circumstances, you may have the option to appeal the denial. Your attorney can assist you in filing an appeal, and this process involves presenting additional evidence or addressing any errors made during the initial application review.
- Reapply: In some cases, it might be best to address the issues that led to the denial and reapply for U.S. citizenship. Your attorney can help you strengthen your case and ensure that your new application addresses any concerns raised during the previous review.
- Request a Hearing: If your application is denied, you may also request a hearing before an immigration officer to present your case in person. This can provide an opportunity to address concerns directly.
- Continue to Maintain Legal Status: While dealing with a denied application, it’s crucial to maintain your legal immigration status in the U.S. and adhere to all relevant immigration laws and regulations.
- Explore Other Immigration Options: If the denial stands, it’s essential to explore other immigration options that may be available to you based on your circumstances, such as permanent residency or different visa categories.
Remember that the denial of a U.S. citizenship application doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your immigration journey. By seeking legal counsel and understanding your options, you can work to address the issues that led to the denial and potentially achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. citizen in the future.
