U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization
Your Dream Comes True
Are you ready to achieve your American Dream and become a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizenship is the last step in your immigration journey and the highest immigration level you can achieve. You can keep your U.S. citizenship for life and also keep your other citizenship as long as your other country of citizenship recognizes dual citizenship.
- Do you want to stop worrying about renewing your green card?
- Do you want to sponsor family members to come to the U.S.? Perhaps you would like to be able to vote in elections?
- Maybe you want to travel to many different countries without visa requirements?
5 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Naturalization
You have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for three, five, or more years and you are ready to file your application for naturalization. Should you do it?
You should first consult with an experienced immigration attorney before filing for naturalization to make sure it is the right thing for you to do, especially if:
1. You have been arrested at any time, even if it was many years ago, and you completed all the conditions of your sentence or probation.
2. You misrepresent yourself in any immigration application in the past or at any port of entry.
3. You were previously in removal proceedings or any proceedings before the immigration court.
4. You have lived outside of the United States for extended periods of times.
5. You are currently working, studying, or volunteering abroad, or have been living outside the United States because of your work or family
Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you generally must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Pass English and civics tests (with some exceptions).
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
Important: Even small mistakes or past legal issues can put your application at risk. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility and advise you on the best path forward.
Step-by-Step: The Naturalization Process
- Consultation & Eligibility Review
We help you determine if you qualify and identify any red flags.
- Prepare and File Form N-400
Our team completes your application accurately, avoiding common errors.
- Biometrics Appointment
You will attend a fingerprinting appointment to check background records.
- USCIS Interview & Civics Test
We prepare you for the interview and exam, including mock questions and practice.
- Oath Ceremony
Once approved, you will take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen!
Common Reasons for Citizenship Application Denials
- Criminal history or past immigration violations.
- Failure to meet continuous residence requirements.
- Errors or inconsistencies in the application.
- Failure to pay taxes or child support.
Why Choose a Lawyer Instead of Applying Alone?
Many naturalization applications get delayed or denied due to:
- Misunderstanding eligibility rules.
- Mistakes in the application.
- Failure to disclose required information.
- Difficulty answering USCIS officer questions.
Our legal team minimizes these risks by offering expert handling and representation, giving you peace of mind and a much higher chance of approval.
The USCIS Form N-400 Application for U.S. Naturalization
Form N-400 is the official application used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. This critical form requires detailed personal, immigration, travel, and criminal history information, as well as proof of eligibility including continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and English and civics knowledge.
While many think of the N-400 as a straightforward application, even small mistakes, omissions, or misunderstandings can result in delays, requests for additional evidence, or outright denials. Common problem areas include incomplete travel records, failure to disclose past arrests or convictions, or misinterpretation of eligibility requirements.
Lawyers Can Help You Who Is Eligible for Naturalization
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you generally must meet these requirements: Be at least 18 years old. Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S. Demonstrate good moral character. Pass English and civics tests (with some exceptions). Take the Oath of Allegiance.Important: Even small mistakes or past legal issues can put your application at risk. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility and advise you on the best path forward.
How our Immigration Lawyers Can Help You
Filing for naturalization may feel like a breeze after having gone through the immigration process of getting your permanent green card approved. However, you should always approach any immigration petition, including your naturalization application, with the same level of detail and thoroughness because you have not gone this far in order to get your case delayed or denied. Our immigration attorneys will discuss with you all the eligibility requirements and will guide you in proving to the agency that you meet all of them. We will also explain the process in detail and what to expect, as well as discuss any potential issues that might come up. Applicants who are ineligible for citizenship not only risk getting a denial on their applications, but they can risk their Lawful Permanent Resident Status and can be put in removal proceedings.
At Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, we have successfully represented clients before USCIS in diverse and complicated naturalization applications. If necessary, our immigration attorneys are skilled at zealously representing our clients in filing naturalization appeals to the Federal District Courts to overcome a prior USCIS denial. Maybe you are a U.S. citizen already because you derived it from your parents but you don’t know for sure or you don’t have any proof of it. For example, our attorneys were able to prove that clients without status or are about to be deported derived U.S. citizenship and obtain U.S. passports. Call us today to talk about what we can do to help you with your naturalization or citizenship application so you can finally start enjoying the privileges of being a United States Citizen.
Our Services
Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you with the following:
- Analyzing whether you derived U.S. citizenship from one of your parents or family members.
- Analyzing your criminal history to prepare the best strategy for your case and maximize your chances of approval.
- Providing the agency with the legal basis of why you are still eligible to apply, even with a criminal conviction in your past.
- If you are ineligible to apply, advising you on the steps to resolve the ineligibility, if possible, such as post-conviction relief.
- Helping you identify any past misconduct or misrepresentation in your immigration history that may make you ineligible for citizenship.
- Calculating your time spent abroad to determine whether you will be able to meet the physical presence and continuous residency requirements.
- Helping you in determining whether your work abroad can count towards your eligibility requirements.
- Preparing you and representing you at your naturalization interview with USCIS.
- Responding to a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny.
- Representing you in naturalization appeals before USCIS and the Federal District Court.
How long does the naturalization process take?
Typically, 8–14 months, depending on your local USCIS office.
How much does it cost to apply?
The USCIS filing fee is $760 (as of 2024), plus any legal fees if you hire an attorney.
Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
It depends. Some offenses may block eligibility, while others can be overcome. Speak to our lawyers for an assessment.
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