U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant milestone that opens the door to new opportunities, rights, and responsibilities. At the Law Offices of Oksana Van Rooy, we are dedicated to helping you through every step of the naturalization process. With years of experience in immigration law, our attorney ensures that your path to citizenship is smooth, stress-free, and successful.

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. As a U.S. citizen, you gain the right to vote, apply for federal jobs, travel with a U.S. passport, and sponsor family members for immigration. It also provides peace of mind, ensuring that your status in the U.S. is permanent and secure.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must meet several requirements, including:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Lawful Permanent Residency: Generally, you must have been a Green Card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Physical Presence: You must have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the last 5 years (or 18 months within the last 3 years for those married to a U.S. citizen).
• Continuous Residence: You must have continuously resided in the U.S. during the required period.
• Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character, meaning no significant criminal record or issues that could jeopardize your application.
• English and Civics Knowledge: You must pass an English language and U.S. history and government (civics) test, unless exempt due to age or disability.

The Naturalization Process

Our experienced immigration attorney can help you with the naturalization process, which typically involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: We review your immigration history to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for naturalization.
2. Prepare Form N-400: We assist you in completing and filing the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Filing your American citizenship application correctly is crucial for a smooth process.
3. Biometrics Appointment: We guide you through the fingerprinting process and any required background checks.
4. Preparation for the Interview: Our attorney will prepare you for the USCIS interview, including the civics and English tests. The interview is a vital step for those applying for citizenship.
5. Oath of Allegiance: Once approved, you will attend a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.

N-400 Application

When a permanent resident is eligible to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, she or he must file a naturalization application with USCIS. This application for naturalization, officially known as Form N-400, is the first step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. N-400 form is used to provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with detailed information about your eligibility, background, and intent to naturalize.

Filing the Naturalization Application

The N-400 form can be filed up to 90 days before the applicant meets the necessary residence requirements.

The Application for Naturalization may be filed on paper or online.

The application package will consist of the N-400 form, a copy of the applicant’s Green Card, photographs, supporting documentation, and the filing fee. It’s essential to submit all required documentation, complete the N400 application accurately, and submit the appropriate filing fee. Mistakes or omissions can lead to delays or denials, so understanding the naturalization process is very important. Proper preparation can help you successfully become a citizen of the United States.

Start Your U.S. Naturalization Process Today

Don’t let uncertainty or confusion hold you back from getting U.S. citizenship. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable immigration law attorney. We’ll help you with the U.S. citizenship application. Our experienced immigration lawyer will guide you through every stage of the naturalization process, from completing Form N-400 to preparing for your citizenship interview and test. We help ensure your application is accurate and comprehensive, minimizing delays and increasing your chances of approval. Whether you have questions about eligibility, residency requirements, or supporting documentation, we provide personalized legal support to make your naturalization process smoother. Contact us today to take the first step toward obtaining American citizenship.