Citizenship Through Naturalization | Citizenship Lawyer | Citizenship Attorney | Naturalization Lawyer
The process through which a foreign national applies to become a United States citizen is called Naturalization. Attaining United States citizenship requires fulfilling all criteria set forth by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). An applicant is usually, but not always, required to be a permanent resident or green card holder before filing for naturalization. In most cases, an application for naturalization can only be granted in the United States. Exceptions, however, are made for U.S. military members and certain other dependents. Submitting a perfect and complete application for citizenship is important, and sometimes makes the difference between attaining citizenship and being denied. Experienced USA immigration lawyers and immigration law firms have years of practice in making sure that their clients' citizenship applications are correct the first time they are submitted, which usually results in U.S. citizenship.
Residency Qualifications for Naturalization:
- Applicant has been a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years and meets all other eligibility requirements.
- Applicant has been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meets all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- Applicant has qualifying service in the United States armed forces and meets all other eligibility requirements.
- The applicant's child may qualify for naturalization if the applicant is a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the United States, and all other eligibility requirements are met.
In addition to meeting all residency requirements, an applicant will also be asked to demonstrate good moral character. Showing good moral character means that a person cannot have done any of the following in the five years preceding the application:
- committed and been convicted of 2 or more offenses for which the total sentence imposed was 5 years or more
- committed and been convicted of any controlled substance law, except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana
- been confined to a penal institution during the statutory period, as a result of a conviction, for an aggregate period of 180 days or more
- admitted facts that constitute a crime
- voted unlawfully
- made a false claim to U.S. citizenship
- committed and been convicted of two or more gambling offenses
- earned his or her principle income from illegal gambling
- involved in prostitution or commercialized vice
- involved in smuggling illegal aliens into the U.S.
- been a habitual drunkard
- practicing or has practiced polygamy
- willfully failed or refused to support dependents
- gave false testimony, under oath, in order to receive a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
Additionally, an applicant must demonstrate a high knowledge and understanding of the history and form of the United States government. This will require receiving a passing score on an American history and culture citizenship exam. USA immigration attorneys and USA immigration law firms are available, not only to help file your citizenship application and appeal, but also to coach you through the history and culture exam, explaining the ins-and-outs, and exactly what you should be studying.
Required Documents for a U.S. Citizenship Application
Finally, the following documents will need to be submitted:
- Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization
- 2 "passport-style" photographs
- A check in the amount of $260 (the filing fee), made payable to "US USCIS"
- If the applicant has ever been arrested anywhere in the world, for anything other than minor traffic offenses, a copy of the police record, together with copies of the relevant court documents.
For more information about how you can apply for U.S. citizenship, please fill out the questionnaire below and an experienced Immigration lawyer will contact you regarding your particular immigration matter. There is no obligation created by your submission of information. Immigration lawyers and law firms are available at all hours and will contact you to assist with any immigration concerns that you may have.
If you'd like to see some sample questions on the American history test, please visit our sample questions.
Contact a USA Immigration Lawyer ◊ Se Habla Español
It is important to remember that immigration laws are some of the most difficult and complex regulations in U.S. law, and a competent United States immigration attorney is often required to interpret this body of law. If you need help determining whether your claim fits under any of these laws, a USA immigration attorney or USA immigration law firm can assist with not only services such as immigration appeals and USCIS applications, but also with work permits, family visas, student visas, physician and nurse visas, visitor visas, adjustment of status, green card replacement and renewal, removal of conditions, deportation hearings, asylum, removal hearings, and citizenship or naturalization. Additionally, a USA Immigration Law firm or immigration attorney could help with employment visas such as PERM, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5, Intra-Company Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, H-1B, E, E-3, H-2B, O, P, Q, R, or TN. Call or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your immigration issues or questions. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced immigration lawyer, please fill out the form listed on this webpage. Immigration lawyers and law firms are available at all hours and will contact you to assist with any immigration concerns that you may have.