Becoming a U.S. citizen represents a meaningful commitment and opens doors to voting in federal elections, certain government jobs, sponsoring family members with shorter wait times, and provides greater security since a U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States is almost always a permanent right.
This service is for you if:
- You’ve been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- You’re a member of the U.S. military or veteran seeking expedited naturalization
- You meet residency, physical presence, or good moral character requirements, I will help you determine if you meet these requirements.
- You have concerns about past issues that might affect your application (tax problems, criminal history, time spent outside the U.S.) I will help you address these concerns.
- You want to ensure your application is prepared correctly the first time
Understanding the Process
1. Eligibility Review I will conduct a thorough review of your immigration history, time in the United States, tax compliance, and any factors that could affect your application. Not everyone who has a green card qualifies for citizenship immediately, and I’ll help you understand where you stand.
2. Application Preparation I will prepare Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with careful attention to accuracy. USCIS asks detailed questions about your residence history, trips abroad, employment, taxes, and moral character. Mistakes or omissions can delay your case or lead to denial.
3. Interview Preparation I will help you prepare for your naturalization interview and civics test, reviewing potential questions and ensuring you understand what to expect. I’ll also prepare you for questions about your application and background.
4. Oath Ceremony and Securing a U.S. Passport Once approved, you’ll attend a ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. I will guide you through any final steps, answer questions about your new status, and help you secure a U.S. passport
Why Careful Preparation Matters
Naturalization applications require complete honesty and thorough documentation. USCIS reviews your entire immigration history, tax records, and background. Issues that might not have mattered when you got your green card—extended trips abroad, employment gaps, tax filing questions—can affect your citizenship application.
With decades of experience in regulatory compliance and documentation requirements, I ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and presents your eligibility clearly. I’ve spent 30 years learning that attention to detail and systematic preparation are what separate successful applications from problematic ones.
If you have any complications in your history, it’s especially important to have guidance from someone who can assess risks and address potential issues proactively.
Practical Information
Typical Timeline: Naturalization applications typically take 8-14 months from filing to oath ceremony, though timelines vary by location and USCIS workload.
Key Documents Typically Needed:
- Green card (front and back copies)
- Passport and travel records for the past 5 years
- Tax returns (typically 5 years)
- Marriage certificate and spouse’s citizenship/immigration documents (if applicable)
- Divorce decrees or death certificates from prior marriages
- Selective Service registration (for men who lived in the U.S. betIen ages 18-26)
- Any court records related to arrests or citations
Legal Fees: Fees are typically flat-rate for straightforward naturalization cases. Cases with complicating factors may require additional work. I’ll discuss fees clearly during your consultation.
Ready to discuss your case? Schedule a free consultation to review your situation and explore your options. Call (646) 645-1827 or complete my contact form.