Citizenship & Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen is the most significant milestone in the immigration journey. We make sure you are fully prepared and that your application is airtight.
Eligibility Requirements
Most applicants must have been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., be able to read, write, and speak basic English, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the civics test. There are additional requirements and exceptions for military members, spouses of overseas U.S. citizens, and others. We conduct a thorough eligibility review before filing.
The N-400 Application
Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization. It asks detailed questions about your background, residency history, travel history, employment, tax compliance, criminal history, and more. Errors or omissions on the N-400 — even inadvertent ones — can delay or derail your case. We review every question with you, identify potential issues before USCIS does, and prepare a complete, accurate application.
Interview Preparation
The naturalization interview covers your N-400 application in detail and includes the English and civics tests. The civics test consists of 10 questions drawn from a bank of 100 — you must answer at least 6 correctly. We provide comprehensive interview preparation, including mock interviews, civics test coaching, and guidance on how to handle difficult questions about your background.
Overcoming Complications
Criminal history, extended trips outside the U.S., tax issues, failure to register for Selective Service, prior immigration violations, or membership in certain organizations can all complicate naturalization. None of these automatically disqualify you, but they require careful analysis and preparation. We have helped many clients with complicated backgrounds successfully naturalize.
Currently, USCIS processing times range from 8 to 18 months depending on your local field office. After filing, you will receive a biometrics appointment, then an interview notice. Some field offices are processing cases faster than others in 2026.
It depends entirely on the nature and timing of the offense. Minor offenses from many years ago may not affect your case. More serious offenses, or recent ones, may present a good moral character issue. Some convictions permanently bar naturalization. Do not file without speaking to an attorney who can evaluate your specific record.
Extended absences can affect both continuous residence and physical presence requirements. Generally, single trips of 6 months or more can break continuous residence. You must also have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (or 18 months out of 3 years for spousal cases). We analyze your travel history and advise on how to proceed.
Children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents may automatically acquire citizenship when a parent naturalizes, under the Child Citizenship Act — but only if certain conditions are met. We analyze whether your child qualifies and help obtain the Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) as evidence.
