U.S. CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION

For nearly 20 years, Snable Stevenson & Silva's Immigration Advocacy Law practice group has assisted applicants in applying for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. The naturalization process allows foreign nationals to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Naturalization is the final step in the immigration process and grants individuals the full rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

Who Might Qualify to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

There are several criteria that one must generally meet to qualify for U.S. citizenship:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least three years, if married to a U.S. citizen
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government by passing the civics and history test
• Demonstrate good moral character

If eligible to apply for citizenship, an applicant can submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS")

The Steps in the Naturalization Process

1. Determine eligibility: Our immigration attorney will assess your eligibility to apply for naturalization and advise you on the best course of action. Our firm offers free consultations and case evaluations. There is no charge to speak with one of our immigration attorneys to assess your eligibility.

2. Submit Form N-400: Eligible individuals must complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the official USCIS form to apply for naturalization. It is important to fill it out correctly and to provide all required documents, any necessary evidence to support your eligibility, and all government filing fees.The form requires personal information, background details, and supporting documents, such as copies of the green card, photographs, and evidence of continuous residence and physical presence.

3. Complete your biometrics appointment: After submitting the N-400 application, the applicant is scheduled for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, fingerprints, photographs, and a signature are taken for background checks and to establish identity.

4. Respond to any questions or issues that USCIS needs addressed: If USCIS has any questions about the information that you have submitted with your application, if they require any additional information or documentation, or they have any issues with your eligibility, you will need to provide additional documentation and/or respond to their concerns with factual or legal explanations.

5. Naturalization interview and civics test: You will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer reviews the N-400 application, verifies the applicant's information, and assesses their eligibility for naturalization. Additionally, the applicant is tested on their knowledge of English and U.S. civics. The civics test includes questions about U.S. government, history, and laws.

Certain individuals may be eligible for exemptions or accommodations for the English language and civics requirements. For instance, applicants who are at least 50 years old and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years, or those who are at least 55 years old and have been permanent residents for at least 15 years, may be exempt from the English language requirement but must still take the civics test in their native language.

6. Oath of Allegiance: If the USCIS officer approves the naturalization application and the applicant passes the English and civics tests, they may be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. During this ceremony, the applicant swears an oath of loyalty to the United States, and officially becomes a U.S. citizen. The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is usually held within a few weeks after the interview.

7. Receipt of Certificate of Naturalization: Following the Oath of Allegiance, the applicant receives a Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship. The certificate is an important document and should be safeguarded.

It is important to note that the naturalization process may vary in certain circumstances, such as for spouses of U.S. citizens, members of the military, or children of U.S. citizens. Additionally, the process can take several months to complete, and it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with the requirements and navigate any complexities in the application process.

Snable Stevenson & Silva Can Guide You Through Naturalization to Citizenship

As it is with other areas of U.S. immigration law, navigating the naturalization process can be overwhelming and confusing. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers at Snable Stevenson & Silva will guide you through the process every step of the way, ensuring that you are on the right track to becoming a U.S. citizen. We provide comprehensive legal assistance, including assessing eligibility, filling out and submitting the necessary forms and related evidence, responding to any government requests for evidence or any eligibility questions, preparing you for USCIS interviews and tests, and attending naturalization interviews at the USCIS office.

In the event that you have already submitted an application for naturalization on your own that was denied, our firm is also experienced in appealing prior negative decisions (N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings), and we can often help you submit a new application that addresses the deficiencies that led to your previous denial.

Don't wait any longer to start your journey to U.S. citizenship. Contact Snable Stevenson & Silva today to schedule a free consultation with an immigration lawyer and get started on your naturalization application.

Contact our Immigration Lawyers Today for Legal Help

Do you want to bring your family member to the U.S. to live? Is your family member currently in the U.S. and you want to find a way for them to lawfully stay? Have you met someone abroad and you wish to marry and live together in the U.S.? Contact Snable Stevenson & Silva for immediate legal assistance and immigration law advice. Our qualified immigration lawyers can help you determine the best course of legal action and help you to achieve your goals.

We offer a free case evaluation and consultation. Contact our immigration law office today to schedule your free appointment with an immigration lawyer.