Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen

What Is Naturalization?

If you want to make the United States your home, take the final step and become a citizen. Going through the naturalization process changes your life, and it also guarantees that you have lifelong residency in the country, that you have the right to vote, that you can travel using an American passport and that your children have legal citizenship from the day they are born, regardless of their birthplace.

Becoming a citizen can be a challenging process. If you want to make sure your citizenship application and eventual naturalization go smoothly, hire a reputable immigration lawyer.

Receive Tailored Legal Assistance

What is the most important step you need to take when deciding to become an American citizen? You need to understand the process of naturalization. You know citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Just as you had to petition to immigrate to the United States and eventually receive Permanent Residency, you now have to petition for full citizenship.

As immigration law can be rather complex and laws change often, you want an attorney current on the latest changes, laws, regulations and rules. You need someone who can petition your case, advise you on your interview and help you gather your required documentation. You also want someone who can answer all your questions. Whether you seek citizenship through marriage or long-term residency, you want the right attorney by your side to help you.

What You Need to Know for the Naturalization Process

Before you apply for U.S. citizenship with a naturalization lawyer’s help, you must know a few things:

• Long-term residency: One requirement to apply for U.S. Citizenship is to be a Permanent Resident and reside in the U.S. for five years, spending most of your time within the country.
• Marriage: Another pathway to citizenship is to marry a U.S. citizen and live with your spouse for at least three years as a Permanent Resident.
• Military service – During peacetime: During peacetime, a non-citizen who served in the military for one year and received Permanent Residency during her or his service may apply.
• Military service – During wartime: A non-citizen serving in the military during a war qualifies to apply for citizenship without first obtaining Permanent Residency.
• English fluency: When applying for U.S. Citizenship, you must prove fluency in the English language through a written and oral examination. Immigration naturalization lawyers inform you of possible exemptions.
• Good moral character: When being considered for U.S. Citizenship, you must prove you (and anyone applying with you) are of good moral character. This includes having a clear criminal record and not being a public charge, among other criteria that your attorney specifies.

If you (and your family) wish to apply for U.S. Citizenship, make sure you present a great case to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is the best way to ensure you put forth the best case.

When to Make the Call and Hire an Immigration Lawyer

Anyone wishing to go through the naturalization process to be a U.S. Citizen should hire an experienced and reputable immigration attorney. Our network of immigration attorneys has experience in helping immigrants become citizens regardless of their particular situation.

They put your best case forward and ensure accurate paperwork filing. This is an important and life-changing decision, and you want to put yourself and your future in the best hands.

Before you do, ensure you and anyone applying with you have the correct documentation and paperwork. This makes the process smoother, and your attorney can help you complete your application without issue.

Here is what you should prepare for beforehand:

• Photocopy of your passport pages and your travel history
• Copy of tax documents
• Copy of criminal records (if applicable) and Police Certificate from your original country or countries
• Have the filing fees for the N-400 on hand
• Have all your documents translated to English (if necessary)

Expect a straightforward U.S. Citizen process. At first, you must determine if you can legally apply. If you can, proceed with the N-400 application. If you cannot, you must overcome your ineligibility with your legal advocate’s help.

Be Patient During the Process

Once you file the N-400 form for naturalization, you wait. The process can take anywhere from a few months to several months. The USCIS receives a lot of regular applications, so you must not only practice patience, but also double-check that you send all necessary information and documents the first time. After the application processing phase, you must attend a fingerprinting appointment.

After your fingerprinting appointment, you complete an interview where you must prove your fluency in the English language and demonstrate your knowledge of American history. If approved, you attend an Oath Ceremony, where you receive your official U.S. Citizenship.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer

If you make the United States your home, why not seal the deal with citizenship? While the process is time-consuming, can test your patience and requires meticulous preparation, the reward at the end is worth it. Be sure you do everything right in your quest for naturalization. By reaching out and consulting an experienced immigration lawyer, you have an easier time with the process and a better chance of acquiring citizenship.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!