Citizenship and Naturalization
How to become a U.S. Citizen through Naturalization
To be eligible for naturalization an applicant must:
- demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years after having obtained a green card (three years in the case of an applicant married to a United States Citizen living in marital union with that spouse during this time period).
- be 18 years of age or older (unless waived due to military involvement).
- establish that he or she has resided for at least three months in the state where the application is filed and continuous residence in the U.S. from the date of filing up to the admission of citizenship.
- demonstrate good moral character during the five-year period (three years in the case of a spouse of United States Citizen and one year for a person in the military) prior to filing and up to the time of admission for citizenship.
United States Citizens enjoy greater privileges with respect to the family based immigration process, as compared to lawful permanent residents. A United States citizen may file for a spouse, child, adult son or daughter (whether married or single), parent, or sibling. A lawful permanent resident cannot petition for an adult married son or daughter. Nor can a lawful permanent resident petition a sibling or parent. Moreover, petitions filed by U.S. citizens on behalf of spouses, children and parents are classified as “immediate relative” petitions and are therefore not subject to the annual visa numerical restrictions and preference categories. In other words, there is no waiting line for these petitions.
If you or someone you love is interested in applying for naturalization, contact our office now to schedule a consultation and see if you qualify.
Citizenship and Naturalization Cases
- N-400 Citizenship cases
- N-600 Citizenship cases
- Derivative Citizenship
- Criminal immigration issues
- Post conviction relief
