Naturalization​

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Eligibility For Naturalization

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The process that allows citizens of other countries to obtain U.S. citizenship is called naturalization. Before you can start the naturalization process, you must become a green card holder. Once you are a green card holder for approximately three to five years, then you can start to explore whether you are eligible for naturalization.

To be eligible to naturalize and become a full citizen of the United States, the general requirements are that you be

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• At least 18 years old;

• Able to pass an English test (with some exceptions);

• Able to pass a test on U.S. civics and history (with some exceptions);

• A green card holder for a certain number of years before filing the naturalization application:

• A lawful permanent resident for at least five years; or

• A lawful permanent resident who has been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for at least three years.

• Have been physically present in the U.S. on a continual basis;

• Have been physically present in the U.S. for the majority of the statutory period (i.e., the years as a green card holder);

• Have been person of good moral character;

• Have lived in the U.S. and the state from which you file your naturalization application for at least three months before filing; and

• Support the Constitution and form of government of the United States.

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While these requirements seem straightforward on paper, applicants often misunderstand whether they meet the requirements or not. Some very common reasons that naturalization applications are denied citizenship are having spent too much time outside of the United States while a permanent resident, having an open criminal case or having been convicted of certain disqualifying crimes, failing to properly file U.S. taxes, or failing to register for selective service. This is another area where a knowledgeable citizenship lawyer can be an invaluable resource.

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Steps In The Citizenship & Naturalization Process

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Knowing what to expect helps any process seem less overwhelming, and not being caught unawares is more important than every when you are in the process of obtaining citizenship. Attorney Josh Goldstein and team can guide you through each step of the naturalization process, from start to finish.

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A typical naturalization proceeds in the following manner:

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1. Once we help you determine that you are eligible for naturalization, we fill out and submit form N-400 on your behalf, along with the filing fee and any necessary supporting documentation. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will then send you a notice indicating that the government has received your N-400 application. This receipt notice will assign you a personal number, which you can use to check your case status online.

2. You will be mailed a biometrics notice, which will tell you that you are required to appear for a “biometrics appointment” – an appointment where immigration takes your photo and fingerprints so that the government can complete a background check before your interview. After your biometrics have been captured, USCIS will schedule a naturalization interview at the USCIS office closest to your home address.

3. When you hire a Los Angeles citizenship lawyer, it is their job to accompany you to the interview for legal support and advice, if needed. The interview will include a test of your ability to read, write and speak English, as well as a test on U.S. civics and history. In addition to these tests, a USCIS officer will review your N-400 application to confirm and update all of the information that you have submitted in the application and supporting documents.

4. At the end of the interview, the officer should give you a piece of paper indicating whether you passed the English tests, the civics test, and whether you are being recommended for approval. The officer will prepare the information that will appear on your naturalization certificate and inform know how soon to expect your oath notice.

5. After the interview, you will be mailed a letter called your oath notice. This letter will inform you when and where your swearing in ceremony will take place. It is on the day of your swearing in that you will become a U.S. citizen.