The citizenship application process is time-consuming, lengthy, and complex. Our Immigration attorneys can help you navigate the process of applying for U.S. citizenship.
If you are not born into citizenship, you can become naturalized after gaining permanent residency status. If you are a member of a select group where special status is conferred, other naturalization provisions will apply. This includes persons in the following categories:
For most other applicants, they must be at least 18 years of age and meet the following conditions:
Certain exceptions and circumstances do not prevent you from applying for naturalization if you were absent from the U.S. during these time periods, such as working for a U.S. contractor or being on a U.S. vessel at sea. Individuals in this type of situation can file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, or Form N-470.
There are also situations where some applicants for naturalization are excused from the English proficiency requirement. This includes persons who are over 50 and have lived in the U.S. for 20 years before becoming a permanent resident, or those who are at least 55 years old and have lived in the U.S. for 15 years before becoming a permanent resident. Applicants with disabilities may also qualify to be exempt from the English and civics requirements.
The application for naturalization is form N-400. Once submitted and accepted, the applicant is sent a notice for a biometrics appointment and then scheduled for the citizenship interview.
When the interview is complete, the officer should give you a Form N-652 that informs you whether your application has been granted or denied, or if your naturalization case was continued.
If your application was denied, be sure to contact us at Nuñez & Associates, our immigration attorneys can advise you on appeal procedures or counsel you on your options.
If you have legal permanent residence in the United States for at least 3 years, married and living with the same United States citizen spouse for the same 3 years, and your spouse has been a citizen for at least 3 years, you can apply for citizenship.
Contact our office so one of our trained immigration attorneys can help you through the citizenship application process.