Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant life event, and comprehending the intricate process of naturalization is vital for a successful application.
As immigration attorneys, we have had the tremendous honor and opportunity to be part of this process. Our firm has helped thousands of people obtain US citizenship, and we can do the same for you, too!
If you or a loved one need an immigration attorney for citizenship naturalization, it would be our pleasure to be of service to you.
Below, please find a summary of the N-400 process. Should you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call us at 602-989-5000.
Naturalization is the process by which a legal permanent resident can become a U.S. citizen. Citizenship gives the individual certain benefits such as:
A person can either apply on an individual basis or the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Individual Basis: If the person is not married to a U.S. citizen, he or she is eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of having their legal permanent residency.
Basis of Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: If the individual has been a legal permanent resident (LPR) for three years and is married to a U.S. citizen, and has been married to that same person for the past three years, he or she is eligible to apply for citizenship.
The naturalization process takes approximately six months. To qualify for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, applicants must meet several stringent criteria. These include:
Age Requirement: Individuals must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
Residency Duration: A minimum of five years as a green card holder immediately preceding the application, except in cases of marriage-based residency, where three years suffice.
Residence and Physical Presence: Continuous residence within the United States, including at least three months within the state or USCIS district of residence.
English Language Proficiency and Knowledge of U.S. History and Government: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English, alongside a comprehensive understanding of U.S. history and government.
Good Moral Character: Applicant must not have committed the following crimes within the five years immediately prior to the filing date (this list is not all-inclusive):
*Exceptions to some of these criteria exist for individuals meeting specific age and residency requirements, as outlined by USCIS guidelines.
The initial phase of the naturalization process involves the completion of the N-400 form, the official application for U.S. citizenship. The form itself costs $640.00. However, the biometrics exam is always included in the filing fee, totaling $725.00.
The following are some of the documents to send with the form N-400:
Once the N-400 application is received and processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the applicant will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where his or her fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected. This information is used for security and background checks. It’s a straightforward process and typically occurs approximately one month after form submission.
About two months after completing the biometrics, the applicant will receive a notice with the interview date, time, and location.
What you will need to bring to the interview:
During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions about the application and the applicant’s background. They may also test the applicant’s knowledge of English and U.S. history and government (civics test). It’s crucial to be well-prepared for this interview by reviewing the material provided by USCIS.
Exceptions and Exemptions
Upon successful completion of the interview and test, the applicant will receive a notice for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. This is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. During the ceremony, the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the United States. After taking the oath, the Certificate of Naturalization is issued, officially granting the applicant U.S. citizenship.
In the pursuit of US citizenship through naturalization, applicants often encounter several hurdles. Below, we outline common obstacles and provide actionable advice on how to navigate them effectively:
Language and Civics Test Concerns:
One of the most prevalent challenges is the English language and civics test. To address this, it’s crucial to practice your English language skills and thoroughly study for the civics test using official USCIS study materials. If you encounter difficulties with English, you may qualify for an exemption or accommodation, which our attorneys can help you explore and obtain.
Document Verification Issues:
Document verification can be a stumbling block due to missing or incomplete documentation. To prevent this, we recommend following USCIS guidelines meticulously when submitting your documents. Our attorneys can assist you in ensuring all required documents are included with your application, minimizing the chances of verification issues.
Lengthy Processing Times:
USCIS processing times can vary, leading to unexpected delays for some applicants. Stay informed by regularly checking the USCIS website for processing time updates. If your application is significantly delayed, our attorneys can guide you through the process of contacting USCIS to inquire about your case’s status, ensuring that you remain informed and your application progresses as smoothly as possible.
The journey toward naturalization is a multi-step process that demands careful attention and often benefits from expert guidance. Thus, it is advisable to consult with experienced immigration attorneys who can provide guidance and representation throughout the entire process.
You can reach out to the leading Arizona citizenship and naturalization lawyers at Alcock & Associates for a free case evaluation. Our experienced immigration attorneys can streamline the process and ensure that you receive the guidance and support needed to achieve your citizenship goals.
If you’re considering the application for US citizenship through naturalization, it’s essential to have all the necessary information and guidance to make well-informed decisions. That’s where our team of dedicated citizenship and naturalization attorneys steps in to assist you. We offer a complimentary consultation at your convenience, ensuring you have expert support throughout your naturalization process.
The path to US citizenship can be demanding, but with our experienced citizenship and naturalization attorneys by your side, you’re in capable hands. We possess in-depth knowledge of the naturalization process and are fully committed to your success. We are here to simplify your journey, provide professional guidance, and support you at every step as we work together towards achieving your goal of becoming a US citizen through naturalization.
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Mr. Alcock since the early 2000 and I’ve seen all his work and growth on helping the community and now after 10 years of residency, I had no doubt of coming to the firm for advice regarding my citizenship process.
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Here at Alcock and Associates our team and staff are dedicated to helping and representing YOU. The first step is to understand your case. We will take the time to get to know you and your legal situation so that we are best able to answer all of your questions. After your initial consultation with our attorneys, you will know what you are facing and what can happen to your case.
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