Guiding green card holders through every step of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. Citizenship brings real advantages: the right to vote, a U.S. passport, protection from removal, and the ability to petition for a wider range of family members. We prepare your Form N-400 application and help you get ready for your interview and civics test.
Eligibility requirements depend on how you obtained your green card, but generally include:
We review your immigration and travel history before we file, so any issues that could affect your eligibility, such as extended trips abroad or past legal matters, are addressed before your interview rather than during it.
Our immigration attorneys are ready to review your eligibility and answer your questions. Contact us today at (718) 878-1177 or fill out our online form for free.
Generally five years as a permanent resident, or three years if you have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse for that entire time. Certain other categories, such as some military service members, may qualify sooner.
Most applicants do, but there are exemptions based on age and length of permanent residence, and modified testing accommodations for applicants with certain disabilities. We can review whether an exemption applies to you.
The United States allows dual citizenship, but whether your home country does depends on its own laws. We recommend confirming your home country's rules before you naturalize.
Certain criminal convictions, providing false information on immigration applications, or failing to meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements can all affect eligibility. We review your history in detail before filing.
Processing times vary by USCIS field office, but many applicants wait several months to about a year from filing to their oath ceremony.
Applying for lawful permanent residence from inside the United States.
Learn MorePetitioning to bring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to the United States.
Learn MoreA path to a green card for survivors of abuse, filed independently of an abusive spouse or parent.
Learn MoreProtection for those who fear persecution in their home country.
Learn MoreNonimmigrant visa applications and extending your authorized stay in the United States.
Learn MoreRelief that can allow certain long-term residents to remain in the United States.
Learn MoreGuidance when criminal charges or convictions affect your immigration status.
Learn MoreRepresentation in removal proceedings to keep you and your family in the United States.
Learn MoreRequests to excuse certain grounds of inadmissibility so your application can move forward.
Learn MoreApplying for lawful permanent residence from inside the United States.
Learn morePetitioning to bring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to the United States.
Learn moreA path to a green card for survivors of abuse, filed independently of an abusive spouse or parent.
Learn moreProtection for those who fear persecution in their home country.
Learn moreNonimmigrant visa applications and extending your authorized stay in the United States.
Learn moreRelief that can allow certain long-term residents to remain in the United States.
Learn moreGuidance when criminal charges or convictions affect your immigration status.
Learn moreRepresentation in removal proceedings to keep you and your family in the United States.
Learn moreRequests to excuse certain grounds of inadmissibility so your application can move forward.
Learn moreShim Law Group is always looking to help those in need.
