Citizenship & Naturalization
Naturalization is the last step — the point at which you stop renewing documents and start voting. It is also the point at which your whole immigration history gets reviewed again, so it is worth approaching carefully rather than casually.
Who is eligible
Most applicants need to show all of the following:
- Permanent residence for the required period — generally five years, or three where you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
- Continuous residence in the United States over that period, without long absences that break it.
- Physical presence for at least half of the qualifying period.
- Good moral character, which is assessed over the statutory period and sometimes beyond.
- English and civics, unless you qualify for an exemption based on age and length of residence, or a disability waiver.
- Attachment to the Constitution, and willingness to take the oath.
When applying carries risk
This is the part that gets least attention and matters most. A naturalization application invites a fresh review of your entire immigration history. If something in that history is a problem, applying can surface it.
- Criminal history, including old or minor offenses, and anything not disclosed previously.
- Long absences abroad that may have broken continuous residence or suggested abandonment.
- Problems in the original green card case — errors or misstatements, even unintentional ones.
- Unfiled taxes, or filing as a non-resident while holding a green card.
- Failure to register for Selective Service where it applied.
- Child support arrears or similar obligations.
In the worst cases, applying can lead to removal proceedings
If the review uncovers something that made you removable or that undermines the original grant of residence, the outcome can be far worse than a denial. This is why we review the full history before filing rather than after. If there is a problem, it is much better to know about it first.
What the process looks like
Application
Form N-400 with supporting documents covering residence, absences, taxes and any criminal history.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and a background check.
Interview
An officer reviews the application with you, and administers the English and civics tests.
Decision
Approval, continuation for more evidence or a retest, or denial.
Oath ceremony
You become a citizen when you take the oath, not when the application is approved.
Anything in your history you are unsure about?
Better to look at it before you file than to find out at the interview. The consultation is free.
Frequently asked questions
How long does naturalization take?
Processing times vary considerably by office. We can tell you what the office handling your case is currently running at.
What if I fail the English or civics test?
You generally get a second opportunity on the parts you did not pass, usually within a few months. Exemptions exist based on age and years of residence, and disability waivers are available with medical certification.
I have a criminal record. Should I apply?
Have it reviewed first. Some offenses are permanent bars, some affect only the good moral character period, and some are irrelevant. The answer depends on the specific offense and when it happened — and applying blindly is the risk.
I have spent long periods abroad. Is that a problem?
It can be. Absences of six months or more can raise questions about continuous residence, and a year or more generally breaks it. There are ways to address this, but it needs handling deliberately.
Do I lose my original citizenship?
That depends on the other country’s law, not U.S. law. Many countries permit dual citizenship; some do not. Check with that country before taking the oath.
Can my children become citizens automatically?
Children who are permanent residents and living in your legal custody may acquire citizenship automatically when you naturalize, if they are under 18. The rules are specific and worth confirming.
This page is general information about naturalization and U.S. citizenship, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently and eligibility depends on the facts of your case. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter. Please speak with a licensed attorney about your own situation.
Ready to become a citizen?
We will review your history first, tell you where you stand, and file when it is safe to do so.