Citizenship and Naturalization

Becoming a Citizen

Naturalization is the process by which a green-card holder becomes a United States citizen. For many people it is the last step in a long journey, and it brings the right to vote, to hold a United States passport, and to petition for more family members. Most people become eligible after holding a green card for five years, or three years if they are married to a citizen, but there are details that matter.

Before you file, it is worth confirming that you meet the requirements: continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and the ability to pass the English and civics tests, with some exceptions. We review your history first, because filing when you are not yet eligible, or when something in your record needs to be addressed, can create problems rather than solve them.

What We Help With

• Confirming you are eligible before you file.
• Preparing and filing the N-400 application.
• Getting ready for the interview, step by step.
• Practicing the civics and English tests.
• Disability or age-based test exceptions where they apply.
• Cases where a past record needs careful handling.

The Interview Does Not Have to Be Scary

The citizenship interview worries many people, and the test can feel like a lot. We walk you through the questions you will be asked, practice the civics test with you, and make sure you know what to expect when you arrive. Going in prepared turns a stressful day into a manageable one.

Before You Are Eligible

If you are not quite at the green-card-years mark yet, or you are still working toward permanent residence, we can help you plan. See green cards for the step before this one.