Mooresville Citizenship Attorney

Mooresville Citizenship Attorney

A US citizen is a person who, by place of birth, nationality of one or both parents, or naturalization, is granted full rights and responsibilities as a member of the United States of America. Citizenship means full membership in our community with civil, political, and social elements.

Understanding what citizenship means is one thing; obtaining it is another thing entirely. Becoming a US citizen is complicated, time-consuming, and sometimes expensive. An experienced immigration lawyer can make it a lot easier for you. 

In the meantime, let’s consider different stages of the citizenship process:

• First, make sure you’re not already a citizen. If you were born in the US or outside the US to US citizen parents, you are a citizen. Also, if you were under 18 and a lawful permanent resident when one or both of your parents became a citizen or a citizen adopted you, you too are a citizen. 
• If you aren’t a citizen yet, check to see if you’re eligible to be one. You must be at least 18 and a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three if married to a citizen). You may also qualify based on military service, which has different rules.
• If you are eligible, your next step is to prepare Form N-400. You’ll likely want to get an attorney at this point. You’ll need to gather all your supporting documents and get your green card photos at this point.
• Submit your form N-400 and supporting documentation.
• Set up and go to your biometrics appointment. This will be for fingerprints if required for your FBI criminal background check. You must complete this background check before the USCIS schedules your immigration interview. 
• Complete your immigration interview on the time and date scheduled. Rescheduling a missed interview can take months. It’s far better to make your original appointment. 
• At the interview, you’ll take your English and history tests and will meet with the officer, who will ask your questions in English. The officer may make a decision during your interview or may have to continue your case. Continuation usually results from needing additional documents or failing one or both tests. If so, USCIS will reschedule your test, not including anything you did pass. If you fail the tests a second time, USCIS will usually deny your application.
• Get your decision from USCIS on your Form N-400 Application for Naturalization. If granted, you’ll soon move on/ If denied, you can appeal. An attorney will be highly useful at this point. 
• If USCIS approves your application, you will soon receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance. It will include the time, date, and location of the ceremony. 
• Take the Oath of Allegiance. Even if your application is approved, you are not a citizen until you take the Oath. It is administered by USCIS or by a judge. You receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the Oath.

Consult with a Mooresville Citizenship Attorney

Vestal Immigration Law is proud to walk our clients down the path to citizenship in the United States. Contact us for more information about how we can help you.