Naturalization Lawyers Mooresville

Naturalization Lawyers Mooresville

Naturalization is the process through which US citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after that resident meets the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). A person can also obtain citizenship by acquisition, which occurs at birth or after birth to US citizen parents before the individual turns 18.

If you’re considering applying for naturalization, it might be wise to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer. Immigration and naturalization are complex and time-consuming processes, especially working on your own. 

Eligibility Criteria for Citizenship

Before you can apply for naturalization, you have to meet a few qualifying requirements. Some requirements may apply to your situation, but the following conditions apply to all applicants. You must:

• Be 18 or older at the time of filing
• Be a lawful permanent resident (that is, have a green card)
• Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the US for at least five years (three if married to a US citizen)
• Show that you have been physically present in the US for 30 months (18 months if married to a US citizen)
• Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you claim residence

Please note that if you have a parent that was a US citizen before you turned 18, you will apply for a Certificate of Citizenship instead of for naturalization.

As a general rule, the following guidelines apply to most applicants for naturalization. An experienced immigration law attorney can help you determine which ones apply to you and which might be a problem. 

• English and US History – you will be expected to read, write, and speak English and to have a basic knowledge of US history and civics. Your interview will include questions you must answer in English, and you will have to pass a history/civics exam. 
• Support for US Ideals – You must be willing to support and defend the US and its Constitution. You declare your “attachment” to the US in the Oath of Allegiance, after which you become a citizen.
• Life Events – If you’ve experienced certain life events, such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or a name change, be sure to bring documentation of the event to your interview. You must prove your current marital status and legal name.
• Arrest Record – If you have EVER been arrested, detained, cited by the police, or any similar event, be sure to bring the documents showing the disposition of your case to your interview. Even if your record was expunged or you entered a plea bargain, you must still bring the relevant documents to your hearing. You must provide original or certified copies of all such documents. 
• Travel – If you traveled outside the US during the last five years, you’ll need documentation. It’s best to bring all your valid and expired passports to the interview and any travel documents you get from USCIS. 
• Draft and Taxes – Men between the age of 16 and 26 must register for the draft, and you must be current on your taxes.

Finally, you will need to sign your application and pay your fee.

Speak with Naturalization Lawyers in Chicago

Vestal Immigration Law helps clients achieve their goals of U.S. citizenship through naturalization. If you would like to discuss your path to citizenship, contact our office directly today.