Citizenship & Naturalization

The final step in your immigration journey. We provide the legal guidance and interview preparation you need to become a proud United States Citizen.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a monumental milestone. It grants you the right to vote, travel with a U.S. passport, sponsor a wider range of family members, and live with the absolute certainty that you can never be deported.

However, the naturalization process (Form N-400) involves a rigorous review of your entire immigration, criminal, and tax history since the day you arrived in the U.S. At IMMI.LAW, we don't just fill out your application; we conduct a comprehensive legal audit of your background to identify and resolve any potential red flags before USCIS ever sees them. We stand by your side from the initial filing all the way to your Oath Ceremony.

Are You Eligible to Apply?

To apply for naturalization, you must first meet several strict statutory requirements. You may be eligible to apply if you meet one of the following baseline criteria:

The 5-Year Rule (Standard Applicant)

You have been a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years.
You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding your application.
You have lived in the state or USCIS district where you are applying for at least 3 months.

The 3-Year Rule (Spouses of U.S. Citizens)

You have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for at least 3 years.
You have been married to, and living in a valid marital union with, the same U.S. citizen spouse for all 3 years.
You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding your application.

(Note: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses may be eligible for an expedited naturalization process, often with waived residency requirements).

Additional Requirements for Citizenship

Beyond the timeline, USCIS requires applicants to demonstrate the following:

Good Moral Character (GMC): You must show you have maintained good moral character, which involves a deep review of your criminal record, tax payments, and child support obligations.
Basic English Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English (unless you qualify for an age/residency exemption).
U.S. History & Government Knowledge: You must pass a civics test during your interview.

The Step-by-Step Process with IMMI.LAW

We take the stress out of naturalization by managing every detail:

Step 1: The Legal Audit & N-400 Filing We review your travel history, tax transcripts, and any past traffic/criminal citations. Once we ensure you are legally cleared to apply, we meticulously prepare and file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) along with all supporting evidence.

Step 2: Biometrics Appointment If USCIS requires updated fingerprints and photographs for your FBI background check, we will notify you of your scheduled appointment time and location.

Step 3: Interview & Exam Preparation This is where our firm truly shines. Before your scheduled USCIS interview, our attorneys will conduct a rigorous mock interview. We will test your English, quiz you on the civics questions, and prepare you for any tough questions an immigration officer might ask regarding your background.

Step 4: The Oath of Allegiance Once your application is approved, the final step is attending the Oath Ceremony. After you take the Oath of Allegiance, you will trade in your Green Card for your official Certificate of Naturalization!

Official Government Fees (Current as of 2026)

These are direct fees paid to the U.S. Government and do not include IMMI.LAW’s legal representation fees.

As of the recent USCIS fee updates, the biometrics fee has been eliminated for most N-400 applicants, and the fee structure is now based on how you file:

Form N-400 (Online Filing): $710
Form N-400 (Paper Filing): $760
Reduced Fee: $380 (Paper filing only. You may qualify if your documented household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines).
Military Applicants: $0

Please verify all current fees directly on the Official USCIS Fee Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my original citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen? The United States allows dual citizenship. However, whether you can keep your original passport depends entirely on the laws of your home country. Some countries automatically revoke your citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere, while others allow you to hold both.

What if I have a traffic ticket or a past criminal record? Do not hide it. Even a minor traffic citation or an expunged record must be disclosed on the N-400. While minor traffic tickets usually do not impact Good Moral Character, failure to disclose them is considered fraud and will result in a denial. If you have any criminal history, our attorneys must review court dispositions before you apply.

Do I have to take the test in English? You may be exempt from the English language requirement (and allowed to take the civics test in your native language via an interpreter) if you meet certain age and residency rules:

The "50/20" Rule: You are 50 or older and have held your Green Card for 20+ years.
The "55/15" Rule: You are 55 or older and have held your Green Card for 15+ years.
The "65/20" Rule: You are 65 or older and have held your Green Card for 20+ years (you also get a simplified version of the civics test).
Medical Exceptions: You may also qualify for an exemption if a physical or developmental disability prevents you from learning English or civics (Form N-648).

Secure Your U.S. Citizenship

Don't let a misunderstood question or a forgotten travel date delay your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Schedule an Assessment Consultation with our expert immigration team today, and let us help you confidently cross the finish line.

Schedule Your Assessment Consultation

(US $150)

Schedule