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Naturalization and citizenship

Citizenship is your key to new opportunities!
Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)
This is the primary form submitted by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship. To file this form, an applicant is generally required to have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a certain period (5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate knowledge of the English language, U.S. history, and government, and meet other eligibility criteria such as having "good moral character." The form is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Form N-336)
This form is filed when an applicant has been denied naturalization (for example, after submitting Form N-400) and wishes to appeal the USCIS decision. It allows the applicant to request a review of the case at a hearing before an immigration officer. This serves as an administrative appeal within the agency before pursuing a case in federal court.
Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)
This form is used to obtain an official document certifying U.S. citizenship for individuals who are already U.S. citizens (for example, through U.S. citizen parents or by birth), but do not have documentation to prove it. Unlike Form N-400, it is not used to apply for naturalization, but rather to confirm existing citizenship.
Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648)
This form is completed by a licensed medical professional for naturalization applicants who are unable to meet the English language and/or civics test requirements due to physical or mental impairments (such as dementia, severe injuries, or disabilities). It must be submitted along with Form N-400 to request an exemption from these requirements.
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U.S. Citizenship: Pathways and Naturalization Process

Obtaining U.S. citizenship can be achieved through two primary pathways: birthright citizenship and naturalization.

Birthright Citizenship

Anyone born in the United States or its territories automatically acquires U.S. citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationality. This right is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Additionally, children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if certain residency requirements are met. This ensures that individuals with direct ties to the U.S. through birth are recognized as U.S. citizens.

Naturalization: Citizenship for Green Card Holders

Naturalization is the process through which lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) become U.S. citizens. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

  • Residency period – Typically 5 years as a permanent resident (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Good moral character – No serious legal violations during the required period.
  • English and civics test – Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and pass a U.S. history and government exam.

The naturalization process includes filing Form N-400, attending a biometrics appointment, completing an interview with a USCIS officer, and finally, taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen provides many advantages, including:

  • The right to vote in elections
  • The ability to travel with a U.S. passport
  • Eligibility for federal government jobs and benefits

If you’re considering applying for U.S. citizenship, we’re here to guide you through the process!

Pathways to U.S. Citizenship

  • Naturalization for Green Card Holders
  • Derivative Citizenship for Individuals Born Abroad

Naturalization for Green Card Holders

This is the process by which permanent residents (Green Card holders) become U.S. citizens after meeting all eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

  • Residency Requirement – You must have held a Green Card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Physical Presence – You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.
  • Good Moral Character – No serious legal violations or criminal activity.
  • English and Civics Test – You must pass an exam on U.S. history, government, and basic English proficiency.

Steps to Apply for Naturalization

01
Complete and Submit Form N-400
Applicants must fill out Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and submit it along with the required fees and supporting documents, including: 📌 A copy of the Green Card 📌 Proof of marital status (if applicable) 📌 Evidence of continuous residence in the U.S
02
Attend Biometrics Appointment
After submitting Form N-400, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature for background checks.
03
Citizenship Interview and Exam
During an interview with a USCIS officer, applicants will: ✔ Answer questions about their application and background ✔ Take the English and U.S. civics test
04
Oath of Allegiance
If approved, applicants will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony, where they will take the Oath of Allegianceand officially become U.S. citizens.

Derivative Citizenship for Individuals Born Abroad

Derivative citizenship applies to individuals born outside the U.S. who may have acquired citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent or grandparent. Eligibility for this pathway depends on specific legal criteria.

Who Qualifies for Derivative Citizenship?

  • At least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of birth
  • The U.S. citizen parent met residency requirements in the U.S. before the child's birth
  • The child was in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent

Steps to Obtain Derivative Citizenship

01
Determine Eligibility
Applicants must review their parent’s (or grandparent’s) U.S. citizenship status and their residency history in the U.S.
02
Gather Required Documents
Supporting documents may include: 📌 Birth certificate 📌 Proof of U.S. citizenship of parent(s) or grandparent(s) 📌 Evidence of the parent’s or grandparent’s physical presence in the U.S.
03
Submit Form N-600
Applicants must file Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) along with supporting documents and fees.
04
Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, USCIS may require an interview to verify eligibility for derivative citizenship.
05
Receive Certificate of Citizenship
Once approved, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Citizenship, confirming their U.S. citizenship status.
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FAQ

Questions and answers

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting certain requirements.

Green card holders who have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), meet English and U.S. history requirements, and demonstrate good moral character.

Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is submitted to USCIS to apply for citizenship.

Yes, most applicants must pass a test on English and basic U.S. history and government.

Yes. Exceptions are available for individuals with certain physical or mental impairments (using Form N-648), or based on age and time as a permanent resident.

You may file Form N-336 – a request for a hearing to appeal the USCIS decision.

It is an application for a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals who are already U.S. citizens by birth or through their parents.

Yes. Some children automatically become citizens if a parent naturalizes and the child resides with them in the U.S. as a permanent resident.

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    We help you navigate the complexities of US immigration law.
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