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If you are an immigrant with a goal of becoming an American citizen, you must go through the naturalization process. From filling out the application to taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, the process may take six months or more. Before you get started, here’s what to expect.

3 Steps to the Naturalization Process

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

You have to meet several eligibility requirements to begin the U.S. citizenship application process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to be 18 years old or more, a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, and have been physically present in the U.S. for at least five years upon applying.

Additionally, applicants must possess good moral character, pass the civic examination and be able to speak and understand the English language.

2. Complete the Application

naturalizationTo achieve your goal of U.S. citizenship, fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization completely and accurately. Include two photographs of yourself that comply with USCIS size, pose, and background requirements. Gather documents you need, including a copy of both sides of your Green Card and a check or money order for the application fee. Your paperwork and filing fees must be sent to the correct Service Center.

3. Attend the Interview

After the USCIS finishes a preliminary processing of your case, they set up a date and time to interview you. This interview includes the English language and civics tests needed to complete the naturalization process. When the interview is complete, the USCIS sends a notice of decision telling you whether your application is approved, in need of additional documentation, or denied.

If approved, you might be able to take part in a naturalization ceremony on the interview day, depending on the regulations of the jurisdiction where the application was filed. Otherwise, you receive a date and time for taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

This process looks very simple at first glance, but it’s not. When you file an N400 application for naturalization, immigration authorities will conduct a throughout investigation of your entire immigration file. If the immigration officer finds anything questionable before or after admission to the United States, the immigration officer will take that information into account in order to make a decision with regards to the naturalization application. 

If the officer’s decision is to deny the application for naturalization based fraud or misrepresentation at the time of admission, or a crime that created grounds for deportation, the officer will not only deny the application for naturalization, but also refer the case to Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court.

This means that you will have to defend your current immigration status of a lawful permanent resident of the United States in immigration court, in front of an immigration judge, in order to remain legally in the United States.

Do not risk your lawful permanent status in the United States, talk to an immigration attorney to evaluate your case, before filing an application for naturalization.

When you want to pursue naturalization, turn to Herhusky Law Office, PLLC. Whether you need a visa, a Green Card, or guidance through the application process, immigration attorney Karina Garcia Herhusky is ready to help. This skilled and experienced attorney has compassion for applicants struggling with anxiety about their next steps and fights to protect each client’s rights. To learn more about her immigration law services, visit her website. Call (919) 900-6610 to schedule a consultation today.

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