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An attorney from New Frontier Immigration Law may be able to help you navigate the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen. Our immigration lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, understand the criteria, can manage the paperwork, and know what it takes to pass the tests.
We provide strategic sessions for immigrants hoping to become U.S. citizens. We will explain the steps, discuss matters that could cause hiccups along the way, and offer support and services that make the naturalization and citizenship process easier.
What Are the Requirements for Naturalization and Citizenship?
Naturalization is the process that allows a lawful permanent resident of the United States to become a U.S. citizen. At New Frontier Immigration Law, we help clients by:
- Answering questions they have about this process or its criteria
- Evaluating if they meet the qualifications and gathering evidence
- Handling all paperwork and meeting applicable deadlines
- Navigating the legal process on their behalf
- Offering support for studying for the test and more
Only some lawful permanent residents meet the criteria to be U.S. citizens. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet residency requirements
- Have lived in the state or jurisdiction where they apply for at least three months
- Have continuous residence in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- Reside in the United States throughout the naturalization process
- Be able to read, write, and speak English, with some exceptions
- Pass a U.S. history and government test
- Not have a serious crime on their record within the past five years
Our Phoenix immigration attorneys will examine your claim and help you determine whether you meet the qualifications for naturalization and citizenship. If you are missing some requirements, we will work together constructively to decide what steps you must take to improve your claim. However, if you are ineligible, we can help you determine whether other options might meet your particular needs.
For a free case review with a naturalization and citizenship lawyer serving Phoenix, call
What Are the Residency Requirements for Naturalization?
How long you must live in the United States as a Green Card holder before you can begin the naturalization process depends on your basis for applying. If you are an individual filing an application, you must wait at least five years after becoming a lawful permanent resident.
However, if you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply sooner. You only have to live in the United States for three years if you have been married to the same U.S. citizen for that period.
Each case is unique, so it is essential to discuss your case with an attorney familiar with residency requirements for naturalization. It’s not enough to say that you have lived in the US for a certain period; you must also provide documentation proving your residency. We can help you prove you meet the residency conditions.
New Frontier Immigration Law Can Help You Become a U.S. Citizen
Immigration law is complicated and confusing at the best of times. However, the immigration professionals from New Frontier Immigration Law can help make a sometimes-stressful process much more manageable. Many of our staff members have navigated the naturalization process themselves and know firsthand what it takes.
We understand how tedious and complex immigration cases can feel and want to ensure no immigrant feels like they are facing this on their own. We offer potential clients strategic sessions where they can learn:
- Their options for meeting their immigration goals or dealing with concerns
- What to expect throughout the process
- If there are any concerns with their case
- What our attorneys can do to help them
- How they can get help and support for the naturalization process
Our attorneys commit to putting our clients and their families first. We believe in the Phoenix immigrant community, and we believe each member plays a vital role in that community. Read our client testimonials to learn more.
Our Naturalization and Citizenship Lawyers
How New Frontier Immigration Law Attorneys Help with the N-400 Process
When you work with a lawyer from New Frontier Immigration Law on your naturalization, we try to make it as easy for you as possible to move through this process, deal with any obstacles that arise, and celebrate you as a new U.S. citizen.
You can count on our immigration attorney to walk you through naturalization, offering help and managing your case from start to finish. We will prepare and complete your paperwork, keep you up to date about your application’s status, and ensure you know what you need to do. The steps of this process include:
Filing the Application
First is the N-400, Application for Naturalization form. This is the application for citizenship. We will also help you gather and submit the required documentation, which will include, at the very least, a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). You may also need a copy of your marriage certificate, certain paperwork from the military, and other documents based on your application.
Going to Your Biometrics Appointment
Once USCIS receives the application and begins the evaluation process, it will send a letter indicating that you must report for a biometrics appointment. This is to get your fingerprints taken and handle a few other administrative duties.
In Phoenix, this is usually taken care of at the USCIS Application Support Center at 1330 South 16th Street. However, the letter will indicate where you need to report and when. If you have any questions about your appointment, check with our immigration attorneys. We are familiar with the process and can usually answer questions you may have.
Interview and Testing
Following your biometrics appointment, you will receive another letter telling you when and where to go for your interview and testing. This may be six to 10 weeks after your biometrics appointment.
When you go for your interview and testing, you will:
- Answer questions about yourself, your history, and your application
- Take an English-language test
- Take a civics test
There are certain exceptions to the testing, and some people can take the civics test in their preferred language. Our attorney can go over these exceptions with you if you have concerns. In addition, we can help you study for your civics test. We aim to ensure that you have the best possible chance at a positive outcome. Therefore, we will help you throughout each step of the process.
Taking Your Oath
After your interview and testing, you will receive a decision. If approved, the only thing left is to take your Oath of Allegiance. The Oath of Allegiance ceremony formalizes your citizenship by having you recite a series of promises of loyalty to the United States. You will receive another letter that notifies you of when and where this ceremony will occur.
You will need to bring the form you received in the mail (Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony). Be sure to fill out the reverse side of the form as instructed. You will also need to bring your Green Card and any USCIS documents, including Reentry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents.
If you cannot attend the event, return the form to USCIS with a written explanation. They will send a new notice with an updated appointment date. Finally, USCIS indicates that you should wear clothing that “respects the dignity” of the ceremony. This request means you should avoid wearing casual dress such as shorts, flip flops, and jeans.
Don’t Be Discouraged by a Denial
Unfortunately, US immigration laws are complex, and it is not unusual for USCIA to deny an application. Some reasons that USCIS may deny your naturalization and citizenship application include:
- Criminal record
- Unpaid taxes
- Missed child support payments
- Poor English proficiency
- Failed Civic Test
- Failure to register for the Selective Service
- Fraudulent documentation for Green Card
- Failure to renew Green Card
- False information on the citizenship application
It is important to note that even if you did not purposely make the above errors, USCIS could still hold you accountable for any false or fraudulent information. Also, while denial of your naturalization and citizenship application does not necessarily mean that you will lose your Green Card, specific issues (such as fraudulent Green Card documentation) could compromise your legal resident status.
We Could Help If USCIS Denies Your Application
Many people handle their naturalization and citizenship paperwork and appointments on their own. However, the process can cause stress and worry. If you run into issues or have questions about how your history could affect your application, we are here for you. We may be able to help you persuade USCIS to overlook your criminal record, a lengthy absence from the United States, or other potential issues.
If you believe any of the above conditions could affect your citizenship application, speak with an immigration lawyer about your situation right away. Depending on the circumstances of your denial, an immigration lawyer can help you with the reapplication process or determine whether other options are better for your situation.
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Let New Frontier Immigration Law Review Your Case Today
The team at New Frontier Immigration Law is committed to guiding our clients through the complexities of US immigration law and helping them achieve the life they desire. We know that the political climate and stringent immigration laws can be stressful and frightening. Through personalized immigration representation, we hope to help you find the peace and security that you seek.
You can speak with our team today to learn more about how a naturalization and citizenship attorney from New Frontier Immigration Law can help you. Our strategic sessions offer a chance for us to get to know one another and learn how we can assist you with your case. Call today to get started.
