Citizenship
& naturalization lawyer
& naturalization lawyer
At Lisinski Law Firm, we are proud to guide lawful permanent residents in the path towards naturalization. This major milestone in your immigration journey can represent a significant improvement to your quality of life within the United States, so why delay taking the next step? Finding the right immigration lawyer for citizenship does not have to be complicated. We have years of proven experience in immigration law and have changed thousands of lives through our dedicated legal representation. Now, we are prepared to help you achieve your immigration goals as naturalization lawyers.
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What Is Naturalization and How Do You Become a U.S. Citizen?
Naturalization is the process through which a lawful permanent resident (LPR) becomes a United States citizen by filing Form N-400. To obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must first determine which eligibility category applies to your situation.
The difference between the 3-year vs 5-year naturalization rule is based primarily on an individual’s time within the U.S. and other factors:
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The 5-year rule (INA §316):
Allows most green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship after maintaining permanent residence for at least five years, along with meeting requirements such as continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English ability, and civics knowledge.
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The 3-year rule (INA §319(a)):
Provides a faster path for certain spouses of U.S. citizens, allowing them to apply after only three years as permanent residents, as long as they have been living in marital union with and married to the same U.S. citizen during that period.
- What Is Naturalization and How Do You Become a U.S. Citizen?
- You Need a Lawyer to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
- Get Help with Your N-400 Citizenship Application
- Requirements for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
- Citizenship Problems That May Require Legal Help Before Filing
- Citizenship Eligibility Issues Related to Travel, Residence, or Marriage
- Citizenship Test Waivers and Medical Exceptions
- Will You Lose Your Original Citizenship If You Become a U.S. Citizen?
- What to Do if Your Citizenship Application Is Delayed, Rejected, or Denied
- How Our Firm Helps With Citizenship and Naturalization Cases
- How to Avoid Delays in the Naturalization Process
- Other Services We Specialize In
- Should You Renew Your Green Card or Apply for Citizenship?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship and Naturalization
Book an appointment to find out if you qualify!
Do You Need a Lawyer to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Many lawful permanent residents seek an immigration lawyer for citizenship because the application could uncover legal or immigration issues that may affect approval—or even place their green card status at risk. Besides N-400 legal help, a lawyer can assist you if you have a criminal record, long trips outside the U.S., past immigration violations, tax problems, prior application denials, or concerns about meeting the “good moral character” requirement.
Attorneys also help avoid mistakes on the application, prepare applicants for the naturalization interview, respond to USCIS requests, manage your USCIS online account, and identify potential risks before filing.
Get Help with Your N-400 Citizenship Application
If you are unsure how to answer questions on Form N-400 or whether past travel, taxes, or legal issues could affect your case, we’re ready to guide you. Our team provides experienced help with N-400 application preparation, allowing lawful permanent residents to complete and file their naturalization applications accurately and confidently.
Whether you need a full case review or dedicated N-400 legal help, we offer personalized citizenship application assistance. We can help identify potential problems before filing, organize supporting documents, prepare you for the citizenship interview, and make sure your application is submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
get started on your application!
Requirements for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
To qualify for naturalization, you must meet several important requirements for citizenship under U.S. immigration law. While every case is different, the general citizenship eligibility and naturalization requirements typically include:
- Holding lawful permanent resident status (green card)
- Maintaining permanent residence in the U.S. for the required period (usually 5 years, or 3 years for certain spouses of U.S. citizens)
- Meeting continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- Demonstrating good moral character
- Being able to read, write, and speak basic English (unless an exception applies)
- Passing the U.S. civics and government test
- Showing attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Completing and properly filing Form N-400 with supporting documentation
- Attending the biometrics appointment and naturalization interview
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance before becoming a U.S. citizen
Citizenship Problems That May Require Legal Help Before Filing
Situations involving criminal history, taxes, prior immigration violations, or financial obligations often require careful legal analysis before submitting Form N-400.
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Applying for Citizenship With a DUI, Arrest, or Criminal Record
Applying for citizenship with a DUI or other criminal history can affect your case, even if the incident happened years ago, or charges were dismissed. USCIS reviews an applicant’s “good moral character,” and certain arrests, convictions, probation terms, or repeated offenses may affect naturalization eligibility.
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Applying for Citizenship with Tax Issues or Failure to File
Applying for citizenship with unpaid taxes or years of unfiled returns may raise concerns about good moral character and compliance with U.S. law.
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Tax Issues and Naturalization Eligibility
Filing as a “nonresident” after obtaining a green card, failing to report income, or owing significant unpaid taxes can negatively affect naturalization eligibility.
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Child Support and Financial Obligations
Failure to pay court-ordered child support or meet other legal financial obligations could impact the good moral character requirement for citizenship. USCIS may request relevant evidence showing that the applicant is actively resolving outstanding obligations before approving naturalization.
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Applying for Citizenship After a Visa Overstay
While an overstay does not automatically prevent naturalization, negative factors in your immigration history could still become relevant during the N-400 review process.
Citizenship Eligibility Issues Related to Travel, Residence, or Marriage
Many naturalization applicants come to us with questions about continuous residence exceptions, time spent outside the United States, or 3-year rule citizenship marriage requirements.
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Long Trips Outside the U.S. and Continuous Residence Problems
Applying for citizenship with long trips outside the U.S. could potentially affect your case if your extended travel period interrupted continuous residence requirements. Absences of more than six months tend to raise questions, while trips over one year could seriously affect naturalization eligibility unless an exception applies.
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Reentry Permits and Naturalization Eligibility
While reentry permits may help preserve permanent resident status, they do not necessarily prevent problems related to continuous residence for naturalization purposes. Certain continuous residence exceptions may apply depending on the applicant’s situation.
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Citizenship Through Marriage Under the 3-Year Rule
The 3–year rule citizenship marriage requirements generally require the applicant to have held a green card for three years while continuously living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during that period.
Citizenship Test Waivers and Medical Exceptions
Certain applicants could qualify for exceptions to the English or civics testing requirements because of age, disability, or a qualifying medical condition. These waivers help eligible permanent residents complete the naturalization process even if they cannot take part of the US citizenship test.
Who Qualifies for a Disability Waiver, or N-648 Medical Certification?
Applicants with a physical, developmental, or mental condition that prevents them from learning or completing the citizenship test may qualify for a disability waiver, which exempts them from the test. USCIS requires the N-648 medical certification from a licensed doctor or psychologist explaining the condition and how it affects the applicant’s ability to complete the test.
English Test Exemptions for Citizenship Applicants
Certain permanent residents could qualify for an exemption from the English test requirement based on their age and the number of years they have held a green card. In certain cases, applicants could take the civics test in their native language instead of English.
How to Apply for a Citizenship Test Waiver
To request a waiver for citizenship application testing requirements, applicants must submit Form N-648 and supporting medical evidence with the N-400 application or during the naturalization interview process.
Will You Lose Your Original Citizenship If You Become a U.S. Citizen?
One of the most common questions applicants ask is: “Will I lose my citizenship if I become a US citizen?” The answer depends on the laws of your home country. The United States generally allows dual citizenship, meaning many applicants can become U.S. citizens while keeping their original nationality.
Many Latin American countries allow dual citizenship, while others may place restrictions or require additional steps. Before applying, confirm with your attorney whether you can keep your original citizenship after naturalization.
What to Do if Your Citizenship Application Is Delayed, Rejected, or Denied
Procedural mistakes, missing documents, or legal issues typically lead to delays or denials during the naturalization process. Understanding your options early could help you avoid additional challenges in your journey towards US citizenship.
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What Happens if USCIS Rejects Your N-400?
If your application is rejected, USCIS usually returns it without making a decision on the merits of the case. Common reasons include missing signatures, incorrect filing fees, or incomplete forms. Seeking representation from a reliable citizenship attorney could help avoid these setbacks.
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Next Steps After a Citizenship Denial
Depending on the reason, applicants may appeal, request a hearing, or prepare a stronger case before refiling. We can help you understand the next steps in case of a denied citizenship application.
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How to Correct Mistakes on Form N-400
Applicants who need to fix mistakes on N-400 forms should seek a citizenship attorney who can help them correct these mistakes as early as possible, either before filing, during the interview, or through updated documentation submitted to USCIS.
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When to Get a Second Opinion Before Reapplying
If your application was previously denied, you received bad advice, or were told not to apply at all, you should seriously consider seeking a second opinion. A careful review by an experienced naturalization lawyer could help identify hidden risks and improve the chances of approval.
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How Our Firm Helps With Citizenship and Naturalization Cases
Our firm provides experienced citizenship application assistance for lawful permanent residents applying for naturalization. We help eligible clients prepare and review Form N-400, gather supporting documents, respond to USCIS requests, and prepare for the citizenship interview.
We also handle difficult cases involving prior denials, criminal history concerns, long absences from the United States, tax problems, or previous filing mistakes. We are ready to help with N-400 application issues and believe that you deserve personalized guidance from a lawyer for your naturalization process.
How to Avoid Delays in the Naturalization Process
Many clients ask us about the fastest way to get US citizenship, but there isn’t a single strategy that can guarantee this outcome. While we understand you might be wondering how to expedite your naturalization application and speed up the N-400 process, in our experience, processing times depend on USCIS and the complexity of the case. However, careful preparation and legal guidance with a citizenship attorney may help reduce unnecessary complications. At Lisinski Law Firm, legal support focuses on keeping forms accurate, attending the biometrics appointment on time, and addressing potential immigration issues.
Other Services We Specialize In
The main cases that we handle at the firm are:
Should You Renew Your Green Card or Apply for Citizenship?
Applicants who already qualify to apply for citizenship after holding green card status may benefit from becoming U.S. citizens instead of continuing to renew permanent residence every 10 years. Contacting a citizenship attorney is the one of the best ways to determine the viable options in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship and Naturalization
What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process through which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting eligibility requirements and completing the citizenship application process.
What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship?
Most applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a green card for the required period, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the English and civics tests unless an exception applies.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the official application used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?
Not everyone needs a lawyer, but legal help is extremely important with an application process as rigorous as naturalization, especially if you have criminal history, long trips outside the U.S., tax issues, prior immigration violations, or a previous denial.
How long does the naturalization process take?
Processing times vary by USCIS office and case complexity, but many naturalization cases take several months to over a year from filing to oath ceremony.
How much does citizenship cost?
USCIS filing fees can change over time and may include biometrics fees. Each case is different, and costs might be affected by your individual situation. Contact an immigration attorney for an accurate estimate.
What happens at the citizenship interview?
During the interview, a USCIS officer reviews your N-400 application, asks questions about your background, and administers the English and civics tests if required.
What is on the citizenship test?
The citizenship test generally includes an English reading and writing section and a civics exam covering U.S. history and government.
Can I apply for citizenship with a DUI or past arrest?
Possibly. A DUI or arrest does not automatically prevent naturalization, but USCIS may review whether it affects the good moral character requirement.
Can I get a waiver for the citizenship test?
Some applicants could qualify for a waiver or exemption because of age, disability, or a qualifying medical condition supported by proper documentation.
Can I become a U.S. citizen if I do not speak English?
Possibly. Certain applicants qualify for English language exemptions based on age and years as a permanent resident, while others may qualify for a medical waiver.
Will I lose my original citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen?
The United States generally allows dual citizenship, but some countries restrict or do not recognize dual nationality.
Should I renew my green card or apply for citizenship?
If you already qualify for naturalization, applying for citizenship may be a better long-term option than continuing to renew your green card every 10 years, considering the opportunities and protections that U.S. citizenship may provide.
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Why choose us?
Client-Centered
History of Success
You need an attorney who will work with you to find the best possible path towards legal status, even in the toughest of cases. Our dedication to consider every single avenue for relief is reflected not only in our history of success, but also in dreams fulfilled and lives changed.
Nationwide Clients
For immigration representation, we can serve anyone within the United States as a matter of Federal law. In fact, many of our clients are in other states, so we have plenty of experience working closely with clients from long distances. Our client service team is available day or night to meet with clients by phone or other virtual means, no matter what state you may be located in.
Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation:Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
Client-Centered
History of Success
You need an attorney who will work with you to find the best possible path towards legal status, even in the toughest of cases. Our dedication to consider every single avenue for relief is reflected not only in our history of success, but also in dreams fulfilled and lives changed.
Nationwide Clients
For immigration representation, we can serve anyone within the United States as a matter of Federal law. In fact, many of our clients are in other states, so we have plenty of experience working closely with clients from long distances. Our client service team is available day or night to meet with clients by phone or other virtual means, no matter what state you may be located in.
Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
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