Naturalization 和 Citizenship

成为美国人.S. citizen 和 holding the U.S. passport is the American dream for many immigrants. We are privileged to assist our clients through this process by accurately assessing one’s eligibility to obtain U.S. 公民身份, preparing a quality naturalization package, preparing for a 公民身份 interview, 和 accompanying our clients to the 公民身份 interview. 澳门十大正规网赌网址 & 十大正规网赌网址 immigration attorneys guide our clients throughout the naturalization process until they are holding their Naturalization Certificate in one h和 和 an American flag in the other.

Naturalization 和 Citizenship Applications

Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen for people who were born outside of the U.S. If you have a parent who was a U.S. citizen before turned you turned 18, then you can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship, instead of Naturalization, as you can obtain automatic U.S. 公民身份 through your parent.

Before naturalization, a lawful permanent resident applicant must be 18 years old or older 和 willing to support 和 defend the U.S. 和 its Constitution, 和 the applicant must meet the physical, continuous presence requirement. 具体地说, permanent residents who are still married to 和 cohabitating with their U.S. citizen petitioners can apply in 3 years, while other permanent residents have to meet the five-year continuous permanent resident status. Also, an applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required continuous presence time, unless one meets an exemption based on certain overseas employment.

Permanent Residency 和 Green Cards

在一般情况下, one may obtain permanent residency (Greencard) through employment-based immigration or family-based immigration. For specifics, please visit our employment-based immigration page 和 family-based immigration page.

Citizenship Tests 和 Interviews

Once an applicant submits a naturalization application, the U.S.C.I.S. will schedule an in-person interview at a local field office.
At the interview, the interviewing officer will review the application 和 the applicant will take a 公民身份 or naturalization test, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

What is the process for naturalization 和 公民身份 applications, 和 how can I qualify for them?
Before you can apply for naturalization, you must first determine your eligibility. We will review your record, including any criminal/arrest record 和 travel record, 和 your English ability to determine your eligibility to apply for Naturalization.

具体地说, you must be a lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old or older, who is willing to support 和 defend the U.S. 和 its Constitution. You must also meet the physical, continuous presence requirement. Permanent residents who are still married to 和 cohabitating with their U.S. citizen petitioners can apply in 3 years, while other permanent residents must meet the five-year continuous permanent resident status. Lastly, an applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required continuous presence time.

What is the process for 公民身份 tests 和 interviews, 和 how can I prepare for them?
The naturalization test is a two-part test: an English proficiency test 和 a civics test. While an applicant does not need to speak perfect English, an applicant needs to be able to read, 写, 和 speak basic English language. For the civics exam, the interviewing officer will choose 10 questions from the 100 pre-given questions about American government 和 history. The applicant needs to answer correctly at least six questions to pass the civics test. Thankfully, the U.S.C.I.S. provides study materials 和 100 questions with answers, which are available at uscis.gov/公民身份.

The applicant can be accompanied by an immigration attorney to the naturalization interview. Our attorneys can provide help in preparing 和 submitting the naturalization application, as well as accompany our clients to the naturalization interview.

Can I be exempted from the 公民身份 tests if I do not speak or underst和 English?
If you are 50 years old or older 和 you have been a permanent resident for 20 years (“50/20” exception), or if you are 55 years old or older 和 you have been a permanent resident for 15 years (“55/15” exception), then you will be exempted from the English language exam. While you are still required to take the civics test, you can take the civics test in your native language by bringing your own interpreter, who is fluent in both English 和 your native language.
In the alternative, if you have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment that prevents you from taking the exam, you may be waived from both English 和 civics tests based on medical certification completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.

Can I still apply for 公民身份 based on my arrest or conviction record?
If you have been arrested, 拘留, or cited by a law enforcement officer, then we would ask that you obtain a certified copy of court disposition documents, including expunged records 和 probation records. 然后, our immigration attorneys will examine the criminal records to determine your eligibility 和 the timing of your application.

Applying for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen is an exciting process for our clients. 澳门十大正规网赌网址 & 十大正规网赌网址 immigration attorneys are experienced in filing for naturalization for conditional permanent residents, as well as in assessing eligibility for filing for applicants with criminal/arrest/citation records or other state/federal law violation history.

One can apply for naturalization within 90 days preceding the continuous resident requirement, instead of waiting for the full 5 years (or 3 years for permanent residents who are still married or cohabitating with their U.S. citizen petitioners). If you wish to file for naturalization as soon as you are eligible, then we advise our clients to speak to 澳门十大正规网赌网址 & 十大正规网赌网址 immigration attorneys as soon as you are interested in 和 eligible to file for naturalization.