Los Angeles Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

The City of Angeles is a fabulous place to begin your American dream. Whether you’re looking for a friendly diaspora or want to immerse yourself in the California way of life completely, you’ll have the freedom to live your life the way you choose.

With immigration laws and requirements being somewhat complex, the path to becoming a United States citizen may be complicated. Don’t be one of the many who have filed for citizenship incorrectly. Doing so will prolong the process and could bring about unnecessary stress and worry.

Naturalization is the most common route to becoming a U.S. citizen, but it is only granted to some. Although each immigrant’s situation may be unique, the path to citizenship involves some common steps. Eligibility requirements for naturalization include:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must be a lawful permanent resident for a minimum of five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
• Must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
• Must have lived continuously in the United States for at least half of the time in the country
• Be of good moral character
• Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Must have an understanding of U.S. history and government

Once you’ve met the above requirements, the steps to becoming a naturalized United States citizen include:

1. Application: Green card holders will need to file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some supporting documents are also required, such as a copy of their green card and proof of residency.
2. Biometrics appointment: Once the USCIS has accepted your application, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment to have photos, fingerprints, and signatures taken.
3. USCIS interview: You’ll be scheduled to have a meeting with a USCIS officer who will ask some questions about your application and background.
4. Exams: A part of the naturalization process requires taking an English and civics exam. The English exam determines your ability to read, write, and understand English, and the civics exam will test your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
5. Oath of Allegiance: After your application has been approved, you will attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance, which signifies your commitment to the United States and its laws.
6. Certificate of Naturalization: You’ll receive a Certificate of Naturalization, the document that officially proves you are a citizen of the United States. You’ll need this certificate to apply for a U.S. passport.

While these steps may seem easy, you could run into some difficulties if you aren’t familiar with the process and what is expected of you. To ensure that your application is accepted and to be best prepared for what’s to follow, let our Los Angeles citizenship attorneys guide you along the way.