To apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements. Generally, a naturalization applicant must:
- Be 18 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Be a lawful permanent resident (have a “green card”).
- Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the United States for at least 5 years. In some cases, this may be 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Be physically present in the United States for 30 months. In some cases, this may be 18 months if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where she or he claims residence.
These are general guidelines that do not apply to every applicant. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney who will assess your eligibility to naturalize.
Most, but not all, naturalization applicants must also demonstrate that they can speak, read, and write basic English and have an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). During the naturalization interview at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the applicant will be tested on his or her ability to read, write, and speak English and knowledge of civics.
Naturalization applicants must also demonstrate that they are of good moral character. Several factors are considered in assessing good moral character, including (but not limited to) whether the applicant has:
- filed taxes,
- supported dependents,
- registered for selective service,
- a criminal record
- paid traffic citations
- provided fraudulent information to the U.S. government
- falsely claimed citizenship
- unlawfully voted or registered to vote
Helpful naturalization links:
- Civics study guide (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test
- English study guide
- General study materials for naturalization application
A naturalization attorney at Nayar & McIntyre, LLP can assist you with your naturalization application. In addition to preparing your naturalization application, our immigration attorney will help you prepare for the interview and provide representation at the interview before Citizenship and Immigration Services. Our naturalization lawyer can also assist you with obtaining a waiver of the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization due to physical or developmental disability or mental impairment (N-648). In addition, immigration law firm Nayar & McIntyre, LLP can help you appeal any denial of your naturalization application.
Please contact our office at 972.445.4114 to schedule your free consultation with a naturalization lawyer at Nayar & McIntyre, LLP. We serve the immigration law needs of individuals throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex, including Dallas, Irving, Bedford, Euless, Arlington, Hurst, Allen, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Lewisville, Keller, Grand Prairie, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano, Denton, McKinney, Frisco, Lubbock, Sherman, and Amarillo.
