Helping You Achieve Your Goals of Citizenship
Becoming a United States citizen opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Naturalization is the process of voluntarily becoming a U.S. citizen so you can remain in the United States while taking advantage of its benefits. Unfortunately, the naturalization process can be lengthy and requires a decent amount of legal paperwork. Working with an immigration attorney is the best way to speed up the naturalization process so you can achieve citizenship status as fast as possible.
Veritas Immigration Law, P.A. understands that starting your immigration journey can be challenging. We aim to make the process as easy as possible for you, from determining eligibility to finalizing your application for naturalization. If you’d like to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 305-680-1747.
What is the Naturalization Process?
If you are eligible for naturalization, you can start the naturalization process. First, our attorney will help you determine whether you qualify for naturalization. If you do, you can fill out Form N-400 online. You must include documents proving your eligibility for the process. If you live outside the United States, you must also include two passport-style photos.
You can submit the Form N-400 application online along with the filing fee. After you file, you can check processing times and your case status online using your account number.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your application and ensure you are eligible. If necessary, they will then request that you come in for a biometrics appointment to take your fingerprints and your photograph.
Once your application has been processed, the USCIS will ask you to attend an interview. During this interview, you will be asked about your application and your background. Our law firm will help you prepare for this interview so you know what questions to expect and how to respond.
After your interview, the USCIS will mail their decision about your application. You will receive one of the following decisions:
- Granted: If you are eligible for naturalization and your application is approved, you will be granted naturalization.
- Continued: If the USCIS needs more information from you, you will receive a “continued” application status. This means that you must provide additional documents or retake the English or civics test.
- Denied: If you are not eligible for naturalization, the USCIS will deny your application.
Once you are granted naturalization status, you can then take the Oath of Allegiance to become a United States citizen.
Who is Qualified to Apply for Citizenship?
Qualifying for naturalization is the first step in completing the naturalization application. If you aren’t eligible, your application will be denied.
You may be eligible for naturalization if one of the following is true:
- You have resided in the United States for several years. The specific number of years will depend on your immigration status.
- You have passed the citizenship test and can verify that you are of good moral character.
- You are entitled to “deserved citizenship” because you have a parent or grandparent born in the United States.
If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible, reach out to our naturalization attorney today. We can examine the circumstances around your immigration status and determine whether you are eligible for naturalization under immigration law.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Citizen?
Even if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), there are many benefits to becoming a full-fledged citizen. After you receive your certificate of naturalization and take the oath, you will essentially act as if you were born in the United States.
The benefits of becoming a United States citizen include:
- Voting eligibility
- Receiving a U.S. passport
- Ability to apply for federal jobs
- Ability to serve on a jury in court
- Government benefits
- Permanent United States residency
What Can a Naturalization Lawyer Do for Me?
Applying for citizenship is a very exciting prospect with tons of benefits. However, the application process can be long, and missing a deadline or filing paperwork incorrectly could lead to your application being denied.
An immigration attorney will walk you through the entire naturalization process, from determining eligibility to taking your oath. Working with a legal professional is the best way to speed up the process and ensure you get the results you deserve.
Please don’t feel like you must navigate the world of immigration law on your own. Contact Veritas Immigration Law, P.A. for a consultation by calling 305-680-1747.