Naturalization

Naturalization is how immigrants become citizens of the United States. To file for naturalization, you must submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible for naturalization, in general, you must show the following:

• You are at least 18 years of age at the time of applying;
• You have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for the past three or five years (depending on which category you are applying under);
• Have maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• You could read, write and speak basic English;
• You have knowledge and understanding of U.S. History and government; 
• You are a person of good moral character; and
• You are willing to support and defend the U.S. and the Constitution and are willing to take an Oath of Allegiance.

Most people must wait five years after becoming a green card holder to apply for citizenship. However, there are exceptions to the five-year rule. For example, if you got your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you could apply three years after becoming a green card holder. You could also apply after three years if you received your green card through VAWA (battered spouse). If you received asylum status, you could apply for citizenship after four years of becoming a green card holder. 

However, before applying, it is important to make sure each of the requirements are satisfied. If you often travel out of the country for long periods of time, you may have difficulty showing the continuous residence and physical presence requirement.   If you have a criminal history, you may not be able to show good moral character, or worse – it could result to you losing your green card and possibly facing deportation. 

At Boyadzhyan Law, we conduct a careful review of each case to make sure eligibility requirements are satisfied. If you have a criminal history, lengthy travels, complex immigration history, or other issues such as prior fraud, overdue taxes, failure to pay child support, etc., we could advise you whether its ok to apply for citizenship, or what steps you could take to cure the issues of your case before applying. 

Contact Boyadzhyan Law for a free initial case evaluation. (818) 572-4100 | info@boyadzhyanlaw.com