Naturalization and Citizenship

Naturalization and Citizenship: Secure Your Rights & Benefits
Obtaining US citizenship represents the culmination of a long-held dream. The lure of being a legal citizen of the United States of America is driven by the vast array of opportunities that citizenship offers to immigrants and their families.
The Law Offices of Mary Kennedy has helped many immigrants attain their US citizenship and enjoy the multitude of benefits it offers. Our legal immigration services have empowered our clients to fully embrace the privileges associated with living and working in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
To embark on this transformative journey, citizens must successfully navigate the complex and challenging naturalization process. This is the legal method by which non-citizens can acquire citizenship if they fulfill specific eligibility criteria.
The naturalization process is crucial and complex, thus necessitating the guidance of a naturalization attorney to address any potential challenges and prepare you for your interview with the USCIS.
Your journey to citizenship deserves careful attention and professional support, and we are here to provide that expertise.
Naturalization and Citizenship: Eligibility Criteria
Naturalization is the official and legal process through which a foreign immigrant becomes a US citizen.

Our citizenship lawyers will look for the following criteria to determine your eligibility for naturalization:
- The duration of your Green Card Ownership
- Whether you have served in the US military
- The amount of time you have resided physically in the US
Based on these factors, the USCIS permits the following individuals to apply for US citizenship:
Green Card Holders (No Special Circumstances)
Green Card holders can apply for US citizenship after five years with at least thirty months of living in the US. To advance in the naturalization process and become a United States citizen, you must:
- Wait for three to five years after obtaining your Green Card. This criteria, however, does not apply if you qualify for citizenship through military service.
- Complete 18 years of age and be a resident of the state where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least three months.
- Not have traveled outside the US for six months or more during the waiting period of three or five years.
- Possess good moral character, which is otherwise defined as having a character that aligns with the expectations of typical members of your community.
- Pass the naturalization tests for English language and Civics.
- Be willing to serve in the US military or participate in civilian services for the US if called upon to do so.
- Register with the Selective Service System if you are male and have lived in the US between 18 and 25.
- Be willing to defend the US Constitution.
Married to a U.S. Citizen
Widow/Widower of U.S. Citizen in Military Service
Military Service
Get Started on Your Path to U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization and Citizenship: Required Documents
Naturalization attorneys at the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy will help you collect and submit the following documents at various stages of the process. The list includes:
- Form N-400: The completed application form for naturalization.
- Marriage certificate if applying based on marriage to a US citizen.
- A state-issued proof of identity such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Documentation of US Military service, if applicable.
- 2 Passport-size photos that meet the specifics mentioned by the USCIS.
- Green Card or Form I-551 as proof of lawful permanent residency.
The above-mentioned documents are essential. However, depending on your circumstances, you may have to provide additional documents.
Naturalization and Citizenship: The Benefits
Vote in federal election
Run for public office
Gain protection from deportation
Sponsor relatives for immigration
Benefit from government assistance programs
Work for the US federal government
Get automatic citizenship for children born abroad
Have access to US Consular Services while abroad
Enjoy unrestricted travel duration and frequency
Avoid the hassle of immigration and renewal paperwork
Own a US passport and enjoy visa-free travel to multiple countries
Deeper Insights About US Naturalization & Citizenship
How do naturalization and citizenship differ?
Citizenship is an acquired status of recognition as a member of a country by birth or by other legal means. Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process by which a foreign immigrant becomes a US citizen by fulfilling certain eligibility requirements.
In short, naturalization results in citizenship. However, it refers to the process of obtaining citizenship rather than the citizenship status itself.
What is the process of naturalization in the US?
Naturalization is a multi-step process in the US. Here’s how it goes:
- Submission of Form N-400 or Application for Naturalization to the USCIS by mail or online communication. Applicants have upto 90 days before fulfilling residency requirements to file the Form.
- Applicants attend a biometric appointment at a local USCIS office. The session is scheduled for about a month after application submission.
- Applicants attend the citizenship interview and exam around 14 months after filing the petition. Apart from verifying application information, they will attend two tests:
1. Written and spoken English language test.
2. Civics test on US history and government.
- The USCIS will approve or deny your application or ask for additional information.
- Applicants will attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance if their petition is approved.
- Upon completing the oath, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
It is important to note that the processing time for naturalization and citizenship varies as per your local USCIS office. Applicants have two chances to pass the test, and all study materials will be provided.
How will your citizenship lawyer help me attain US citizenship?
By hiring our citizenship immigration lawyer, you can rest assured that their expertise will help you navigate the complexities of your case. Our team will also help you respond to government requests, if necessary, and clarify your case-related questions.