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Naturalization and Citizenship

With our immigration expertise, we help clear the path to US citizenship. Achieve your American dream and turn your immigration aspirations into reality.
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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

Submit your application after three years of marriage, provided you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months and have a U.S. citizen spouse for a minimum of three years.

Widow/Widower of U.S. Citizen in Military Service

You can apply at any time if you were living with your spouse at the time of death and had your Green Card at the citizenship interview.

Military Service

You can apply for US Citizenship anytime if you serve in wartime. If you have served for at least one year during peacetime, you may apply while in service or within six months of separation. No specific green card duration or physical presence is required.

Get Started on Your Path to U.S. Citizenship

Get ready to experience the perks of US citizenship. Let our experts be your trusted guides and lead you through the process. Your journey to a brighter future in the US begins with us!
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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.

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Arun Kumar Reddy

Thanks Team, you are amazing. Mary and Team have handled my H1B transfer very efficiently, and I got my approval in 8 days without RFE. I would highly recommend Attorney Mary to all, since they are highly capable of handling complicated cases.
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Afzal Karim

Law office of Mary Kennedy was very professional and friendly , Attention to detail , responsiveness and very knowledgeable, My process has been extremely smooth and I would highly recommend them . Thank you for all your support
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Vinu Reddy

I am incredibly grateful to Law Offices of Mary Kennedy for their outstanding service. They helped me navigate immigration process smoothly and successfully. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal assistance in immigration matters. Thank you, Law Offices of Mary Kennedy for your expertise and support!
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Agathya Prabhu

Very approachable and well-informed. Carefully explained different options regarding my visa, offering clear guidance and helping to improve understanding. Highly recommend.
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Naturalization and Citizenship: The Benefits

Becoming a US citizen through naturalization is a dream shared by millions of foreign immigrants. Once you attain the status of a naturalized US citizen, you can:

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.