U.S. Citizenship
(Naturalization)
Immigration Explainer: Citizenship
Learn about the process to get citizenship, whether you’re eligible, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Among the most rewarding experiences for a U.S. immigration and naturalization lawyer is to see a client win American citizenship.
But the road toward citizenship can sometimes be long and difficult; your case will take years and may require you to tackle challenges you had not anticipated. Your lawyer should be there at every step to help you navigate the challenges and avoid the pitfalls in the immigration system.
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Explore Our latest Success Stories
Israeli Woman Denied Naturalization in USA Renews Green Card
An Israeli woman, legally permanent resident in the USA, had been Margaret W. Wong & Associates client for nearly 20 years ago – we helped her get her Green Card – wanted to become a citizen, as her Green Card was due to expire. So she applied for naturalization (N-400), but she was denied. She […]
Your U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Attorneys
- Specializing in naturalization, we guide immigrants through the path to U.S. citizenship with expertise and efficiency
- Our firm has a history of success in helping immigrants make the dream of American citizenship a reality
- Tailored support at every step of the naturalization process
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process you undergo to gain U.S. citizenship. The process is a requirement for virtually all immigrants over the age of 18.
You must fulfill one of the following circumstances to apply for naturalization:
- You have U.S. permanent residency (aka “green card”) and have lived in the United States for five years.
- You have asylum and have lived in the United States for four years.
- You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen and have lived in the country for at least three years.
- You are a permanent resident, have served in the United States military, and have been in the country for three years.
If you qualify, you must prove that you have sufficient knowledge of U.S. history and government and can speak, read and write in English. Our immigration and naturalization defense lawyers can guide you through this process.
Are There Other Routes To Citizenship?
There are a few ways to become a U.S. citizen without going through naturalization, but most apply only to children. For example, some children born overseas can gain citizenship because their parents are U.S. citizens. However, there is a complex formula for determining whether such children can gain citizenship.
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