U.S. Citizenship Lawyer
The attorneys at Berardi Immigration Law have been successful in guiding clients through the naturalization process. Our attorneys specialize in the essential disclosures of information and documents required to successfully apply for U.S. citizenship. They also assist individuals in preparing for the in-person USCIS interview. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone, but the path to naturalization is filled with challenges, so it is important to understand and complete every requirement.
Want to become a U.S. Citizen?
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen offers a wealth of benefits. As a U.S. citizen, you gain the right to vote, allowing you to have a say in the country’s governance and local community decisions. Citizenship also provides greater job opportunities, including access to federal employment, and the ability to travel with a U.S. passport, which offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. Additionally, naturalized citizens enjoy the security of permanent residency for themselves and their families, along with eligibility for certain government benefits and scholarships. At Berardi Immigration Law, we have guided countless clients through the naturalization process, ensuring they fully understand and capitalize on these valuable advantages. Let us help you unlock the full potential of American citizenship.
The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is currently 20 pages long, and consists of complex biographic and travel questions. It is imperative that all information is accurately and properly completed to prevent delays in processing and potential application denial.
Types of Citizenship
Eligibility Requirements For U.S. Citizenship
There are multiple requirements to become a U.S. citizen. In order to apply, you must be at least 18 years of age, be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for five years, show that you have good moral character, have an understanding of the English language, and pass a 10-question test on U.S. history and government. Once all of these requirements are met, you can then take an Oath of Allegiance, stating that you will support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
How to Apply For U.S. Citizenship
The first step in applying for citizenship is to file Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This form is long and tedious, so it is very important that all of the information is accurate. About 4-6 weeks after filing the naturalization form, you will receive a notice to attend your biometrics appointment, where you will have your fingerprints taken.
After these first two steps are completed, you will then be called to attend a naturalization interview, where you will be asked questions regarding the Form N-400, and you will also perform your English proficiency test as well as your Civics test. In the interview, it is common for USCIS to investigate as to how you became a permanent resident.
What Are the Costs Associated With Obtaining U.S. Citizenship?
The costs associated with applying for naturalization include attorney fees and filing fees. Currently, the filing fee is $725, which includes $640 for filing the form and $85 for biometrics. Please note that this is the current filing fee at the time of this publication, and actual costs may vary. For a precise quote, reach out to our team at Berardi Immigration Law.
Common Challenges in the U.S. Citizenship Process
The process of applying for naturalization is thorough and complicated. Two barriers include the civics test and the English proficiency test. Many applicants are not fluent in English, which makes it challenging to understand and remember the civics questions, as well as being able to read, write, and speak during the language proficiency section. The civics test covers U.S. history, government, and laws, requiring knowledge that many native-born Americans struggle with.
Applicants must also prove continuous residence in the U.S. To satisfy this requirement, you should show that there are no prolonged absences (6 months -1 year). In order to show that you had continuous residency, you can provide evidence showing that you maintained employment in the U.S., or that you did not obtain employment outside of the U.S., showing that your immediate family has remained in the U.S., and showing that you maintained a U.S. residence by showing a lease agreement, utility bills, etc.
Working with Berardi’s U.S. Citizenship Lawyers
The immigration attorneys at Berardi Immigration Law are well-versed in different methods and application types to gain U.S. citizenship, including naturalization based on five years of permanent residence and naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone and our team at Berardi Immigration Law would love to help you along the final step of your U.S. immigration journey. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!
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