Naturalization: Your Path to U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a United States citizen is a profound and life-changing journey, representing the pinnacle of the American immigration experience. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This transformative step not only grants you the full rights and privileges of American citizenship but also symbolizes your complete integration into the fabric of American society.

At Berardi Immigration Law, we understand the deep significance of this process and are committed to guiding you through every step with expertise and care. Whether you’re taking your first steps towards naturalization or are ready to file your application, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of the process, ensure you meet all requirements, and ultimately achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Let us help you write the next chapter of your American story.

The general naturalization requirements an applicant must meet in order to become a U.S. citizen include:

  1. The applicant must be age 18 or older at the time of filing for naturalization;
  2. The applicant must be an LPR for at least five (5) years before being eligible for naturalization;
  3. The applicant must have continuous residence* in the U.S. as an LPR for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of filing the application and up to the time of admission to citizenship;
  4. The applicant must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of filing the application;
  5. The applicant must have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence for at least three (3) months prior to the date of filing;
  6. The applicant must demonstrate good moral character for five (5) years prior to filing for naturalization, and during the period leading up to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance;
  7. The applicant must have an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. during all relevant periods under the law; and
  8. The applicant must be able to read, write, and speak and understand English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government.

*Continuous residence means that you have maintained residence within the U.S. for the required period of time shown above. Extended absences of six (6) months or more outside of the U.S. may disrupt your continuous residence.

If you meet the above requirements, you are eligible to apply for naturalization! Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is an application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Once you have filed the Form N-400, you will need to attend a Biometrics Appointment at your local USCIS field office, where USCIS takes your fingerprints and photograph for background checks. You will then be scheduled for a naturalization interview.

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.

During the English test, you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American government and history.

The Moment You Become an American Citizen

Picture yourself standing proudly among fellow aspiring citizens, your heart brimming with anticipation. You’ve overcome every challenge, and now the moment you’ve dreamed of is here. As you take the Oath of Allegiance, you’re not just reciting words – you’re embracing a new identity. With each phrase, you join a nation of dreamers and doers. In this powerful moment, you transform from an immigrant to a United States citizen, with all the rights and opportunities that entails. This ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in your American journey. At Berardi Immigration Law, we’re honored to guide you to this life-changing moment, helping you turn your American dream into reality.