Opening Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Citizenship Lawyer

At Jorge Munoz Law Firm, we specialize in guiding clients through the intricate process of citizenship and naturalization. Our experienced citizenship lawyers provide personalized legal support, ensuring a smooth transition toward achieving your dream of becoming a United States citizen.

Naturalization is the legal process through which immigrants become U.S. citizens and acquire the rights and privileges that come with citizenship.

U.S. law provides three paths to citizenship to people born off U.S. soil:

  • Citizenship gained through acquisition
  • Derived citizenship
  • Citizenship gained through naturalization

In this guide, we will discuss the following topics:

  • Naturalization: The Process of Obtaining Citizenship
  • Our Comprehensive Citizenship Eligibility Assessment
  • Documents Needed to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
  • Applying for Citizenship as a Veteran
  • Reasons to Hire a Citizenship Lawyer to Apply for Citizenship

Table of Contents

Are You Eligible For An Employment Visa?

Green Cards | Family Immigration | Business Immigration | Immigration Attorney

Experience and Specialized Knowledge

Green Cards | Family Immigration | Business Immigration | Immigration Attorney

Comprehensive Advice and Representation

Customer Service Icon

Excellence In Customer
Service

Successful Results

Successful Results

Naturalization: The Process of Obtaining Citizenship

Naturalization refers to the process by which a foreign individual becomes a naturalized citizen of a country. In the context of the United States, the individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and have been a lawful permanent resident (commonly known as having a green card) for 3-5 years to become a U.S. citizen.

Citizenship After a Marriage-Based Green Card

Unless you are married to a U.S. citizen, you must wait five years before applying for citizenship through naturalization. 

If you are in the U.S. with a marriage green card that you received through your U.S. citizen spouse, the waiting period for you to apply for citizenship is reduced to three years. 

Your citizenship lawyer can explain the reduced time expectations if your green card is through marriage.

Citizenship Lawyer Service with Jorge Munoz

Step-by-Step Process for Gaining U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

The process of naturalization typically involves the following steps:

  • Meet with an experienced citizenship lawyer.
  • Compile necessary documentation.
  • File an application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Attend a citizenship interview with USCIS.
  • Pass the tests on English language proficiency and knowledge of U.S. civics and government.
  • Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a formal ceremony.

Through these steps, you can become a naturalized U.S. citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship. With citizenship, you will have the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and more easily petition for family members to immigrate to the United States.

Secure Your Future With Expert Green Card Assistance.

Our Comprehensive Citizenship Eligibility Assessment

As a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship, you will receive a thorough evaluation of your eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization when you meet with our citizenship lawyer.

If we believe that you meet all eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship and you choose to move forward, we will provide you with personalized citizenship application preparation. 

We will prepare a meticulously crafted application for citizenship that has been tailored to your individual circumstances.

Throughout the entire process, we will represent your best interests. We will advocate for you and assist you on your path to citizenship. 

We will prepare you for your interview, attend your interview with you as your advocate, and represent you at any hearings that may arise.

Citizenship Lawyer - Jorge Muñoz Law

Documents Needed to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

  • Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: This must be completed and submitted to USCIS.
  • Proof of age verifying adulthood: This may include various identity documents.
  • Proof of continuous residence in the United States: This may include copies of green cards, passports, or other documents that demonstrate the applicant’s continuous residence in the U.S.
  • Proof of physical presence in the United States: This may include documents such as employment records, school records, or tax returns that show the applicant has been physically present in the U.S. for the required period of time.
  • Proof of good moral character: This may include documents such as criminal records, tax records, or other evidence that the applicant has maintained good moral character during their residency in the U.S.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency: This includes results from the English language portion of the naturalization test (some individuals are exempt from this requirement, speak to your citizenship lawyer to learn more).
  • Proof of knowledge of U.S. civics and government: This includes results from the civics portion of the naturalization test.
  • Two passport-sized photos: These should meet the USCIS requirements for passport photos.
  • Application fee: The required fee for filing the naturalization application.

Applying for Citizenship as a U.S. Veteran

The process of applying for citizenship through naturalization based on military service can be more difficult than the traditional process, but many of the naturalization requirements are waived with honorable service. If you have served in the U.S. military, please contact an experienced citizenship lawyer.

Through this process, you will need to provide documentation of your honorable service. Your attorney will explain how to prove your honorable service because it varies depending on if you are still in the military or have been discharged. 

For example, if you want to apply for citizenship while stationed at a base, you will need to submit a Form N-426 to verify your service. If you are already discharged, you will submit a copy of your DD Form 214 or other official discharge document.

Trust Us With Your Green Card Process.

Reasons to Hire a Citizenship Lawyer to Apply for Citizenship

Having a citizenship lawyer behind you as you apply for U.S. citizenship will greatly reduce the chance that you will get a notification from USCIS stating, “Case Was Rejected.” 

It’s disappointing to wait months and jump through hoops only to have your citizenship application rejected due to a filing error or other avoidable issue. Similarly, working with an experienced immigration attorney helps avoid delays because you didn’t think to include pertinent evidence with your application.

Consider the answers to the following questions:

Are You Ready to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

If you believe you are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization or if your application for citizenship has been denied and you need to appeal the USCIS decision, please contact our Charleston, SC or Houston, TX immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation.

Skip to content