APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION
You do not have to have an immigration attorney to file your application for naturalization. However, there may be some very good reasons for you to have an attorney's assistance, particularly if you have previously been in removal proceedings or have criminal convictions. Many times, individuals want an immigration attorney to file their application for them, just to make sure that they feel comfortable at the Naturalization Interview. Soria Law will be happy to help you assess the facts of your case and whether filing for naturalization is the right step for you.
Before an individual applies for naturalization, he or she must meet a few requirements. Depending on the individual’s situation, there are different requirements that may apply. However, the general requirements for naturalization are listed below:
Be at least 18 years old at the time of the Application for Naturalization.
Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years, unless you are married to a United States citizen, in which case, you must be a permanent resident for 3 years.
Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing, unless spouse is a United States citizen, in which case, the time requirement is 3 years (and you must demonstrate that you have lived in martial union with that spouse for that time period).*
Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing, or 18 months out of 3 years if spouse is United States citizen.*
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.**
Have a basic understanding of United States history and government.
Be a person of good moral character.
Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution.
*There are different or reduced requirements for members of the US Armed Forces, their spouses and their children.
** Age/LPR Status Exception - The English language requirement does not apply to persons who are over 50 years of age and have lived in the United States for 20 years as lawful permanent residents; or persons who are over 55 years of age and have lived in the United States for 15 years as lawful permanent residents.
Changing your address with USCIS
The most important thing in immigration is to make sure that you change your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving. It does not matter if you change your address with the United States Postal Service, you must change your address with USCIS. You can do this online, or with a paper copy of the AR-11 form. This form can be found on the USCIS website here: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11. If you do not change your address and you are placed in removal proceedings, you may be ordered removed from the United States in your absence. This can create huge obstacles for your path to staying in the United States. Therefore, until you become a United States citizen, always change your address with USCIS!
Please contact Courtney Soria at Soria Law at 561-318-3600, to discuss your eligibility for filing for Naturalization.
