To qualify, you must have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for a specific period—generally five years, or three years if you obtained residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen and remain married to that citizen.
We Reunite Families
Our Mission
Our Richmond Citizenship Lawyers work for your family. Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen, governed by federal laws, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act. Eligibility for U.S. naturalization requires meeting various criteria, including:
Permanent Residency
Continuous Presence
You must have physically resided in the U.S. for the majority of the required period, as extended stays outside the country may affect your eligibility.
Language and Civic Knowledge
You must demonstrate basic English skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government by passing a civics test.
Good Moral Character
You must demonstrate good moral character throughout your residency by adhering to the law and avoiding criminal activity.
Support for the Constitution
You must be willing to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and pledge allegiance to the United States.
No Outstanding Debts
You must be current on your taxes and have no outstanding federal tax liabilities.
After completing the naturalization process, individuals gain additional rights and privileges. This process, managed by Naturalization Law Firms in Richmond, plays a crucial role in helping permanent residents integrate fully into American society.
U.S. Citizen
Why Obtain U.S. Citizenship?
When you have been living in the United States as a permanent resident for some time, naturalization can offer you additional benefits beyond those you already enjoy. There are many advantages to becoming a U.S. citizen. Let’s go over some of the most common ones:
The right to vote is one of the fundamental privileges of U.S. citizenship, allowing citizens to actively participate in the nation’s democratic system and influence decision-making. U.S. citizens can shape government decisions by electing representatives, voting on referendums for critical issues, and engaging in initiatives that impact their communities.
U.S. citizenship grants privileged access to a range of federal benefits essential for personal well-being and growth. Beyond civic responsibilities, this status provides eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, and assistance programs that enhance quality of life. U.S. citizens also have access to various social support programs, including housing, healthcare, and food assistance offered by federal agencies.
Obtaining a U.S. passport is a significant privilege, opening up a range of benefits beyond national borders. This document not only enables international travel but also serves as a tangible symbol of citizenship and national belonging.
U.S. citizenship involves active civic participation, enabling individuals to make meaningful contributions to society’s development and strengthening. In addition to fundamental rights, citizenship grants the opportunity to serve on juries, playing a crucial role in the justice system.
Migration Process
What does the naturalization process involve?
The U.S. naturalization process consists of several steps and requirements. Below is an overview of the key steps involved:
Check Eligibility
We’ll confirm that your profile meets the eligibility requirements. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a tool to help you assess eligibility. However, an attorney’s expertise is invaluable to ensure an accurate review of your case.
Application
Complete Form N-400, the naturalization application, which gathers personal and background information. It must be submitted with the required filing fee and can be sent by mail or filled out online with our assistance. Additional documents may be necessary to strengthen your case. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation from USCIS indicating that your application is under review.
Biometrics Appointment
A biometrics appointment will be scheduled for fingerprinting and photographs at a USCIS application center.
Interview
You will be invited to an interview, which consists of two parts: a review of your application, background, and any previously submitted documents.
Civics and Language Test
During the interview, you will take a civics test to demonstrate your knowledge of U.S. government and history, as well as an English test to assess your ability to read, write, and speak English.
Oath Ceremony
Finally, you will attend the oath ceremony (The Pledge of Allegiance), where you pledge loyalty to the United States and receive your naturalization certificate. This step officially makes you a U.S. citizen.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Naturalization is the process by which a legal permanent resident (green card holder) can become a U.S. citizen. This process involves meeting several eligibility requirements, passing civics and English tests, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States. Once naturalized, the new citizen gains all the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, including the right to vote and obtain a U.S. passport. For more information, visit USCIS – Naturalization Process.
To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet several requirements: be at least 18 years old, have been a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), have lived continuously in the U.S. during that period, demonstrate good moral character, show knowledge of the English language and U.S. history and government, and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
The processing time for naturalization can vary but generally takes between 8 to 12 months from the submission of your application to the naturalization ceremony. This time includes the review of your application, scheduling and conducting the interview, and waiting for the oath ceremony. It’s important to submit a complete and well-documented application to avoid delays.
When applying for naturalization, you must submit the N-400 form (Application for Naturalization) along with supporting documents such as a copy of your green card, proof of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., evidence of good moral character, and documents showing your marriage to a U.S. citizen (if applicable). You will also need to include two passport-style photos and the application fee.
The naturalization exam consists of two parts: an English test and a civics test. The English test assesses your ability to read, write, and speak English. The civics test evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history, government, and principles. The civics test includes 100 possible questions, of which 10 will be asked during the interview. You must answer at least 6 out of the 10 questions correctly to pass.
During the naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review your N-400 application and ask questions about your eligibility for citizenship. You will also take the English and civics tests. It is important to answer all questions truthfully and completely. The interview usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. If you pass the interview and tests, you will receive a notice to attend a naturalization ceremony.
If you don’t pass the naturalization exam on your first attempt, USCIS will give you another opportunity to take the part of the exam you failed. You will have a second interview, generally within 60 to 90 days of the first. If you fail the second attempt, your naturalization application will be denied. You can submit a new naturalization application and pay the applicable fees if you wish to try again. More information about the reexamination process is available on the USCIS website.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from naturalization, but it can complicate the process. USCIS will assess your moral character as part of the application. It is essential to be honest about any arrests or convictions in your application. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand how your criminal background may affect your eligibility and what steps you can take to improve your chances of success.
The Oath of Allegiance is a solemn vow taken during the naturalization ceremony, in which you promise to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, renounce any loyalty to other countries, and take on all the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. This oath is a crucial step in the naturalization process and symbolizes your commitment to the United States as your adopted country.
Children under 18 cannot apply for naturalization on their own. However, they may automatically derive U.S. citizenship if one parent becomes naturalized and meets certain requirements. The children must be legal permanent residents and live in the U.S. under the legal and physical custody of the naturalized parent. Once the parent takes the Oath of Allegiance, the children can obtain a certificate of citizenship. More information on how children can derive citizenship is available on USCIS – Derived Citizenship.
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Our Best Richmond Naturalization Attorneys at Airington Law - The People’s Attorneys are dedicated to helping families come together legally in the U.S. Some of the legal services we offer include:
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We offer legal advice for U.S. citizenship in Richmond, VA. Our line is open at all times to anyone who wishes to become an American citizen through the naturalization process.
With over 15 years of experience, our naturalization lawyers in Richmond, VA, have specialized knowledge to provide support to anyone seeking U.S. citizenship. If you want to naturalize in our country and enjoy the benefits of being a citizen, call us today to schedule your free case evaluation. We are The People’s Attorneys.