Rockville Citizenship Lawyers

Skilled Attorneys in Rockville, MD Helping Clients Obtain Citizenship Through Naturalization

Achieving U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal of many immigrants. Recognition as a citizen can provide many benefits, but getting to this point may take years of hard work and a commitment to resettling in a new country and complying with a variety of laws. The road to citizenship can be long and difficult, but by working with an attorney who provides legal help with immigration issues, a person can make sure they meet all of their legal requirements and follow the correct steps during the naturalization process. At Salvado Law Offices, our lawyers have a strong understanding of the laws that affect immigrants who are seeking U.S. citizenship, and we can provide guidance throughout this journey.

Requirements for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

To become a citizen of the United States, an immigrant must meet multiple requirements, including:

Residency Requirements

• Permanent resident status: The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, holding a Green Card. In most cases, a person must have been an LPR for at least five years, although for those who are married to U.S. citizens, this requirement is shortened to three years.
• Continuous residence: Generally, applicants must have maintained a permanent home and continuously resided in the U.S. as an LPR for a certain amount of time. In most cases, this continuous residence period must have lasted for at least five years, with this period taking place immediately before applying for naturalization. For people who are married to U.S. citizens, at least three years of continuous residence immediately preceding an application are required.
• Physical presence: In addition to maintaining a permanent home in the United States, a person must have been present in the country for a certain amount of time. Generally, a person must have been physically present for at least half of their continuous residence period. Most people must have been present for 30 months of the five years before applying for naturalization. People married to U.S. citizens must maintain 18 months of physical presence during the three years before their application.
• State residency: An applicant must have lived in the state or district where they currently reside for at least three months prior to filing an application for naturalization.

Other Criteria

• Good moral character: An applicant must demonstrate that they have good morals and values that are consistent with the expectations of people who live in the United States. Usually, a person will be able to meet these requirements if they have not been convicted of any serious criminal offenses and have not engaged in any disqualifying behaviors that could indicate that they could have a negative impact on the safety or well-being of others in their communities.
• English language proficiency: Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Some people who have been living in the United States as LPRs for 15-20 years may qualify for an exemption to this requirement.
• Knowledge of U.S. civics: Applicants show that they have a working knowledge of the history of the United States and the structure and functions of the U.S. government.

The Naturalization Process

The steps a person will be required to follow when applying for naturalization include:

1. Prepare and submit Form N-400: An Application for Naturalization must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An attorney from Salvado Law Offices can help prepare and submit this form. We will ensure that all required information is provided, and we can help compile and submit any supporting documents that will be required.
2. Biometrics appointment: After USCIS processes the application, the person will receive a notice of an appointment where USCIS will collect personal information, including their fingerprints and photographs. This data is used for background checks and security purposes.
3. Naturalization interview and tests: Once the background check is complete, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer will review the application and ask questions to confirm that the person is eligible for naturalization. At this appointment, the person will also take a test to demonstrate their English proficiency and a civics test in which they will answer questions about the history and government of the U.S. Our attorneys can help applicants prepare for this appointment by providing study materials and conducting mock interviews.
4. Decision on the application: USCIS will notify the person to let them know that citizenship has been granted or denied. If necessary, USCIS may request additional information. Our attorneys can help gather and submit any required documents or respond to the denial of an application.
5. Oath of Allegiance ceremony: The final step in the process will require a person to take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the laws that apply to residents of the United States. Once the oath is taken, the applicant will become a U.S. citizen and receive a Certificate of Naturalization. They will also be eligible to apply for a U.S. passport.

Contact Our Rockville, Maryland Citizenship Lawyers

The experienced attorneys at Salvado Law Offices can help people who are planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, ensuring that they complete all of their requirements and are prepared for interviews and citizenship tests. Contact us at 301-933-1814 and set up a consultation to learn how we can help with naturalization applications and other steps in the citizenship process. We work with immigrants and families located in and around Rockville, MD and Falls Church, VA.