Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer in San Jose

How to Become a US Citizen

You can apply for naturalization if you meet all the citizenship requirements. If the following situations apply to you, you must satisfy the corresponding requirements to obtain citizenship. 

If you are a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) of five years, all of the following eligibility requirements apply:

• You must be at least 18 years old when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• You must show you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years
• You must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400
• You must show you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400
• You must show you have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence. (If you are a student and are financially dependent on your parents, you may apply for naturalization where you go to school or where your family lives.)
• You must show that you are a person of good moral character and have been a person of good moral character for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400
• You must demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
• You must be able to read, write and speak basic English
• You must have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States, (civics)
• You must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States

To be eligible for naturalization if you are married to a US citizen, you must:

• Be at least 18 when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Be a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least three years immediately before the date you file Form N-400
• Have been living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse during the three years immediately before the date you file your application and while we adjudicate your application
• Have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence
• Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least three years immediately before the date you file your application
• Reside continuously within the United States from the date you filed your application until the date you naturalize
• Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the three years immediately before the date you file your application
• Be able to read, write and speak English and have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government in the United States (also known as civics)
• Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States for at least three years immediately before the date you file Form N-400 and until you take the Oath of Allegiance

If you are serving in the US military, you must complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, among other required forms that your lawyer will help you with. You may be exempt from certain requirements such as residing or being physically present in the US if you are currently on active duty. However, you should consult with your attorney about the specific requirements that apply to your individual situation. 

If you are the child of a US citizen, you can obtain citizenship in one of two ways: At birth and after birth but before turning 18. A child born outside the US who now lives in the US may obtain citizenship if the following criteria apply: 

• The child has at least one parent, including an adoptive parent, who is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization
• The child is under 18 years of age
• The child is a lawful permanent resident (LPR
• The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent

On the other hand, a child of US citizens who lives outside of the US may get citizenship if they meet the following conditions:

• The child has at least one parent, including an adoptive parent, who is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization
• The child’s U.S. citizen parent or U.S. citizen grandparent meets certain physical presence requirements in the United States or an outlying possession
• The child is under 18 years of age
• The child is residing outside of the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent, or of a person who does not object to the application if the U.S. citizen parent is deceased
• The child is lawfully admitted, physically present, and maintaining lawful status in the United States at the time the application is approved and the time of naturalization

English and Civics Testing for US Citizenship 

Applicants may be required to take an English and civics test unless they qualify for an exemption. During the naturalization interview, and USCIS officer will ask the applicant about their application and background, and from there, an applicant may take an English and civics test depending on their age and duration of lawful permanent residency in the US.

The English test would require you to demonstrate that you understand the English language by showing your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test will require you to answer questions about American government and history. 

Powerhouse Representation for Your Citizenship Needs 

Becoming a US citizen involves countless requirements, paperwork, and rules. Without an attorney, the naturalization process can be confusing, overwhelming, and ultimately, unsuccessful, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with our San Jose citizenship lawyer to provide effective legal counsel and guidance throughout the process. We pay strict attention to detail and prepare for anticipated risks that may arise, giving clients confidence and peace of mind.

Wait no longer to begin your journey to citizenship with LORIC Law Firm. Reach out online or at (650) 590-8258 to schedule your consultation!