U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer (Form N-400)
Becoming a U.S. citizen lets you vote, hold a U.S. passport and protect your status for good. But an N-400 application reviews your entire history as a permanent resident, so long trips, tax problems, arrests or past immigration issues can lead to denial or, in serious cases, removal proceedings. We review your record first, then prepare the application and the interview.
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Key Facts
- 5 years as a resident (3 if married to a citizen)
- Apply up to 90 days early
- Fee $760 paper / $710 online
- Reduced fee available for some incomes
- New 2025 civics test
Why Become a U.S. Citizen?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400, attending an interview with English and civics tests, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Citizens cannot be deported for later conduct the way green card holders can, can travel without limits on time abroad, can vote, can sponsor more relatives (including parents and siblings) and can often pass citizenship to children automatically.
Permanent security. No more green card renewals or risk of losing residence after long trips.
Sponsor more family. Citizens can petition for parents, married children and siblings.
Vote and travel freely. Vote in federal elections and travel on a U.S. passport.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Citizenship?
Many straightforward cases can be filed alone. A lawyer is strongly recommended if you have any arrest or conviction, trips abroad longer than six months, unpaid taxes or child support, a prior marriage-based green card, past immigration violations or a claim to U.S. citizenship.
An N-400 asks about your whole history. If your green card was obtained in error, filing can put your residence at risk. We review your file, request records where needed and give you an honest assessment before you apply.
Who Qualifies for Naturalization?
- Permanent residence for 5 years, or 3 years if you have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse during that time.
- Continuous residence — trips of six months or more can break it; trips of a year or more usually do.
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of the required period.
- Three months living in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
- Good moral character during the statutory period.
- English and civics — reading, writing and speaking, plus the civics test, with exemptions for some older applicants and people with disabilities.
- Attachment to the Constitution and willingness to take the oath.
The Citizenship Test and Interview
At the interview, a USCIS officer reviews your N-400 under oath and tests your English and civics knowledge.
- English — speaking (during the interview), reading one of three sentences and writing one of three sentences correctly.
- Civics — for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, the 2025 civics test applies: the officer asks up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly.
- Exemptions — the “50/20” and “55/15” rules allow some long-term older residents to take the civics test in their own language and skip the English test. Form N-648 can exempt people with qualifying disabilities.
The Naturalization Process, Step by Step
- Eligibility review — dates, travel, taxes, criminal and immigration history.
- File Form N-400 — online or by mail, up to 90 days before your eligibility date.
- Biometrics — fingerprints and background checks.
- Interview and tests — we prepare you and can attend with you.
- Decision — approved, continued for more evidence or a retest, or denied (with a right to request a hearing on Form N-336).
- Oath ceremony — you become a citizen when you take the oath.
- Passport and family — apply for a passport and confirm citizenship for children under 18.
Naturalization in 2026: What to Expect
A harder civics test. The 2025 civics test has more questions to study and a higher number of correct answers required.
Closer character reviews. Since 2025, USCIS has emphasized a broader review of good moral character, including neighborhood checks in some cases. Honest, complete answers matter more than ever.
Fees. The N-400 fee is $760 on paper or $710 online, with a reduced $380 fee for eligible household incomes. Check USCIS for the current fee before filing.
Do My Children Become Citizens Too?
Under the Child Citizenship Act, a child under 18 who is a green card holder living in your legal and physical custody in the U.S. generally becomes a citizen automatically when you naturalize. The child can then apply for a U.S. passport or a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600). Adult children need to apply on their own.
Documents We Will Ask For
- Green card (front and back)
- Passports and a list of all trips abroad
- Marriage certificate and spouse’s citizenship proof (3-year rule)
- Divorce decrees from prior marriages
- Tax returns or IRS transcripts
- Certified records for any arrest, citation or court case
- Child support records, if applicable
- Selective Service registration, if required
How much does citizenship cost?
The USCIS N-400 fee is $760 on paper or $710 online, or $380 for eligible household incomes. The legal fee depends on your history and whether issues need to be addressed. We explain our fees clearly during your consultation, before you decide to hire us.
Citizenship: Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?
After five years as a permanent resident, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You can file up to 90 days before that date.
Will a long trip abroad affect my citizenship application?
Trips of six months to a year create a presumption that continuous residence was broken, which you may be able to rebut. Trips of a year or more usually break it.
What is on the 2025 civics test?
For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, the officer asks up to 20 questions from 128 official questions on U.S. government and history. You must answer 12 correctly.
Can I apply for citizenship with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and when it happened. Some crimes bar naturalization and some can trigger removal. Have a lawyer review certified court records before filing.
How long does the naturalization process take?
Many applications are decided within several months to a year, depending on the USCIS field office.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You get a second chance to retake the part you failed, usually within 60 to 90 days of the first interview.
Why Clients Choose Us?
Simple, guided process designed to make your immigration journey clear and manageable.
Strategy Calls
We Set Realistic Timelines
We File Carefully and Thoroughly
Ongoing Updates
Remote Capability
Citizenship Lawyer – Ready to take the next step?
Every case starts with a careful review of your history and evidence. Book a consultation and we will explain your options, the risks and the realistic timeline before you decide anything.
Consultations are available in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish, by phone, video or in person in Woburn.
