Immigration
Naturalization
N-400 applications for lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship.
Naturalization is the final step in the immigration journey for most lawful permanent residents. A successful N-400 means voting rights, a U.S. passport, the ability to sponsor more relatives, and freedom from the deportability risks that even an LPR carries. The case is procedurally simple compared to many immigration matters, but the screening matters.
The general requirements are five years of LPR status (three if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the three years preceding filing), continuous residence and physical presence, good moral character during the statutory period, and the ability to demonstrate English language proficiency and U.S. civics knowledge (with exceptions for age, disability, and long LPR status).
The good-moral-character analysis is where most N-400 cases turn. Criminal history during the statutory period creates a presumption against good moral character; some convictions are permanent bars to naturalization (and may trigger removal proceedings). A criminal record that does not bar naturalization may still trigger more careful USCIS review.
We screen N-400 applicants for these issues before filing, prepare the application and supporting evidence, and represent the applicant at the interview when needed. Where an applicant has criminal history or extended trips outside the U.S., we map out the legal landscape before deciding whether and when to file.
Common scenarios
Situations we see often
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LPR with five years of clean residency
A straightforward N-400 case. The applicant meets all requirements and the case proceeds from filing to oath ceremony in months.
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Three-year filing based on marriage to a U.S. citizen
The applicant has been married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse for three years and meets all other requirements.
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LPR with a criminal record during the statutory period
A misdemeanor or felony conviction during the look-back period triggers the good-moral-character analysis. We screen before filing to avoid triggering removal proceedings.
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LPR with long trips outside the U.S.
Extended trips abroad can break continuous residence (more than 6 months) or physical presence (less than half of the statutory period in the U.S.). Timing the filing matters.
What to do
If this happens to you
Gather the green card, all passports (including expired) covering the statutory period, every prior travel record, and certified copies of any criminal records. The N-400 asks about every trip, every arrest, and every encounter with law enforcement - including events the applicant may have forgotten or believes were never charged.
Do not file an N-400 with criminal history without consulting a lawyer. The interview can trigger placement in removal proceedings if the underlying record makes the applicant deportable. Screening matters.
How we help
How our firm can help
We screen for any disqualifying or risky issues, identify whether to file now or to wait, prepare the N-400 and supporting documents, and represent the applicant at the interview. We help with English and civics study materials and connect to community classes where helpful.
For applicants with criminal records, lengthy absences, or complicated histories, we prepare detailed legal memoranda for the file and accompany the applicant to the interview to address USCIS's questions in real time.
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878,500
people naturalized in the U.S. in FY2023
USCIS, FY2023 Annual Report
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5 years
general LPR requirement before naturalization eligibility
INA 316(a); 8 U.S.C. 1427
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3 years
reduced LPR requirement for spouses of U.S. citizens
INA 319(a); 8 U.S.C. 1430
Common questions
Questions about Naturalization
How long does naturalization take?
USCIS processing times vary by field office and can run from 6 to 18 months from filing to oath ceremony. Some offices are faster, some are slower.
What if I am over 50 or 55? Do I have to take the English test?
Applicants 50 years old with 20 years of LPR status, or 55 with 15 years, can take the civics test in their preferred language. The 65 / 20 rule provides a simplified civics test. The English test is still required for other applicants.
Will my naturalization affect my green card if denied?
Denial alone does not strip green-card status, but the underlying issue that caused the denial (criminal history, fraud, abandonment) may itself create grounds for removal that USCIS now knows about.
Can I keep my Mexican citizenship after naturalizing?
Mexico permits dual nationality, so naturalizing as a U.S. citizen does not require renouncing Mexican citizenship. Other countries vary - check the laws of the country of original citizenship.
Related topics
More under Immigration
Direct consultation
Ready to talk about your case?
Call the firm or schedule a consultation. We speak Spanish and English. Initial consultations are confidential.