Through Naturalization

You can become a United States citizen through the process of Naturalization if you are a foreign citizen or national who qualifies under the rules of the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA) established by Congress.

Green card holders qualify to apply for Naturalization a few years after they are granted permanent residency. The length of time will depend on your specific situation. A permanent resident (green card holder) who is married to a U.S. citizen and meets other requirements, may apply for Naturalization three years or more after becoming a permanent resident. A permanent resident who is not married to a U.S. citizen may apply for Naturalization after five years of becoming a permanent resident. Children of United States citizens who were born and live outside the United States may also apply for Naturalization if they meet all other eligibility requirements. Certain members of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents may also apply for Naturalization.

The Naturalization process consists of submitting an application and supporting documents, being fingerprinted and interviewed by the Department of Homeland Security, at which point you must also pass an English language and civics test and finally take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization ceremony.

While the Naturalization process is not as complicated as becoming a permanent resident, the eligibility requirements vary radically from case to case, and it’s important to make sure you meet all of the requirements before applying.

Consulting with an attorney prior to applying is especially important if you have ever been charged with a crime or arrested, as certain crimes may negatively impact your application and only an experienced attorney can help you identify and solve any potential problems.

At Cohen & Forman we strive to know each one of our clients thoroughly and we immerse ourselves in each specific case in order to help our clients with their immigration issues. Contact us for a consultation today and experience for yourself the satisfaction of becoming a United States citizen with the help of attorneys who care!