citizenship through naturalization - HOUSTON, TX immigration lawyer
There are different ways to obtain citizenship. Depending on your situation, different requirements may apply to you.
You could be eligible through military service, marriage through US citizen spouse, child of US citizen parent, or have been a resident for the last 5 years.
You could be eligible through military service, marriage through US citizen spouse, child of US citizen parent, or have been a resident for the last 5 years.
am i Eligible for us citizenship?
To apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, you must:
It may sound simple, but the steps require significant time and in-depth analysis of your immigration history and the legal requirements. We recommend to speak with us as early as you are thinking about it. Do not wait until you are 100% sure you want to hire this candidate. Consult with us in the early stages. Consider as your consultant. We can save you time and stress. We keep you updated every time there is a notice from the government and new policies by the President (Executive Branch).
We are here to guide families every step of the way. We offer these services as a one-time fee or monthly representation fee.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
- Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English;
- Demonstrate good moral character;
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
It may sound simple, but the steps require significant time and in-depth analysis of your immigration history and the legal requirements. We recommend to speak with us as early as you are thinking about it. Do not wait until you are 100% sure you want to hire this candidate. Consult with us in the early stages. Consider as your consultant. We can save you time and stress. We keep you updated every time there is a notice from the government and new policies by the President (Executive Branch).
We are here to guide families every step of the way. We offer these services as a one-time fee or monthly representation fee.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT INTERVIEW AFTER I APPLY?
You will need to take an oath that you will tell the truth and nothing but the truth. You will provide your identification and resident card to verify who you are.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption.
You will need to take another oath that you will uphold the United States constitution.
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption.
- The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking.
- The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. This is a possible total of ten questions. You only need to get six correct.
You will need to take another oath that you will uphold the United States constitution.
Are there accomodations and exceptions to the test?
English Language Exemptions
You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:
Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics
You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. Your physician needs to fill out and sign a form called N-648. This verifies your medical disability. Oftentimes, the doctor uses an expired form or forgets to sign the form. This is why we are hired to also help you verify these minor items. The minor items can derail your case and result in a denial of your case.
Continuous Residence Exceptions
If you are engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment you may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement.
Disability Accommodations
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USCIS provides accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process. You need to write this in the application.
You are exempt from the English language requirement, but are still required to take the civics test if you are:
- Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
OR - Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).
- Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
- You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
- If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
- Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
- If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.
Medical Disability Exceptions to English and Civics
You may be eligible for an exception to the English and civics naturalization requirements if you are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. Your physician needs to fill out and sign a form called N-648. This verifies your medical disability. Oftentimes, the doctor uses an expired form or forgets to sign the form. This is why we are hired to also help you verify these minor items. The minor items can derail your case and result in a denial of your case.
Continuous Residence Exceptions
If you are engaged in certain kinds of overseas employment you may be eligible for an exception to the continuous residence requirement.
Disability Accommodations
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USCIS provides accommodations or modifications for applicants with physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to complete the naturalization process. You need to write this in the application.