Citizenship and Naturalization
Helping you achieve the American dream
Orlando Citizenship and Naturalization Attorneys
Comprehensive Support for United States Immigrants
Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is a big deal ( Citizenship and Naturalization). In addition to giving you the chance to vote and run for office, it opens the door to a whole host of other benefits, such as the ability to secure a loan, buy property, and pursue a career in law enforcement or the military.
At Angel Law Firm, P.L., we understand the challenges that immigrants face when trying to obtain citizenship or naturalization. Our team of Orlando citizenship and naturalization attorneys has years of experience in handling these matters and can help you navigate the process so that you can reach your goal of becoming an American citizen.
If you are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you can reach out to our Orlando citizenship & naturalization lawyers at (407) 329-7711 or complete our online form to set up a consultation.
What Are the Requirements for Citizenship and Naturalization?
The requirements for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen typically include:
- Permanent Residency (Green Card):
You must be a lawful permanent resident (have a green card) for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Physical Presence:
During the required residency period, you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the time.
- Continuous Residence:
Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. without extended trips abroad.
- Good Moral Character:
Demonstrate good moral character during the eligibility period.
- English Language Proficiency:
Pass an English language test, unless exempt based on age and duration of residency.
- U.S. Civics Test:
Pass a civics test on U.S. government and history, unless exempt due to age and duration of residency.
- Attachment to the U.S. Constitution:
Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
- Filing Form N-400:
Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with required documents and fees.
It’s important to note that some individuals, such as spouses of U.S. citizens, members of the U.S. military, or certain applicants with qualifying disabilities, may have different or additional requirements. The naturalization process can be complex, and it’s recommended to seek guidance from an immigration attorney to ensure a successful application.
Get in Touch with Our Orlando Citizenship & Naturalization Team
Unlock the path to U.S. citizenship with Angel Law Firm, PL’s Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer. Our experienced team will guide you through the complex process, ensuring all requirements are met. From green card holders to military personnel, we handle all cases with dedication and precision. Don’t navigate the journey alone – let us advocate for your American dream. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards becoming a proud U.S. citizen.
Our team can assist you in both English and Spanish. Call (407) 329-7711 or contact us online to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear and Detailed Answers to Help You Understand Your Case
What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?
To qualify for naturalization, you generally must:
How much does it cost to apply for naturalization?
As of now, the application fee is , plus an biometrics fee, totaling . Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.
Do I have to take an English and civics test?
Yes. Most applicants must take a test on and demonstrate . However, some exceptions apply for older applicants or those with disabilities.
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of crime and when it happened. Some offenses may prevent you from becoming a citizen. You can contact our office for a consultation so we can review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
How can an immigration attorney help with my naturalization process?
An immigration attorney can:
What is U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization?
Citizenship and Naturalization refer to the legal process through which eligible immigrants become citizens of the United States.
Naturalization is the procedure that allows lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting specific requirements, such as continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Through naturalization, applicants gain the full rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, including the ability to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and petition family members for immigration benefits.
Immigration attorneys assist applicants throughout the citizenship and naturalization process by preparing applications, ensuring legal eligibility, and guiding them through interviews and exams in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Who is eligible for U.S. Citizenship?
Eligibility typically requires at least 5 years of permanent residency (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), continuous residence, good moral character, and knowledge of English and U.S. civics. Exceptions may apply in certain cases.
How do I apply for Naturalization?
You must file Form N-400, submit supporting documents, and attend a biometrics appointment and naturalization interview. Our attorneys guide you through each step to ensure accuracy and compliance.
What is the Citizenship and Naturalization process, and am I eligible?
Citizenship and Naturalization is the legal path to grant U.S. citizenship to eligible applicants. A Naturalization Applicant (often a Green Card Holder Applicant or Lawful Permanent Resident Applicant) must meet specific Eligibility Criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Citizenship Eligibility Assessment Process checks for the Continuous Residence Requirement, Physical Presence Requirement, and Good Moral Character Requirement. Our Citizenship Advisory Firm can run a comprehensive Citizenship Eligibility Assessment Service to ensure you meet all Lawful Permanent Resident Status requirements before applying.
How do I file for Naturalization, and what forms are required?
The primary form is Form N-400. An Immigration Consulting Firm or Immigration Law Firm offers a Form N-400 Filing Service to guide you through the Form N-400 Filing Process. Using a Secure Immigration Database and the USCIS ELIS Platform, we manage your Naturalization Application Service. We follow the official Form N-400 Instructions meticulously to reduce the Error Rate in Application Filing and avoid receiving a Notice of Action regarding incomplete documents.
How long does the Naturalization Timeline take?
The Naturalization Timeline (or Total Processing Duration) varies by location, such as the USCIS Orlando Field Office or the broader Central Florida Immigration Region. We track the USCIS Processing Time and Form N-400 Processing Time closely using our Immigration Case Management Software. From the initial filing to the Decision Issuance Time, the Case Processing Time depends heavily on the Background Check Processing Time and the national Naturalization Case Backlog Time.
What are the legal fees and USCIS costs for this process?
The USCIS Fee Schedule sets the Government Filing Fee Structure, which typically includes a filing fee and a Biometrics Fee Structure. As your Legal Immigration Services Office, we provide transparent pricing via a Flat Fee Pricing Model, Hourly Rate Legal Fee, or Installment Payment Structure. During your consultation, we will outline the Naturalization Service Fee Structure or Citizenship Application Package Pricing, offering a clear Legal Service Cost Estimate for your Naturalization Legal Consultation Service.
Will I need to attend a Biometrics Appointment?
Yes. Every Citizenship Applicant is subject to a Biometrics Requirement. USCIS will schedule a USCIS Biometrics Appointment at a location like the Orlando Biometrics Center or a designated USCIS Application Support Center Orlando. Our Biometrics Appointment Assistance Service helps you understand the Biometric Identification System and Identity Verification Technology. We track your Biometrics Appointment Timeline to ensure a high Biometrics Completion Rate without delays.
What happens during the USCIS Naturalization Interview?
The USCIS Naturalization Interview evaluates your background, the English Language Requirement, and the Civics Test. As your Immigration Legal Assistance Organization, our USCIS Interview Preparation Service provides a Naturalization Video Tutorial and a Citizenship Test Preparation Guide. We prepare the English Test Applicant for the English Test Examination Session and the Civics Test Applicant for the Civics Test Examination Session, resulting in a high English Test Pass Rate and Civics Test Pass Rate.
What should I do if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
A Request for Evidence means USCIS needs more information to complete the USCIS Adjudication Process. Our Immigration Representation Office utilizes a streamlined Request for Evidence Workflow via our Digital Filing System to manage the Request for Evidence Response Service. We monitor the Request for Evidence Response Time and execute the Request for Evidence Response Submission promptly to prevent an Application Denial Rate spike or a Notice of Intent to Deny Response.
Does my background affect the Good Moral Character Requirement?
Yes. USCIS conducts a rigorous Background Check Process through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security. The Good Moral Character Evaluation Process assesses your history. Minor issues might trigger a Background Check Review Interview. If severe issues arise involving the Department of Justice or Customs and Border Protection, you might face an Immigration Court Individual Hearing or a Removal Proceedings Hearing. Our Immigration Compliance Firm helps mitigate these risks.
What is the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony?
After the Decision Issuance Time confirms your approval, the final step in the Naturalization Application Process is to administer the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath Ceremony Scheduling Time determines when you will attend the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. Once you take the Oath of Allegiance, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Our Oath Ceremony Preparation Service ensures you are ready for this monumental event, which provides legal recognition of citizenship status and facilitates access to voting and civic rights.
Can I track my application status online?
Absolutely. Using the USCIS Online Account System and the Case Status Online Tool, you can monitor your Case Adjudication Timeline. Our Naturalization Case Management Firm integrates this with our Document Management System and Cloud-Based Legal Software. If you need an in-person update, we can help schedule a USCIS InfoPass Appointment. Our commitment to transparency through our Electronic Immigration System consistently yields a high Customer Satisfaction Score and Naturalization Approval Rate.
How long must I wait after I got my green card to apply for citizenship?
The timeline begins the day you got your green card. To apply for naturalization, you have been required to live in the United States for a specific period as a lawful permanent resident (also known as a permanent resident LPR or green card holder). Generally, you must wait for five years, but if you are married to a U.S. citizen, the wait is only for three years. Before applying for united states citizenship, make sure you check that you have been a permanent resident for the exact time required, as applying for citizenship prematurely can result in a denial.
Can individuals with DACA, Asylum, or TPS directly apply for naturalization?
If you currently hold temporary protected status, asylum, or protection under deferred action (action for childhood arrivals DACA or for childhood arrivals), you are not instantly eligible for citizenship. Immigrant visas and green cards are required first. Usually, this means adjusting your status through a family based petition or employment. Once you submit and receive your green card, you can eventually apply for citizenship through the naturalization process the government mandates.
What crimes might affect my good moral character assessment?
To succeed in the naturalization process, the applicant must demonstrate good moral character. Crimes such as fraud, drug offenses, or issues that could trigger removal proceedings will heavily impact your case. While the public charge rule mainly affects obtaining the immigrant visa initially, immigration law heavily scrutinizes your criminal record for citizenship. You must meet certain eligibility requirements; if you have a criminal history, you may need a strong legal defense to prove you have good moral character.
How can I prepare for the English and civics test naturalization exam?
During the naturalization process you will be scheduled for an interview. When you attend, the officer will take time to administer the civics test naturalization exam covering U.S. history and government, as well as the English test. They are required to ensure you can read write and speak basic english. If you have a severe medical condition, disability waivers are available. Otherwise, there are many community resources and practice materials available to help you learn English and pass the naturalization test.
Does the Child Citizenship Act automatically protect my children?
Under the Child Citizenship Act, a child who is under the age of 18 may automatically become a citizen the moment their parent becomes a citizen through naturalization (or citizen through the standard process). However, children who are over the age of 18 do not automatically receive this benefit; they must independently apply for their own status. For more information on how family members are affected, review the specific eligibility requirements of immigration and naturalization laws.
What are the differences between keeping my original passport and losing my citizenship?
Many people ask about the differences between holding citizenship dual citizenship (or dual citizenship) and situations where you may lose your native nationality. The U.S. allows you to keep your original passport, meaning you do not have to lose your citizenship from your home country unless their specific laws require it. Naturalized citizens have the same rights as native-born Americans, meaning citizens when you take the oath enjoy full rights and responsibilities.
Why is my online access denied with a reference code when checking my case?
When checking your case online via the services USCIS portal, your access might be blocked on the secure https server. If you see an access denied reference (or simply denied with a reference string), the federal firewall has paused your connection. There are technical reasons for this, usually due to refreshing the menu too fast. Clear your browser cache and try again. Ensure you are on the correct site; if you see a footer saying “page was last updated” or “this page was archived,” navigate back to the main center hub.
How can I use FOIA to obtain my naturalization records?
If you need copies of your past naturalization records or immigration files, you can also submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The immigration services (specifically the immigration and nationality departments) store these files at the national records center. Submitting a FOIA request to citizenship and immigration authorities helps you gather the necessary documents to review exactly what you filed in the past.
What happens after my interview, and when do I take the oath?
If you pass your interview and meet the following final checks, the officer will approve your petition for naturalization. The last step is to take the oath of allegiance. You will attend a ceremony organized by the immigration authorities. Afterward, you will update your social security records and can apply for a passport. From that day on, you officially hold united states citizenship and enjoy full citizenship rights and protections.
Where can I find advocacy, publications, and community resources for immigrants?
There are numerous resources for the immigrant community, ranging from local and federal assistance programs to national advocacy groups. Organizations in cities like Salt Lake City and nationwide provide public publications, annual reports, and social support. You can donate, read their press releases, leave a comment on a post, or even explore careers to support immigration services USCIS reforms. (Note: All rights reserved. This information provides a general guide and does not constitute legal advice).
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