Naturalization is a process by which a legal permanent resident applies to become a U.S. citizen. A legal permanent resident that meets the eight requirements below, must complete and file a N-400 form called “Application for Naturalization”. 

Below are the eight basic requirements that a legal permanent resident must meet to naturalize (become a United States citizen): 

• Be a Lawful Permanent Resident (Have a Green Card) for five years

(If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may need to be a lawful permanent resident for only three years)

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Have good moral character 

(This means not having certain problems with the police or other authorities.)

• Pass an English exam 

You do not have to know English if by the time you submit your application for naturalization:

(1) You are 55 years or older and have been a legal permanent resident for 15 years 

(2) You are 50 years or older and have been a legal permanent resident for 20 years 

• Pass a test on history and government of the United States
• Have lived continuously in the United States for at least five years (some exceptions may apply) 

This does not mean that you couldn’t have travel outside the U.S. It means that you have maintained your home (domicile) in the United States

• Have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the five years period (some exceptions may apply) 
• Take an oath of loyalty to the United States 

During your initial consultation, the immigration attorneys will: 

• Explain you each requirement of the immigration law so that you understand the reason behind each one of them
• Tell you every document you will need to send (or personally bring) to us to complete your naturalization application
• Give you advice on what you need to do if you don’t fully meet any of the eight basic requirements to naturalize so that you can successfully apply for your naturalization
• Hand you the materials that you’ll need to study so that you can approve the U.S. history and government test during your naturalization interview with immigration 
• Listen to all your questions and answer any doubts you may have about the naturalization process and the time it will take from beginning to end.

After your initial consultation the immigration attorney will: 

• Help you prepare for your Interview with USCIS (Immigration Department) so that you feel confident that you will succeed the day of the interview

The day of your Interview with USCIS (Immigration Department) the immigration attorney will be there with you throughout the entire process to ensure that you are treated with respect and that everything goes according to law