New York City Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer

Dedicated to Providing Reliable Legal Services to Clients in NYC, Long Island & Elsewhere

Do you desire to become a citizen of the United States of America? If so, there several steps that you need to complete.

What are the main steps in the naturalization process?

• Completing the application, Form N-400.
• Submitting Form N-400 with required documentation
• Attending a biometrics appointment, if necessary
• Attending an interview at an USICIS office
• Receiving a decision from the USCIS
• Completing the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, Form N-445
• Making an oath of allegiance to the United States

Becoming a U.S. citizen provides great benefits. For over 20 years our New York City citizenship and naturalization attorneys have been fighting to give people just like you the opportunity that they deserve. Put our experience to work for you in your quest for citizenship.

Understanding U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

U.S. citizenship grants individuals the full rights and privileges of living in the country, including the ability to vote, access certain government benefits, and work in the United States without restrictions. Citizenship can be acquired in one of two ways: through birth in the United States or its territories or through the naturalization process.

Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen can become a U.S. citizen. This process requires meeting several eligibility requirements and completing a series of steps. Individuals may seek naturalization if they are foreign nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or those who were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents.

What Are The Requirements to Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

Our legal team can help you determine if you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. To get you started, here is a list of all the prerequisites that you need to meet in order for your application to be considered for approval.

To become a U.S. citizen you must:

• Be a permanent resident for at least three or five years, depending on how you obtained your permanent resident status
• Prove that you have continually resided in the U.S. for at least three or five years, depending on how you obtained your permanent resident status
• Show that you have been present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years or 18 months out of three years, depending on how you obtained your permanent resident status
• Show that you have lived at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply
• Be a minimum of 18 years old
• Read, speak, and write basic English
• Be a person of good moral character
• Demonstrate that you will adhere to the values and principles of the U.S. Constitution
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
• Take an oath of allegiance to the United States

How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship in NY?

If you meet the above requirements, it is time to get started with your application for naturalization. You will need to file the following materials at the appropriate U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services facility:

• Form N-400 Application for naturalization
• A copy of Form I-551 (green card)
• Supporting documentation
• 2 photos (the size of passport photos)
• Your filing fees which include application fee and biometric fee

Once your application is received, you will be called in for fingerprinting. After fingerprinting, an interview will take place to answer questions about your application and take your Naturalization Test. Once the test is passed, you will be scheduled to take the oath of citizenship and become a U.S. citizen.

What are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?

Becoming a U.S. citizen offers numerous benefits, including:

• Right to Vote: U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections. This allows you to have a voice in choosing your government representatives and shaping the policies that affect your life.
• Access to Benefits: U.S. citizens are eligible for a wide range of benefits, including federal student loans, social security, and other public assistance programs. Citizenship also provides more security regarding your rights to live and work in the U.S.
• Family Sponsorship: U.S. citizens can sponsor certain family members, including spouses, children, and parents, for immigration benefits such as green cards and citizenship. This can help reunite families and bring loved ones to the U.S.
• Protection from Deportation: U.S. citizens cannot be deported, whereas lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may be at risk of deportation under certain circumstances, such as committing a serious crime.
• Ability to Travel with a U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, which grants greater freedom and ease of travel internationally, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.

Why Hire a New York City Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer?

The naturalization process can be complex, and even small errors or omissions can delay your application or result in a denial. Working with a New York City citizenship and naturalization lawyer ensures that your application is complete, accurate, and timely submitted. 

Our lawyer can help you:

• Understand the eligibility requirements and determine if you qualify for naturalization.
• Complete and file the necessary forms, ensuring all required information is provided.
• Prepare for your naturalization interview and civics test.
• Address any issues or challenges that may arise during the process, including criminal convictions or residency concerns.
• Represent you at any hearings or appeals, if necessary.

Achieving U.S. citizenship is an important step toward securing your future and fully participating in American life. If you are ready to begin the naturalization process or need help with an existing application, contact Cohen Forman Barone, P.C. today. Our New York City citizenship and naturalization attorneys are here to guide you through the process and ensure your application is handled with care and professionalism.