NATURALIZATION
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE APPLYING FOR NATURALIZATION?
Persons who are not born in the U.S. can become citizens in a number of ways, the most common being naturalization.
Persons who obtained residency through the Violence Against Women Act may apply for naturalization 90 days before the 3rd anniversary of getting their Green Card. The same is true for persons who obtained their residency based on marriage except that those foreigners must still be married and living with the US citizen spouse when they file the application for naturalization.
Unless they work with the military or the government, all other legal permanent residents may apply for naturalization 90 days before the 5th anniversary of getting their Green Card.
Everyone must have good moral character for a specific period of time, must be physically present in the US for a specific period of time, and must not have abandoned their residency. If a person has been arrested or been denied a prior case, they should hire the best immigration lawyer for naturalization.
HOW LONG BEFORE THE NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW?
Processing times to schedule interviews vary greatly depending on the immigration field office near where the applicant lives. Our attorneys have traveled to field offices in Pennsylvania and Minnesota where there are fewer applicants than government employees. By contrast, interviews in large cities are often scheduled for about a year after the application is filed.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A U.S. CITIZEN?
In addition to having the financial safety net of one of the richest countries in the world, being a US citizen opens the door to success for their family members. A person must be a US citizen to sponsor their parents and their siblings.
Of course, only citizens can fully participate in the policies of our country. Naturalization opens the path to voting, working for the government, and sponsoring family members.