Elarar Law helps lawful permanent residents through the naturalization or citizenship process to become United States Citizens.

• Naturalization applications and interviews

• N-400 Denial

• Certificates of Citizenship

• Consular Reports of Birth Abroad

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If you are a lawful permanent residence interested in filing an application for naturalization, give us a call and schedule a consultation so we can discuss the process, screen your case for any potential issues, and answer your questions.

 

Who is eligible to become a United States Citizen?

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To be eligible to become a United States Citizen, you must  

 

• Be at least 18 years old or older at the time of filing the Form N-400, Application for naturalization,

• Have been a Lawful Permanent Residence for five (5) years or three (3) years if are the spouse of a United States Citizen,

• Have continuously resided in the United States for five (5) years or (3) years if you are the spouse of a United States Citizen,

• Have been physically present in the United States for 30 months or 18 months if you are a spouse of a United States Citizen,

• Show you have lived for at least three (3) months in a state or USCIS district,

• Show that you are a person of good moral character for five (5) years or (3) years if you are the spouse of a United States Citizen,

• Can pass an English, Reading and Writing exam,

• Can pass a civics Exam, and

• Can demonstrate basic English proficiency.

 

Did you spend a lot of time outside the United States?

 

Lawful permanent residence can travel outside the United States as they please. However, in order to qualify for naturalization, you must have been physically present in the United States for a specific amount of time. Some lawful permanent residences run into issues when they have spent too much time outside the United States or if they take up residence in another country. If the government believes you abandoned your residency status, they could issue you a Notice to Appear and place you in deportation proceedings. If you have spent a lot of time outside the United States after becoming Lawful Permanent Residence, you should consult with Elarar Law to get assistance.

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Can I apply for Naturalization if I have a criminal conviction/record?

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Please seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer because some convictions may result in a denial of your application. Additionally, some criminal convictions may make you deportable and filing an application to naturalize could result in USCIS issuing you a Notice to Appear and placing you in deportation proceedings.

 

Keep in mind that USCIS does consider the good moral character of an individual and the duration of the crime. Depending on the crime and whether the criminal conviction occurred five or more years ago, USCIS may not consider that criminal conviction.

 

What documents do I need to provide with my naturalization application?

 

• A copy of your Permanent Resident Card

• A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if applicable)

• DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applicable)

• A copy of your official military orders (if applicable)

• Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under 319(b))

• Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States)

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What if USCIS denies my naturalization application?

 

Having your naturalization application denied by USCIS can be scary. However, you have a few options.

1. You can appeal the denial of your naturalization by filing out Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.

2. You can file a new naturalization application.

3. You can file a Motion to Reopen.

4. You can file a Motion to Reconsider.

 

Please seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer to help you file an appeal, application or motion.

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