Citizenship
Citizenship for permanent residents, with the hard parts checked first
Most naturalization applications are simple. The ones that go wrong usually had something in them nobody looked at closely: a trip abroad longer than six months, an arrest that was dismissed, a year of taxes that was never filed.
The flat fee starts with that review. If your record is clean, the application goes in within a few weeks. If it isn’t, you’ll know what to fix before USCIS asks.
The fee
One price, from the review to the oath
Citizenship
For permanent residents past their waiting period, including those with an old ticket or arrest to explain.
- A review of your travel, taxes and record
- Form N-400, prepared and filed
- Two civics and English practice sessions
- Amalia at your naturalization interview
- the USCIS filing fee
- court records, if your case needs them
- Term:
- Flat fee, application to oath
USCIS fees are paid to USCIS. You get the current amount in writing before you sign.
Four things that can complicate an application
Long trips abroad
A trip of six months or more can break the time you need. We count every day out of the country.
An old arrest or ticket
Even a dismissed case has to be listed. We get the court record and explain it in writing.
Taxes
USCIS asks about every year as a resident. A missing return can usually be filed late before you apply.
Child support
Back support can count against good moral character. A payment plan, in writing, often answers it.
Questions about this kind of case
Can I apply if I don’t speak much English?
Some older residents who have lived here many years can take the civics test in Spanish. Amalia will check whether you qualify.
Can my children become citizens with me?
Children under 18 who are permanent residents and live with you usually become citizens automatically when you do. We’ll explain how to get their proof of citizenship afterwards.
What happens at the interview?
An officer goes over your application, gives the English and civics tests, and asks about anything in your record. Amalia sits with you the whole time.
Find out if you can apply this year
Bring your green card, your passport and a list of trips you’ve taken. The first hour tells you whether to file now or wait.