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Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney
Naturalization Requirements: How to Become a U.S. Citizen
Are you a lawful permanent resident dreaming of becoming a U.S. citizen? At Cohen Immigration Law Group, our experienced and licensed citizenship and naturalization lawyers in NYC — AILA members and immigration law specialists with a high success rate — can help you navigate the citizenship process and naturalization eligibility requirements to achieve your goal. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss processing time, naturalization fees, and what documents you need for your N-400 application.
Why Hire a Naturalization Lawyer?
Naturalization is the legal process by which eligible green card holders can become U.S. citizens, often with guidance from a naturalization lawyer near you. It involves meeting specific citizenship eligibility requirements, demonstrating good moral character, and passing English and civics tests. Our comprehensive immigration services include USCIS representation, denial assistance, and appeal services to protect your immigration status and help you understand how long naturalization takes, citizenship denial reasons, and whether dual citizenship is allowed.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with numerous benefits, including:
Voting Rights: Participate in elections and vote to have a voice in your government.
Eligibility for Public Office: Run for elected office and serve your community.
Family Sponsorship:Sponsor family members for immigration to the United States.
Travel Freedom: Obtain a U.S. passport for easier international travel without travel restrictions during the naturalization ceremony and after receiving your certificate of naturalization.
Protection from Deportation: Gain permanent protection from deportation and removal proceedings.
Access to Federal Programs and Benefits: Become eligible for certain federal programs and benefits.
When applying for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, most applicants are required to take an English language test and a civics test. However, there are exceptions and modifications to these requirements for certain applicants based on their age and how long they have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Applicants 50 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400
who have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years are exempt from the English language requirement but must still take the civics test in their native language. - Applicants 55 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400 who have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years are also exempt from the English requirement and may take the civics test in their native language.
- Applicants 65 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400 who have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years have a further accommodation. They are exempt from the English requirement and may take a simplified version of the civics test in their native language.
- Applicants with medical disabilities that affect their ability to learn English or civics may be exempt from these tests. This requires the submission of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or licensed clinical psychologist.
- While not an exception to the tests themselves, applicants who spend a significant amount of time outside of the U.S. might disrupt their continuous residence requirement, affecting their eligibility for naturalization. However, certain applicants working abroad for U.S. corporations, the government, or recognized institutions may be eligible for an exception to this requirement.
Taking Citizenship Tests in Native Language:
When exempt from the English test, applicants must bring an interpreter with them to the citizenship interview to translate the civics questions into their language. The interpreter should be fluent in both English and the applicant’s native language — our multilingual support and bilingual staff can help you understand citizenship test difficulty and prepare effectively.
These exceptions are designed to accommodate older applicants and those with medical conditions, acknowledging that proficiency in English may be more difficult to achieve and that understanding U.S. history and government is possible without it. Always consult with a qualified and certified immigration attorney or a trusted official source like USCIS for the most accurate and personalized advice.
The Naturalization Process
The naturalization process typically involves the following steps:
Filing Form N-400:
Complete and file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Biometrics Appointment:
Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photo capture.
Naturalization Interview:
Participate in an interview with a USCIS officer to assess your eligibility and review your application.
Naturalization Test:
Take the English and civics tests, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Our Citizenship Lawyers in New York Can Help
Our citizenship lawyers in NY have extensive experience guiding individuals through the naturalization process. We understand the complexities of immigration law and are dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation. As a client-focused, established practice with board certified attorneys and multilingual staff, we represent clients with compassion and defend your rights throughout the citizenship process.
We carefully review your case, help you complete the necessary forms, gather supporting documents, and prepare you for the naturalization interview and tests. We also address any potential issues that may arise during the process, ensuring your application is as strong as possible. Our comprehensive services include virtual consultations, 24/7 availability for urgent matters, and immediate assistance with denial and appeal cases to protect your path to citizenship.
Contact a Citizenship Lawyer in New York Today!
If you are a green card holder and ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship, contact Cohen Immigration Law Group today for a consultation with our experienced citizenship application lawyers in NYC. We can help you navigate the naturalization process and achieve your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Schedule your free consultation to discuss naturalization fees, processing time, best citizenship lawyer options, and how we can help you naturalize successfully. Our BBB accredited firm offers competitive attorney fees with transparent pricing — contact us to learn more about our high success rate and why clients consider us the best citizenship lawyer in NYC.
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I cannot say enough good things about Cohen Immigration Law. Very professional and extremely thorough. Daniel Levy was very prompt with setting things up. Sarah has the patience of an angel. She was very easy to work with and very efficient at her job. I would highly recommend Cohen Immigration Law.
– D. Ragnone
I came for a second opinion on my asylum claim. Raisa told me the potential problems that could be raised by the dhs about my military service. Super helpful.
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I had a phenomenal experience with Attorney Raisa Cohen. I was facing removal proceedings and didn’t know where to turn. My prior attorney was disbarred, and I went to Attorney Raisa Cohen for help. She took on my case and fought hard for me. Her courtroom skills and legal strategy were incredible. I’ll always be tremendously grateful for her help and highly recommend!
– Rosemary
My case manager Diane Mahko and attorney Daniel Levy were great to work with. Diane, especially, was amazing. She made the process simple, provided excellent directions on what paperwork was needed, how to obtain it, and was always timely in replying to questions. If I need any assistance with Canadian immigration in the future they will be my first call.
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I had an amazing experience working with the Cohen Immigration Law Group. Raisa Cohen was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. Thanks to her guidance and support, the entire immigration process went smoothly. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an immigration attorney!
– Anonymous
I had an amazing experience working with the Cohen Immigration Law Group. Raisa Cohen was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. Thanks to her guidance and support, the entire immigration process went smoothly. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an immigration attorney!
– Anonymous
I called Cohen Law for some advice and was genuinely impressed by how kind and helpful they were. I explained my situation and let them know I couldn’t afford to hire a lawyer, and despite that, I was given thoughtful, honest, and very helpful advice. I truly appreciated the time and care they showed me. Highly recommend them for anyone needing legal guidance!
– Jess Lynlopez
Raisa Cohen is a fantastic immigration lawyer whom I had the pleasure to do a consultation with. Her knowledge as a former immigration judge truly helped me out in my situation and I would highly recommend her services!
– Anonymous
I had the pleasure of speaking with Raisa Cohen, and she provided me with clear and valuable legal guidance. She patiently clarified important points, laid out a clear roadmap for me, and summarized everything in a way that was easy to understand. Her professionalism and dedication were truly impressive. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking reliable legal advice.
– Sayed
I must say, they made easier than I expected, very fast response times, clear guidance and affordable. Victoria (citizenship) and Tereza (passport) were very professional and polite, again this was easier than obtaining documents from the USA DMV. Use Cohen if you want knowledgeable professionals! Thanks again
– Ronald Craig
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