Naturalization is the process by which lawful U.S. permanent residents may apply to become U.S. citizens. The process involves a number of qualification requirements and extensive documentation. Once you are approved and sworn in, you become a U.S. citizen. 

The naturalization process is managed by the USCIS, which is a part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. USCIS allows foreign nationals who are age 18 or older to naturalize as U.S. citizens. However, usually, when an individual is born outside the U.S. to parents who are already U.S. citizens, that child is able to obtain a citizenship certificate.

You can apply for naturalization if you meet the following requirements: 

• You have been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens).
• You are 18 years old or older.
• You are of good moral character.
• You can speak, read, and write English.
• You can pass a test on U.S. history and government.
• You were physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite time.
• You have maintained lawful permanent residence continuously.
• You swear loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance. 

Depending on your specific situation, additional requirements may apply. A naturalization attorney from Brooks Law can review your specific requirements and go over the naturalization process in detail with you.

The entire naturalization process typically takes approximately 8 to 12 months. However, this is an estimate. Processing times can vary.

Benefits to Family Members

Naturalization offers several benefits to family members, including:

Citizenship for your children

Your children under the age of 18 who are permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize.

Family reunification

After becoming a U.S. citizen, you can file immigration petitions with the government to reunite with family members. U.S. lawful permanent residents (aka LPRs or Green Card holders) may file petitions only for their spouses, unmarried adult sons and daughters, and minor children. However, U.S. citizens can also petition for more family members such as siblings, parents, and married adult children.

Dual Citizenship

Many immigrants feel a strong cultural connection to the country they came from. However, becoming an American citizen does not mean you have to lose your heritage. Many foreign countries allow dual citizenship so that you can maintain your status in your home country and the U.S.

Applying for U.S. citizenship can be a complicated and stressful process. The documentation requirements alone can be time-consuming and confusing. An experienced naturalization lawyer from Brooks Law can explain which documents must be filed in your particular case. An attorney can make sure that you have all of the required documents in order when you apply.

According to the USCIS, the documents to bring to your naturalization interview include:

• Green Card
• Photocopy of the front and back of your Green Card
• Driver’s license
• Current and expired passports
• Tax returns for the past five years (three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)

Depending on your unique case, you might need to submit other documents with your application. This list can be confusing and there are very strict requirements put forth by USCIS. An experienced Immigration Attorney at Brooks Law can help you navigate the documents needed to succeed on such a filing tailored to your specific situation.

While the process can be complicated, our skilled naturalization lawyers will review and help you obtain the documents that are necessary for your application.