Naturalization and Citizenship FAQs

Most lawful permanent residents can apply after five years, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen, provided they meet continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and English and civics requirements. Special rules apply to military members and certain others. We confirm your eligibility before filing so you are not caught off guard at the interview.

The N-400 asks about your travel history, and this is a section where people either over-think the math or under-report the details. Very short trips are treated differently from longer absences, and the safest course is accuracy rather than guesswork, because the government has access to border-crossing records and unexplained gaps can raise credibility questions at the interview. Short trips usually do not by themselves break the continuous residence or physical presence requirements, but longer absences can, so it is worth reviewing your travel before you file.

Possibly. Criminal history, certain tax issues, extended absences from the U.S., or problems in the original green card process can all affect a naturalization application, and applying can sometimes expose old issues that put your permanent residence itself at risk. With expanded government scrutiny of prior approvals, having your history reviewed before you file is more important than ever, not after a problem surfaces.

You will be interviewed about your application and background and take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or accommodation. We prepare clients for both the substance of the interview and the questions likely to arise from their particular record.

Possibly. Some people acquire citizenship at birth abroad through a U.S. citizen parent, or derive it automatically through a parent, depending on the law in effect at the time and the parent’s status and physical presence in the U.S. Someone born in the United States is generally a U.S. citizen and may also hold citizenship in a parent’s country, which is dual citizenship. If you think you may already be a citizen, we can help you evaluate and document that claim rather than filing an application you may not need.