Trusted Citizenship Lawyers

Citizenship and naturalization are two closely related concepts in U.S. law and civics. Citizenship refers to the legal status of being a citizen of the United States, while naturalization is the process by which a foreign-born person becomes a U.S. citizen.

To become a naturalized citizen, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, being a lawful permanent resident, and having good moral character.

Navigating these requirements can be complex, but a citizenship lawyer can provide valuable guidance. They ensure that eligible individuals meet all necessary criteria, making the journey to citizenship smoother and more manageable.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your quality of life.

As a full-fledged citizen, you’ll gain the right to vote, access to government jobs, and the freedom to travel with an American passport. Additionally, U.S. citizens have the ability to petition for immediate family members to become lawful permanent residents, thereby reuniting international families.

Citizenship also opens the door to certain government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare. A citizenship attorney can help you understand these benefits and guide you through the legal process, allowing you to take full advantage of the opportunities that come with U.S. citizenship.

SimVisa: Trusted Chicago Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyers

Despite the many benefits of citizenship, the process of securing it can be complicated, expensive, and frustrating. It’s not always clear what documentation is needed or what factors could lead to denial. The procedure for obtaining citizenship often involves naturalization, which can be complex and may require legal assistance.

The Chicago-based citizenship lawyers at SimVisa take the guesswork and stress out of the naturalization process. Over the past decade, our experienced team of citizenship attorneys has helped countless clients achieve full U.S. citizenship.

Our Citizenship Legal Services

Gaining U.S. citizenship is an involved process. The skilled immigration attorneys at SimVisa are prepared to walk you through the steps required to achieve naturalization and, later, full citizenship.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of being granted U.S. citizenship. To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet the requirements established in the Immigration and Nationality Act. You must meet specific eligibility criteria, complete the naturalization interview, and pass tests on the English language and U.S. civics and government. 

Certificate of Citizenship

A certificate of citizenship, also known as Form N-600, serves as proof of citizenship. This certificate is available in two situations. The first is when the child of a U.S. citizen is born in another country. The second is when a child is born overseas but becomes a U.S. citizen before their 18th birthday. 

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is for U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who give birth to a child while overseas. The child’s birth must be reported to a U.S. embassy or consulate so that a CRBA can be issued. Completing this process grants U.S. citizenship from birth, regardless of where the parents are located. 

Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate

You can request a replacement certificate if the naturalization or citizenship certificate contains incorrect information or if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s also necessary to request a replacement when identifying information is changed, such as when you change your name due to marriage or divorce.  

Filling and Submitting of N-600K Form

Form N-600K is filed by parents who are U.S. citizens to apply for U.S. citizenship for their child. This form can only be filed on behalf of a child who lives outside the U.S. The child must be under 18 and in the legal and physical custody of the parent with U.S. citizenship.

Other Matters

In addition to the most common citizenship- and naturalization-related matters, SimVisa assists individuals in a range of other situations. Our citizenship lawyers offer support with naturalization through military service, applications for preserving residence for naturalization (continuous residence), posthumous citizenship, and other matters related to U.S. citizenship and naturalization.  

Who Is Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?

The eligibility criteria for becoming a U.S. citizen are fairly straightforward.

There are only three ways to become a U.S. citizen: being born in the United States, being born abroad to a parent who’s a U.S. citizen, or completing the naturalization process.

The steps involved in applying for citizenship include meeting the basic eligibility requirements, submitting the necessary documentation, and potentially overcoming specific legal complexities, which may require the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer.

If naturalization is the only path available to you, you must meet a long list of eligibility requirements to begin the process:

Individuals

You must be at least 18 years old and have held a green card for at least five years.

Spouses of U.S. Citizens

You must be 18 or older, have held a green card for at least three years, and have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the past three years. Your spouse must also have had citizenship status for at least three years.

U.S. Military Members

You must be 18 or older and a green card holder with at least one year of honorable service with the U.S. Armed Forces. You must file your application for naturalization during your service or no more than six months after it ends.

Active-Duty Military Personnel

You must be at least 18 and have served in active-duty status or as a Selected Reserve member during a designated period of hostilities. You may apply for naturalization regardless of the time you’ve spent in the U.S.

Children

One or both of your parents must be U.S. citizens, and you must currently reside within the United States, along with meeting the other basic requirements.

Other Situations

Unique situations aren’t uncommon. An immigration lawyer with SimVia can help you understand your options if you don’t meet the above requirements.

Regardless of which of these categories you fall into, if you don’t have a green card, you’ll first need to work with an immigration lawyer to achieve permanent residence before beginning the naturalization process.

Additional Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

After meeting the initial eligibility criteria, you’ll need to confirm that you satisfy these further criteria:

Continuous Residence

You must have held a green card for at least five years (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen).

Physical Presence

You must have resided in your current state for at least three months. Additionally, you must have spent at least half of your five years (or three, depending on your circumstances) in the U.S. without continuous absences longer than six months.

Note that some circumstances related to the length of permanent residence and physical presence allow for exceptions.

Testing

You must pass tests displaying your knowledge of U.S. civics and history and demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak English.

Moral Character

You must provide substantive proof showing sound moral character, with no serious offenses within the past five years. This may include your criminal record and character references from those who know you.

Willingness to Bear Arms

You must agree to bear arms for the U.S. if the country becomes involved in a conflict and you meet the criteria for doing so.

Willingness to Uphold the Constitution

Lastly, you must affirm the principles of the U.S. Constitution, particularly a willingness to promote the lawfulness, order, and prosperity of the United States.

Our firm provides comprehensive legal services to help clients meet these requirements, including assistance with obtaining visas, green cards, and citizenship, offering dedicated support throughout the immigration journey.

Immigration Law and Citizenship

Immigration law is a cornerstone of U.S. citizenship. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines the requirements for naturalization, including the eligibility criteria and the application process.

Citizenship attorneys must have a deep understanding of these laws to effectively guide clients through the naturalization process. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an essential resource for citizenship attorneys, providing the latest information, issues, and insights on immigration law and policy.

By staying informed and up-to-date, immigration lawyers can offer the best possible guidance and support to those seeking U.S. citizenship.

How to Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

Citizenship takes time to achieve. The first step is consulting a qualified immigration lawyer who can help you apply for naturalization. After confirming your eligibility, your case will proceed through the following steps:

• Complete and file the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and accompanying documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Submit to a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and a criminal background check
• Attend a naturalization interview
• Take and pass tests on U.S. civics and the English language
• Await approval from USCIS officials
• Take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance

An immigration lawyer for citizenship works with you throughout this process. When you have a naturalization attorney on your side, you can avoid delays, errors, missing or incorrect documentation, unnecessary expenses, and the risk of a denial.

The Citizenship Interview and Test

The citizenship interview and test are critical components of the naturalization process.

During your interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions about your background, immigration history, and knowledge of U.S. civics and government. The citizenship test, meanwhile, includes a language proficiency component, where you must demonstrate your ability to read, write, and speak basic English.

Preparing for these steps can be daunting, but your citizenship attorney can be a major asset. They’ll provide the necessary preparation and support to ensure that you’re well-prepared and confident, increasing your chances of success.

Moral Character and Citizenship

Good moral character is a fundamental requirement for naturalization. This means demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect for the law.

A citizenship attorney plays a key role in ensuring that their clients meet this requirement. They help immigrants understand what constitutes good moral character and gather the necessary documentation to prove it.

In cases where there may be concerns about moral character, a citizenship lawyer can develop a strategy to address and overcome these issues, helping clients achieve their ultimate goal of U.S. citizenship.

Contact Our Naturalization Lawyers Today!

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. The capable immigration attorneys at SimVisa can help make your journey to citizenship efficient and stress-free.

Contact SimVisa today to take the first step toward full citizenship and new opportunities.