ShulerKillenLawadmin
10 Apr 2025
The naturalization process allows people who weren’t born in the U.S. to become citizens and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. It is a complex process and requires candidates to meet certain criteria before calling themselves citizens. A skilled immigration lawyer can simplify the process. If you or someone you know wants to become a citizen, here’s what you need to know and how a family immigration lawyer from Shuler Killen Law Firm can help.
It’s essential to meet the requirements before filling out legal forms to file with the court for naturalization. To become a naturalized citizen, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, or at least three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen
3. Prove you have maintained a continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months of a five-year permanent residency
4. Prove you have lived in your current state of residence for at least three months
5. Be proficient at reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English
6. Be of good moral character
7. Pass a U.S. history and government test
8. Be committed to the principles of the Constitution
It’s easy to determine whether you meet age and residence requirements, but the other criteria can be difficult to prove. After all, how do you prove you are committed to the Constitution or have good character? Your experienced immigration attorney in Sumter SC will make sure you’re eligible for naturalization before you begin your case.
To prove to the immigration court that you meet the requirements, you’ll have to submit certain forms and supporting documents, which your lawyer can help gather.
Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and include two pictures of yourself with supporting documents requested on the form. Your family immigration lawyer will help to ensure the form is accurately completed.
After you and your immigration attorney send the paperwork to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must wait for them to notify you that they received it. If the court says you don’t meet certain qualifications, it will alert you that your application was rejected and explain why.
If it’s accepted, the court will let you know the next step, which usually involves in-person visits to your local USCIS office for interviews, biometric verification, and tests. Shuler Killen Law Firm will prepare you for this.
If the USCIS accepts Form N-400 and the supporting documents, you’ll then schedule a biometrics session to verify your background and identity. If you don’t have a criminal record that makes you inadmissible to the U.S., you’ll be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer.
Your family immigration lawyer will give you an idea of what questions you’ll be asked. During the interview, you’ll take tests to determine your proficiency with the English language and your knowledge of U.S. history and government. Your attorney will make sure you are prepared for the tests. The results will partly determine whether your application is accepted.
If the USCIS officer believes you’re ready for citizenship and you pass the tests, you’ll take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. and be given a Certificate of Naturalization. You are now a citizen and can enjoy all the benefits thereof.
The Shuler Killen Law Firm is here to help you through the naturalization application. We understand the importance and excitement of becoming a U.S. citizen. Call your immigration attorney in Sumter SC today at 803-774-8500 today!
