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Our Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys Will Help You File Your N-400 Application Correctly and Avoid Costly Delays
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone—but the naturalization process can be more complex than many people expect. Factors such as extended travel outside the United States, inconsistencies with or questionable prior immigration filings, or any criminal history can create obstacles that delay or even jeopardize your application. Working with an experienced citizenship lawyer can help you avoid these risks and move forward with confidence.
At FitzGerald Law Company, our citizenship and naturalization attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts, provide personalized legal guidance based on your individual circumstances. We assist and support clients at every stage of the process, including determining eligibility, preparing and filing Form N-400, reviewing travel and residency history, and responding to requests from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Our approach is focused on accuracy, strategy, and service—helping you pursue citizenship effectively while minimizing delays and complications.
Even small mistakes in a citizenship application can lead to significant setbacks. By working with a knowledgeable naturalization attorney, you gain the benefit of detailed legal analysis and careful preparation from the start.
If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship or have questions about your eligibility, contact our office at (617) 303-2600 (ext. 0) or submit our online consultation form to get started.
What is Naturalization in the U.S.?
Naturalization is a process that allows foreign-born persons to obtain citizenship in the United States. Once granted American citizenship, foreign-born persons are granted the right to vote, the right to government jobs, the right to apply for resident status for VI family members and the freedom to travel with an American passport which provides entry without a visa into many countries. A key benefit a naturalization applicant will derive once granted U.S. citizenship is the ability to petition for an immediate family member through a faster petitioning process. There are many eligibility requirements a person must fulfill before they submit an application for naturalization.
Who is Eligible for Obtaining U.S. Citizenship / Naturalize in the U.S.?
In most situations, a person is eligible to apply for Naturalization, if they meet the following requirements:
- Applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years for spouses of United States Citizens)
- Applicant is 18 years old or older
- Applicant is of good moral character
- Applicant can speak, read, and write English
- Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
- Applicant was physically present in the U.S. at least half the requisite time
- Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
- Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
(note: minor children of U.S. naturalization applicants may also be eligible and included in a naturalization application, under certain circumstances)
What Are the Important Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
When Should I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
What is the Duration of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization in the U.S.?
American Citizenship does not expire. However, it can be voided or withdrawn (i.e. when a person commits certain types of crimes).
Does U.S. Citizenship Need to be Renewed?
No, U.S. Citizenship does not have to be renewed. However, your passport will.
U.S. Citizenship Family Benefits
Certain family members may be immediately eligible to receive citizenship, such as minor children. Others are eligible to receive a green card with shorter wait periods than family members of residents (see Family based residency section for estimated wait periods).
What Documentation Do I Need to Apply for U.S. Citizenship / Naturalization?
- Birth Certificate(s)
- Copy of Legal Permanent Residency Document
- Marriage Certificate (if applying because of marriage to a United States Citizen)
- Employment and residence history for the last five years
- List of trips taken outside of the U.S. during the last five years
- Two passport size photographs on white background
U.S. Naturalization / Citizenship Process
Stage One:
Prepare and file form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with the appropriate filing fees at the Immigration Service Center in your district.
Stage Two:
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive notice of a fingerprint appointment date and shall appear on this date
Prepare for and appear for all meetings and interviews scheduled by the U.S. Immigration Service. (Note: failure to attend scheduled meetings may result in a denial of naturalization).
Attend citizenship interview before an immigration officer. The officer will test the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. civics and government, and English literacy tests.
If the applicant satisfies the interviewing officer and the alien’s file is complete, the applicant will then be scheduled for a swearing in ceremony.
Stage Three:
The applicant is given an appointment notice with an attached list of questions that must be submitted at the swearing in ceremony. This is to ensure that the applicant has maintained their lawful presence and good moral character between the time of the interview and the swearing in ceremony. Once the form is submitted, the applicant will be sworn in. The applicant must turn in their I-551 card (Legal Permanent Residency Document or “green card”) and are subsequently issued a naturalization certificate. At this point, the applicant is an official U.S. Citizen! Although the process can seem complex, working with an experienced U.S. citizenship lawyer can help ease the burden of gathering documentation and applying for naturalization.
What are the USCIS Filing Fees for Citizenship?
Together with your Citizenship application, you will need to pay the USCIS fee for form N-400. Verify the USCIS filing fees for the forms mentioned above, as they change regularly.
What are the Fees of Our U.S. Citizenship Attorneys to Petition for Citizenship or Naturalization in the U.S.?
Learn more about our immigration legal fees.
Call 617-303-2600 or Fill Out our Online Consultation Request if you would like to come in for an initial consultation with one of our immigration attorneys in Massachusetts.
