Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)

The most secure immigration status you can have is that of a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizenship affords many advantages, such as ease of travel with a US passport, the right to vote, and the option to apply for certain relatives to move to the US more quickly.

In order to apply for citizenship, generally you must already have a green card for five years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). In certain circumstances, particularly for people under age 21, you can apply for citizenship as soon as you receive your green card. Other requirements include having lived in the United States for certain amount of time, having English skills, and having knowledge of US history (the last two requirements can be waived under certain circumstances).

Also, if one of your parents or grandparents were U.S. citizens, you may have acquired U.S. citizenship even if you were born outside the U.S.

Living in the United States legally or becoming a US citizen is a dream for many. Assisting clients obtain their dream is one of the most enjoyable services obtain for Lewis & Kappes attorneys to provide clients, and every year we handle many such cases.