Paving the Path to U.S. Citizenship
For many of your employees, the path to the United States does not end at permanent residency. Whatever the reason for wanting to obtain U.S. citizenship – the right to vote, the ability to obtain immigration benefits for family members, protection from deportation, better tax or job benefits, no immigration paperwork to renew, or greater freedom to travel abroad – our attorneys guide applicants through the citizenship and naturalization process the right way, the first time.
Helping You Prepare at Every Step
The Form N-400, Naturalization Application is currently 20 pages long, and consists of complex biographic and travel questions. It is imperative that all information is accurately and properly completed to prevent delays in processing and potential application denial. Our experienced immigration professionals can help. Our experienced attorneys not only ensure the paperwork is filled out properly, we also:
- Help you prepare for the in-person interview at the USCIS office
- Help you quickly apply for a U.S. passport so you can start traveling
- Sponsor immediate family members for immigration benefits
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
Family Sponsorship
Those receiving a green card through family based sponsorship will have a three-year waiting period from the time when the green card was issued and when they become eligible to apply for naturalization.
Employment Sponsorship
Those with an employer-sponsored green card will have a waiting period of five years from the time when the green card was issued to when they can apply for U.S. citizenship. During the five-year period, employees waiting to apply for citizenship must be physically present in the United States for at least 2-1/2 cumulative years (not consecutive). As a general rule, they should not have been absent from the United States for more than six months or 180 consecutive days at one time.
Overview of the Naturalization Process
The legal process of naturalization consists of several steps which begin with completing an application followed by an interview and a test. If everything goes well, applicants are then required to take an oath of allegiance before being granted U.S. citizenship. The naturalization process is strict and designed for people who genuinely want to become U.S. citizens. Those that can demonstrate their desire to do so are granted naturalization.
- Application –There are several forms to finish and file during the application process. The naturalization application must be completed and submitted correctly to be considered. Discrepancies and inconsistencies can cause delays and even the suspicion of fraud. An experienced immigration attorney can help you gather and fill out those forms to ensure accuracy. Zulkie Partners can assist you with submitting the application and appropriate documents along with the filing fees to the correct Service Center. Immigration attorneys can help eliminate many of the common mistakes that cause delays and rejections.
- Fingerprints – Once your application is accepted, the next step in the naturalization process includes having your fingerprints taken. You will receive a letter from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) with an appointment.
- Interview – The following step for those applying for naturalization, is an interview. The interview is to ensure that a person has a genuine desire to become a U.S. citizen. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS will ask questions to confirm your application details, background and your ability to understand and speak the English language.
- Test – Immediately following the interview, applicants will be asked to take a civics test. This test consists of 100 questions of which an applicant will be asked to answer 10. Test questions are based on U.S. history and government. The goal is to determine how much you know about the country. Applicants must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass. Zulkie Partners can assist with preparation for the naturalization interview to ensure that applicants are prepared.
- Oath of Allegiance – Applicants that pass the interview and test portion of the navigation process will be asked to take an oath of allegiance. You will receive a ceremony date of when to return your Permanent Resident Card and take the oath.
- Applying for a U.S. Passport – Once you’ve taken the oath of allegiance, there are several steps you’ll want to complete as a new U.S. citizen including updating your Social Security record, registering to vote, ordering birth certificates for your child(ren) and applying for a U.S. passport. You may still hold a passport from your country of birth but you are required to obtain a U.S. passport and Zulkie Partners can coach you through the process.
Understanding the naturalization process and preparing properly is vital to be successful. An experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference and ensure that you follow all the necessary steps to be accepted.
Realize the American Dream
At Zulkie Partners, you will find experienced professionals who will verify your eligibility and ensure that your process to naturalization is effortless. With an approval rating for naturalization near 100%, our talented immigration attorneys a provide essential support throughout your journey towards citizenship.