Naturalization looks straightforward on paper: file Form N-400, pass the civics and English test, attend an interview, take the oath. In practice, the eligibility requirements, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, trip up more applicants than most people expect, especially those with a prior arrest, extended travel abroad, or an unpaid tax or child support obligation.
We review your immigration and personal history before you file, not after USCIS raises a problem at the interview. For clients with a clean, straightforward case, we prepare the application efficiently and get you ready for the civics test and interview.
Who This Helps
- Green card holders who have held permanent residence for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Applicants meeting continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- Green card holders with a prior arrest, citation, or criminal history who need a good moral character analysis before filing
- Applicants who spent extended time abroad and are concerned about breaking continuous residence
- Military service members and veterans who may qualify for expedited naturalization
- Applicants requesting a disability exception to the English or civics testing requirements
How We Handle These Cases
Eligibility & Good Moral Character Review
We review your residence history, travel records, tax filings, and any criminal history to identify issues before they surface at your interview.
N-400 Preparation & Filing
We prepare a complete, accurate N-400 application, including how to disclose any past issues in a way that doesn't create unnecessary red flags.
Civics & English Test Preparation
We make sure you know what to expect on test day, including exceptions or accommodations you may qualify for.
Interview Representation
We can attend the naturalization interview with you and are ready to respond quickly if USCIS raises an unexpected issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to have my green card before applying for citizenship?
Generally five years as a permanent resident, or three years if you're still married to and living with the U.S. citizen spouse who sponsored you. There are also continuous residence and physical presence requirements within that window that we check carefully.
Will an old arrest keep me from becoming a citizen?
Not automatically, but it depends heavily on the offense, when it occurred, and how it was resolved. Some offenses create a permanent bar, others only a temporary one within the good moral character period. This is worth a real review before filing, not guessing.
What happens if I traveled outside the U.S. for a long trip?
A single trip of six months or more can be presumed to break continuous residence, and a trip of a year or more generally does break it, resetting your eligibility clock. Shorter trips usually aren't a problem, but a pattern of frequent long absences can also raise questions.
Do I have to give up my other citizenship to naturalize?
U.S. law doesn't require you to formally renounce another citizenship to naturalize, though your home country's laws may treat it differently. We can flag this so you know what to expect on both sides.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case depends on its specific facts. Contact Murph & Tchamda LLP to discuss your situation with a licensed attorney before taking any action.