how long does it take to get citizenship with a lawyer

Full Answer

How long does it take to get citizenship after citizenship interview?

If your interview goes well, you pass the exam, and USCIS doesn't need any additional documents, they may approve your application on the same day as your citizenship interview and exam. Otherwise, USCIS will send you their decision in writing within 120 days of your interview and exam.

How much does it cost to get a lawyer for citizenship?

More than nine in ten (91%) of our readers paid a flat fee to have their lawyers handle their citizenship applications. But the amount of those fees ranged widely. Nearly half (45%) of our readers paid between $1,000 and $2,000, while three in ten (30%) paid less than that. A quarter (25%) of readers paid more than $2,000.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?

You have to come up with the money for any filing fee you have to pay, and you have to go to a USCIS office to have your fingerprints (biometrics) taken, and then again for your citizenship interview. Don't expect your lawyer to give you a ride to the USCIS office, unless you've agreed to this arrangement.

How long does it take to get citizenship certificate after oath?

Otherwise, USCIS will schedule the Oath ceremony for 2-6 weeks after you pass your exam. They'll send you the date, time, and location of your Oath ceremony on Form N-445, "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" 1-4 weeks after passing your exam. You'll receive your Certificate of Naturalization at this location after you take the Oath.

How long does it take to get legal citizenship?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months, as of April 2022.

What is the fastest way to get citizenship?

Making an Expedite Request to USCIS To request expedited processing of your naturalization application, you can either go through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) or write a letter to your local USCIS field office.

Do you need a lawyer to apply for US citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.

Can lawyers interview citizenship?

During the process of naturalization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will conduct the U.S. Citizenship Interview. Though the interview does not require your immigration and naturalization attorney to be present, there are benefits of having a lawyer at citizenship interview.

Can a lawyer speed up citizenship process?

The immigration process can be intimidating and take a long time, but hiring an immigration attorney to support you with your case can speed up the process and help you meet your goals.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

While an immigration attorney cannot per say “speed up” your case, the immigration attorney is knowledgeable in immigration law and will know the best strategy and options for your case. Undeniably, this avoids any unreasonable delay by anyone lacking specialized knowledge in this area of law.

Is it worth getting an immigration lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer adds additional legal fees to your case, but often it comes with numerous benefits. Hiring an immigration lawyer can save you time and stress and increase your chances of success.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2020?

The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is 8 months as of May 31, 2020. However, that's just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.

Can I travel while waiting for citizenship?

There are no travel restrictions after filling out Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization. That's because, as a green card holder, you are already a permanent resident, which allows you to travel abroad while your application is pending.

How long is the interview for citizenship?

about 20 minutesA typical citizenship interview lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.

Can you bring someone with you to your citizenship interview?

A legal guardian or family member If you have any disabilities, you may bring a legal guardian (a person that has the legal authority to care for your personal interests) or a family member to support your special physical or emotional needs during the interview, at the discretion of the officer.

Do you need tax return for citizenship interview?

Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).

How long does it take to get citizenship?

It takes approximately 4-5 months to receive your citizenship interview appointment in the mail after completing the biometrics. The civics examination consists of two components.

What happens at a naturalization interview?

At the in-person naturalization interview, the applicant will either be approved, denied, or the officer will ask for additional evidence before they can make a final decision on the application. The decision will hinge on whether the applicant has demonstrated their eligibility for naturalization, including the establishment of their good moral character, and finally passage of the civics examination.

What is the second requirement for USCIS?

The second requirement is the civics examination – an oral examination requiring applicants to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government. As part of the civics examination a USCIS Officer asks the applicant up to 10 of 100 possible civics questions.

How long does it take to get a N-400?

This form is taking about 1 year to be processed by USCIS.

How long does it take for USCIS to process a citizenship application?

U.S. Citizenship Application Processing Time. Generally, it will take anywhere from 8 to 14 months for USCIS to process your application and give you either a “grant,” “continued,” or “deny” answer.

What are the requirements to get a citizenship?

One of the requirements for naturalization is to take the naturalization test to demonstrate that you are able to read, write, and speak basic English and that you have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). Your citizenship exam will be given on the same day as your interview.

How old do you have to be to apply for naturalization?

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization if: You are at least 18 years old; You are married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for at least three years; Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years;

How old do you have to be to file a N-400?

as a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years; At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 55 years of age or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years; or.

How old do you have to be to get a green card?

You are at least 18 years old; You have maintained lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years; You have no special circumstances that would deny your application; You have not traveled outside the U.S. for trips of six months or longer in the past five years;

How much is biometric fee?

Biometric fee: $85.00. These fees are non-refundable regardless of whether USCIS grants or denies your application. If you are 75 years of age or older or serving in the military, you are exempt from biometric fees.

How Many U.S. Citizenship Applicants Hire Immigration Lawyers?

Not everyone can afford an immigration lawyer, and not everyone needs one. In fact, 46% of our readers went through the process without help. Slightly more (48%) hired a lawyer. Their citizenship applications may have involved complicating circumstances that call for expert immigration help.

Does Having an Immigration Lawyer Make a Difference in Citizenship Applications?

More than 9 in 10 readers who hired a lawyer had their citizenship applications granted.

What does USCIS look for in a person before granting citizenship?

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) looks at your current situation and a lot of things that happened in your past to see whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Some of those things can delay or even prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship unless you understand how to explain them to USCIS. ...

What happens if USCIS denies citizenship?

If USCIS denies your citizenship application, it will send you a notice telling you what the problems were. If you don't want to give up trying for citizenship, you definitely need to see an immigration lawyer at this point.

Can USCIS deny my application?

A " yes" answer to any of them doesn't mean USCIS will definitely deny your application, but depending on your explanation, it could. You are going to need an immigration lawyer's help to know whether you should apply now, apply later, or never apply at all.

How long do you have to be a permanent resident to get a green card?

In most cases, a person seeking naturalization must have been a Permanent Resident for three or five years prior to the date of their N-400 application.

How old do you have to be to apply for naturalization?

Married to U.S. Citizen. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization if: You are at least 18 years old; You are married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for at least three years; Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years;

What happens if you lie during a USCIS interview?

Lying during your USCIS interview will also result in being denied based on moral character.

How long do you have to live in the same state for N-400?

Most people must live in the same state or USCIS district for at least three months prior to filing the N-400 citizenship application. The USCIS defines a USCIS district as a geographic area covered by a USCIS District Office.

How long does it take to get a N-400?

USCIS’s processing time for an N-400 application is about 8 to 14 months. After filing your N-400 application, you can always check on the status of your case online through the USCIS website here: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do.

What are the pros and cons of becoming a naturalized citizen?

Some pros include: You cannot be deported; You can travel anywhere in the world with a U.S. passport; You can get federal benefits; You can sponsor family members for their green card;

How long does it take to get a biometrics appointment?

Notice that USCIS has scheduled you a biometrics appointment (about three to five weeks after filing); Attend your biometrics appointment (about five to eight weeks after filing); Notice of scheduled USCIS interview (about four to eight months after filing);

Why is it harder to find a lawyer?

It's going to be harder to find a lawyer who is willing to just review work you've done before you send your application . This is because even a simple review creates a lawyer-client relationship and all of the responsibilities that come with it for the lawyer. Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product ...

Do lawyers have control over work?

Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product if they are going to take on the lawyer-client responsibilities, and therefore a reduced fee for what you hoped would be a simple review is not going to be worth it to the lawyer. When you're ready to hire a lawyer, make sure the lawyer-client agreement says exactly what ...

Can a lawyer attend a citizenship interview?

The lawyer can also attend your citizenship interview with you — mostly to take notes about what happens during the interview in case you are denied, but also to speak up on your behalf if the USCIS officer needs clarification or asks you inappropriate questions.

Do immigration lawyers have influence?

In the American system, an immigration lawyer does not have any special influence over the government's decision. There is nothing outside the law that a lawyer can do that will make your application process go faster or make it more likely that you will get your citizenship. However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible ...

Can a lawyer tell you how to answer citizenship questions?

However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible to make your application process go as quickly and successfully as it can. Your lawyer cannot tell you how to answer any questions on the application form, although he or she can explain the questions to you so you can understand how to answer. At your citizenship interview, your ...

Can an immigration lawyer save you time?

An immigration lawyer can save you time. Not just the time it would take you to figure out how to apply, but also time you might waste if you make a mistake in applying or don't send the right type of document. At the least, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency in charge of naturalization, ...

Can a lawyer give you a ride to USCIS?

Don't expect your lawyer to give you a ride to the USCIS office, unless you've agreed to this arrangement. There aren't many immigration lawyers who will help you with your English or your knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics), if you need that kind of test-preparation help. The best the lawyer can do is tell you where to find ...

What is the process of becoming a citizen?

Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens: Owe their allegiance to the United States.

How long do you have to have a green card to get a green card?

Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. You must renew your Permanent Resident Card before applying for citizenship if: You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card.

What does dual citizenship mean?

Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and of another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another. If you're a citizen of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate for information about its: Laws.

What is the citizenship of a person born abroad?

Territories. You are a U.S. citizen if: You have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state. You were born in a U.S. territory and have a birth certificate issued by that territory.

How long does it take for a green card to expire?

Your card will expire within six months of applying, or. Your card has already expired. You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card. But, you’ll need to submit a photocopy of the receipt for your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when you receive it.

Establish Permanent Residency

Establishing permanent residency is the first step to acquiring U.S. citizenship by marriage. The Permanent Resident Card, also known as Form I-551 or a “green card,” provides proof that you are a permanent resident of the United States and is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Immigration Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

To enter the U.S. legally if you are married to a U.S citizen, your spouse should complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and all required documentation and filing fee to obtain the proper visa permission to immigrate to the U.S.

Green Card Through Marriage

After your arrival, you should file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and pay the filing fee to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident in the United States. If you are already in the U.S. legally, you should file both forms at the same time.

Applying for Citizenship

Now, the big question arises: “When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?"

Final Considerations on Getting U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage

Remember that the final authority regarding all immigration and citizenship issues lies with the USCIS, so be sure to consult the USCIS website for further information, especially the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

U.S. Citizenship Application – Form N-400

U.S. Citizenship Application Checklist

U.S. Citizenship Application Eligibility

U.S. Citizenship Application Fees

Request For Waiver of Fees

U.S. Citizenship Application Processing Time

• Generally, it will take anywhere from 8 to 14 months for USCIS to process your application and give you either a “grant,” “continued,” or “deny” answer.

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