Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer

If you are wondering about what “naturalized” means, naturalization is the legal process through which a person who was not a U.S. citizen at birth becomes a citizen after meeting specific eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law.

Naturalization vs Citizenship: Key Differences

Many applicants ask about naturalization vs citizenship. While the terms are closely related, they are not the same.

• Citizenship refers to your legal status as a U.S. citizen. A person may become a citizen by birth in the United States, through U.S. citizen parents, or through naturalization.
• Naturalization is the process used to gain citizenship if you were not a citizen at birth.

Understanding the difference between naturalization vs citizenship helps you understand your current status and what steps are required to complete your journey.

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
• Hold lawful permanent resident status for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. during the required period
• Demonstrate basic reading, writing, and speaking English skills
• Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government
• Show good moral character

A qualified naturalization lawyer can review your immigration history and determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements before filing your application.

The naturalization process involves several key stages:

• Check Eligibility: You should meet residency, age, and moral character requirements.
• Submit Form: File the Application for Naturalization with supporting documents and the filing fee.
• Attend Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures for background checks.
• Citizenship Interview: Meet with USCIS, answer questions about your application, and complete the English and civics exams.
• Take the Oath of Allegiance: If approved, attend the ceremony to officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

An immigration lawyer for naturalization can help review your application for accuracy, gather the required documentation, and prepare you for each stage of the naturalization process.