Professional Naturalization & Citizenship Lawyers in New York

 

Become a U.S. Citizen with the Help of a Trusted Naturalization Attorney

Naturalization is more than a legal milestone—it’s a life-changing moment that offers new opportunities, security, and a stronger sense of belonging in the United States. For lawful permanent residents, becoming a U.S. citizen marks the final step in a long immigration journey. At Sharma Law Associates, our New York naturalization attorneys guide you through every stage of the process with clarity, efficiency, and personalized legal support.

Whether you’ve held a green card for years or are navigating unique circumstances like military service or marriage to a U.S. citizen, we help you determine eligibility, avoid pitfalls, and complete your application correctly the first time. With deep knowledge of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and a compassionate approach rooted in lived immigrant experience, we are proud to help clients achieve their American dream.

To learn more, contact our New York immigration lawyers at 646-846-4221, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar.

Naturalization process form and USA flag and passport

What Is Naturalization?

Naturalization is when a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once naturalized, individuals gain full rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, including the right to vote, travel freely with a U.S. passport, and sponsor relatives for immigration.

Citizenship also brings peace of mind—protecting you from deportation, providing access to more jobs, and giving you a voice in the democratic process. Our New York naturalization lawyers help ensure your journey toward citizenship is smooth, legally sound, and successful.

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?

To qualify for naturalization, you must meet specific legal requirements. The most common path is based on holding lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for at least five years.

General eligibility includes:

  • Age: You must be 18 or older when filing Form N-400.

  • Lawful Permanent Residency: You must have held a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).

  • Continuous Residence: You must have lived continuously in the U.S. for five (or three) years before applying.

  • Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.

  • State Residency: You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you’re applying for at least three months.

  • Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character for the relevant period.

  • English Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

  • Civics Knowledge: You must pass a test on U.S. history and government.

  • Oath of Allegiance: You must be willing to support the U.S. Constitution and take the Oath of Allegiance.

Our New York naturalization attorneys will conduct a personalized eligibility assessment and flag any issues that could impact your case.

Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

If married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for naturalization after three years of permanent residency.

To apply under this pathway, you must:

  • Have been living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse during the entire 3-year period.

  • Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months of the three years.

  • Meet all other standard naturalization criteria.

We regularly assist clients with spousal-based naturalization, including recent divorce cases, extended absences, or marriage-related complications.

Expedited Naturalization for Military Personnel

Members of the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for expedited naturalization under Sections 328 and 329 of the INA.

Qualifying service members can apply for citizenship with:

  • No minimum residency requirement.

  • No filing fee for Form N-400.

  • Support from USCIS at military installations or designated service centers.

Our team supports active-duty military members and veterans in preparing applications, gathering necessary service documentation, and understanding their legal rights.

What Exceptions Are Available in the Naturalization Process?

Not all applicants are subject to the same English and civics requirements.

Certain exemptions include:

  • English Language Exemption: Applicants aged 50+ with 20 years of permanent residency (50/20 rule) or 55+ with 15 years of residency (55/15 rule) are exempt from the English requirement but must still take the civics test in their native language.

  • Medical Disability Exception: If you have a documented physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from fulfilling the English or civics requirement, you may request an exemption using Form N-648.

Our New York naturalization lawyers help determine your eligibility for exemptions and prepare the proper documentation to support your case.

What Are the Steps in the Naturalization Process?

Naturalization typically follows a structured five-step process.

We support clients at every stage:

  1. Submit Form N-400: This application is filed with supporting documents and a filing fee (unless waived).

  2. Biometrics Appointment: You’ll be scheduled for fingerprinting and background checks.

  3. Naturalization Interview: A USCIS officer will review your file, ask questions, and administer the English and civics tests.

  4. Decision: Based on the interview and your documentation, USCIS may approve, continue, or deny your application.

  5. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony: If approved, you’ll take the oath and receive your Certificate of Naturalization—formally becoming a U.S. citizen.

We help clients avoid delays by ensuring that forms are accurate, supporting documents are complete, and interview preparation is thorough.

How Long Does the Naturalization Process Take?

Processing times vary by USCIS field office but typically range from 9 to 14 months. Delays can occur due to incomplete applications, background check issues, or interview scheduling. Working with a New York naturalization attorney helps you avoid mistakes and stay on track for approval.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

Naturalized citizens receive the full benefits and rights of American citizenship.

These include:

  • Voting Rights: You can vote in federal, state, and local elections.

  • U.S. Passport: Travel with the protections and convenience of a U.S. passport.

  • Family Sponsorship: Sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings for green cards.

  • Deportation Protection: Citizens cannot be removed from the U.S. based on criminal history.

  • Government Benefits: Access federal jobs, scholarships, and public benefits reserved for citizens.

Citizenship brings you and your family a greater sense of security, belonging, and opportunity.

Why Choose Sharma Law Associates as Your Naturalization Attorney in New York?

The path to citizenship can be filled with questions, anxiety, and legal complexities. At Sharma Law Associates, we provide clarity, support, and legal strength every step of the way.

Here’s why clients trust us:

  • Experience Across Complex Cases: We handle continuous residence breaks, prior denials, and sensitive eligibility issues.

  • Hands-On Guidance: We personally prepare your N-400, review your documents, and provide interview coaching.

  • Multilingual Support: We work with diverse clients and understand the cultural nuances that may affect your case.

  • Immigrant-Led Team: Attorney Sonal Sharma brings her experience and deep legal knowledge to your journey.

  • Responsive, Compassionate Service: We believe in treating every client with dignity and delivering legal services you can rely on.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship, don’t navigate the process alone. At Sharma Law Associates, our naturalization attorneys in New York will walk you through every requirement, prepare you for success, and advocate for your future.

Call 646-846-4221, contact us online,  or schedule a personalized consultation to get started. Let’s make your American dream a reality—together.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • The naturalization process typically takes 8 to 12 months, depending on the applicant’s location and the USCIS workload. Processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply as early as you become eligible.

  • If you fail either the English or civics test at your naturalization interview, you will be given a second opportunity to take the test. If you fail a second time, your application may be denied.

  • Having a criminal record may affect your ability to demonstrate good moral character, a requirement for naturalization. However, it depends on the nature and severity of the crime. Our team can help you assess your eligibility based on your specific situation.

  • While it’s not required to have a lawyer, working with an immigration attorney can help you navigate the complex naturalization process, ensuring that your application is accurate and complete, and avoiding potential delays or issues.

  • Yes, you can travel while your naturalization application is pending, but you should notify USCIS of any change in address and ensure you are available for biometrics appointments and your naturalization interview.

  • In certain cases, such as for military personnel or individuals with urgent circumstances, USCIS may expedite the naturalization process. However, most cases are subject to standard processing times.