Citizenship Lawyer Hinsdale

Citizenship Lawyer Hinsdale

Applying for citizenship can appear to many as a simple, straightforward matter that can be accomplished by simply completing and sending an application to the immigration office. That may be the case for some people, but the reality is the naturalization process is complex, and many applications get denied simply because those applying made a small error. 

The naturalization process is how a non-citizen applies and is approved to become a U.S. citizen. If you reside in Hinsdale, Illinois, and wish to become a U.S. citizen, it is in your interest to have an experienced citizenship lawyer guide you through the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Naturalization (Citizenship)

To be approved for citizenship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years old or older at the time when filing the application
• Depending on what category under which one seeks citizenship, the applicant must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for the past three or five years before the application is submitted
• Must prove continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
• Must be able to read, speak and write basic English
• Must demonstrate that they are a person of good moral character
• Must show a knowledge and grasping of basic U.S. history and government
• Must show loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Must be willing and ready to take the Oath of Allegiance.

The Naturalization Application Process

The naturalization application process begins with the filing of Form N-400 Application for Naturalization with the appropriate office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the required fee for the application.

One can either file this application online or by completing and mailing the application to the appropriate USCIS office. This is important because mailing the application to the wrong USCIS office will result in unnecessary delay in a process that already takes a long time. Where to send an application for naturalization depends on which state you live in. Whether you file your application online or send it to the appropriate USCIS office, the application must be accompanied by all supporting documents. These are documents that establish that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for citizenship.

Once the application for citizenship has been filed, the applicant will receive a receipt notice from the USCIS office. This receipt notice is proof that your application has been properly filed and has been accepted for processing. This receipt notice is usually mailed to the applicant within 1-4 weeks. If the application is improperly filed, or does not have the required fee payment attached, then the applicant will receive a rejection notice, which means the applicant must refile the application after fixing the reason for rejection.

After receiving the receipt notice, it is a waiting game for the various steps that must be taken in the process, starting with fingerprinting and an in-person interview at the immigration office. We can prepare you for every step of the process.

Call an Immigration Lawyer in Hinsdale

If you are applying for citizenship, contact our office of Minsky McCormick & Hallagan and request a consultation. Do not risk your application being denied by trying to go through the process without the help of an experienced immigration lawyer. Contact us today.