Naturalization is the process through which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can achieve U.S. citizenship.
×
Call Us For Consultation (312) 427-6163
Citizenship & Naturalization
Our Chicago Immigration Lawyers Pave Your Path to U.S. Citizenship
Our Experienced Attorneys Assist in Your U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone, and the N-400 naturalization process is the pathway to achieving this goal. The N-400 form, officially known as the Application for Naturalization, is used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. can help guide you on the path to citizenship. We are the help you need to keep you on that path to the American dream.
Chicago Immigration Lawyers are Here to Help
The most common path to citizenship is seeking naturalization after holding a green card. Requirements to apply for naturalization include being 18 or older and holding a green card for at least 5 years. If you are married to a U.S. Citizen, you can apply for naturalization after having been a lawful permanent resident for 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to file the N-400 form, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- LPR: Must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Physical Presence: Must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (or 18 months out of the 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous Residency: Should not have trips outside the U.S. for longer than 6 months during the qualifying period.
- Good Moral Character: Must demonstrate good moral character, which includes a clean criminal record and adherence to U.S. laws.
Our immigration attorneys in Chicago represent individuals seeking to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. We can help prepare and file applications for naturalization and accompany applicants to naturalization interviews with USCIS.
Other paths to qualifying for citizenship include:
- You have what’s considered qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces
- Your child could qualify if you are a U.S. citizen and the child was born and is residing outside the United States
Our Chicago immigration attorneys represent all types of applicants, including people who may qualify based on circumstances such as marriage to a U.S. citizen employed abroad by a U.S. company. We can also represent people born abroad who want to demonstrate a claim to citizenship through one or both U.S. citizen parents or grandparents. This category includes individuals who were adopted by U.S. citizens in the United States or abroad.
Call one of our Immigration Attorneys in Chicago to Assist you in Filing for Naturalization and Obtaining Citizenship
Our Chicago immigration attorneys can help you apply for U.S. citizenship. Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. makes your case our focus. Please contact us at (312) 427-6163 or contact us online. Our office is located in downtown Chicago.
FAQs about Citizenship & Naturalization in Illinois
What is naturalization?
How long do I need to have a green card before applying for citizenship?
You must have had a green card for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
What is the N-400 form?
The N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the form used to apply for U.S. citizenship.
How long does the naturalization process take?
The process typically takes 12–18 months, but timelines may vary depending on your location and case complexity.
What are the English and civics test requirements for citizenship?
Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in basic English, including reading, writing, and speaking, and must successfully pass a civics test on U.S. history and government.
Can I apply for naturalization if I have traveled outside the U.S.?
Yes, but you must meet the continuous residency and physical presence requirements, ensuring no trips longer than 6 months.
What happens during the naturalization interview?
The interview process involves reviewing your application, verifying your identity through biometrics, and completing the English and civics tests.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, and some convictions may disqualify you.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?
While not required, an immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is completed accurately and guide you through the process.
Can I apply for citizenship while living abroad?
In some cases, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen employed abroad or qualifying military service, you may be eligible.
What happens if my application is denied?
You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply, but it’s important to address the reasons for denial.
What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
Benefits include the right to vote, protection from deportation, eligibility for federal jobs, and the ability to sponsor family members for green cards.
How do I prepare for the citizenship test?
USCIS offers study materials, and many community organizations provide classes and resources to help you prepare.
Meet Our Attorneys
schedule a consultation
we are ready to help
what our clients say
what our clients say
A huge thank you to Senior Attorney Anna Buskila for her professionalism, warmth, and incredibly smart approach. I spent a long time looking for the right attorney to handle our complex case. We were applying for my husband’s visa (I’m a U.S. citizen, and he’s from Ukraine)....
I am extremely impressed and grateful for the outstanding service provided by Attorney James and his team. James successfully handled my father's immigration petition, and the case was approved in less than 5 months—a result that pleasantly surprised me. A special thanks to Luis, who was consistently...
I would like to thank Amanda Rizzo and Arely Rojas for helping us get my Father's green card. They were very very helpful. I am so Thankful. I definitely recommend them. They always answered any questions we had within minutes. Arely always answered questions I had and...
I want to thank MINSKY McCORMICK & HALLAGAN, p.c. and their entire team of successful attorneys and assistants. In 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, we started our process. I know it was delayed a bit because of COVID, but now in July 2025, we achieved it!...
Awesome team to work with—super professional, straight to the point, and always willing to go the extra mile to get things done.
I cant thank enough Juan Camilo and Robert for their incredible work. Robert’s expertise and guidance were invaluable, and Juan Camilo went above and beyond with his professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. He was always on top of everything, super supportive, and handled a really difficult...
I received the most professional guidance, client relations was super, communication with clients highly satisfying. Above all their team coordination highly commendable. Legal team's were dexterous in the job. I highly recommend them for any immigration issue.
Tahreem and her Team is the best in business. This is not a paid review. This is based on my many year of experience with them. Apart from professionalism and exception depth of knowledge in the field, they are always compassionate listening to the clients need, reachable...
I am beyond grateful to Attorney Hallagan and his team, especially Luis Borrero, who was always attentive to my case, guiding me through my immigration process with exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and genuine concern for my situation. They were always available to answer questions, kept me informed...
I am so grateful to the firm of Minsky McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. for their help with my immigration case. I was looking for someone to listen to me and I found someone who helped me... Thank you to Attorney James Hallagan and his legal assistant Luis...
immigration news & updates
Employment Authorization
06 Nov
Immigration News
04 Nov
sign up for
our newsletter
NUVEW | Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | Privacy Policy
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.