Dallas Citizenship & Naturalization Attorneys
We Care About Your Future
To become citizens of the United States, immigrants are required to go through the process of naturalization. This involves fulfilling all of the requirements that have been established by Congress under U.S. immigration law.
At Davis & Associates, we can help you discover if you are eligible for naturalization. If you meet the requirements, our Dallas citizenship and naturalization lawyers have the necessary knowledge and skills to help you through the application process. Our team of legal professionals has over 60 years of combined experience helping clients achieve their immigration goals.
Eligibility for Citizenship through Naturalization
To be eligible to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, you must meet several requirements. The first and most basic requirement is that you must hold a green card for at least five years.
You must also:
- Be 18 or older at the time of filing
- Be a person of good moral character
- Be able to write, read, and speak English
- Have a knowledge and understanding of U.S. government and history
- Have lived in the same state for at least three months prior to filing
- Have continuous residence in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least five years before filing
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of those five years
Besides being a green card holder for five years, there are a few other circumstances in which a person can apply for citizenship. One such situation involves a U.S. citizen who is a parent of a child who was born outside the U.S. and is currently residing outside for the country. The parent may apply for citizenship on behalf of the child if all other eligibility requirements are met.
You may also apply for naturalization if:
- You have held a green card and been living in marital union with a U.S. citizen for the past three years and meet all other eligibility requirements
- You are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements
What Happens after I Apply for Naturalization?
Your application will either be approved or denied. If approved, you will be required to attend an interview where you will answer questions about your application and background.
You will also be required to take a naturalization test, which consists of a series of questions concerning English and civics. You have two opportunities to take this test. You will only be retested on portions of the test you failed. So, for example, if you pass the English section and fail the civics, you will only need to retake the civics section. The retest date will be between 60 and 90 days from the date of your interview.