You've Earned the Right to Call America Home — Let's Make It Official
N-400 application, eligibility review, and interview preparation from experienced immigration attorneys
You've lived here. Paid taxes. Built a life. Raised children. Contributed to your community. After years as a lawful permanent resident, U.S. citizenship is within reach.
But the naturalization process is more complicated than it appears — and a mistake on your N-400, or an unexpected disqualifying factor you didn't know about, can result in denial. Worse, a denial can trigger removal proceedings if underlying status issues surface.
You've worked too hard for that outcome. Let's get this right the first time.
Why Naturalization Applications Get Denied
- ✕Continuous residence requirements misunderstood — trips abroad that "broke" the clock
- ✕Good moral character issues — past arrests, tax problems, or public benefits use
- ✕N-400 questions answered incorrectly or incompletely
- ✕Prior immigration violations that weren't resolved before filing
These are all catchable — but only before you file. We identify them first.
The Path to Citizenship
How Naturalization Works With Us
1
Eligibility Review — Free Consultation
We review your green card history, travel record, tax compliance, criminal history, and any other factors USCIS will scrutinize. If there are issues, we address them before you file — not after a denial.
2
N-400 Preparation — Complete and Accurate
We prepare your complete Application for Naturalization — every question answered accurately, supporting documents assembled, filing fees calculated. No ambiguity, no blanks, no guesswork.
3
USCIS Interview Preparation
We conduct mock interviews with you. You'll know every civics question, understand your rights, and walk into that USCIS office prepared and confident.
4
Oath Ceremony
When USCIS approves your application, you attend the naturalization oath ceremony and become a U.S. citizen. We'll be with you every step before that moment.
Eligibility Requirements
What We Review at Your Consultation
Residency — 5-Year Rule
5 years continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident. At least 30 months of physical presence in the U.S.
Residency — 3-Year Rule
3 years if married to and living with the U.S. citizen who sponsored your green card for the full period. At least 18 months physical presence.
Continuous Residence
No single trip abroad longer than 6 months. Trips of 6–12 months create a rebuttable presumption of abandonment. Over 1 year generally breaks continuity.
Good Moral Character
No serious criminal convictions, no immigration violations, tax compliance. Past issues may or may not bar naturalization — we review your specific record.
English & Civics
Basic English ability and passage of the USCIS civics test. Age and residency-based waivers are available for some applicants. We prepare you for both.
The Result: Full Rights. Full Security. Full Belonging.
- ✓The right to vote in every election
- ✓A U.S. passport — and no more green card renewal fees
- ✓Protection from deportation — for you and your immediate family
- ✓The ability to petition for more family members as a U.S. citizen
- ✓Security that no visa status change, employer, or administration can take away
Your Attorneys
Immigration Counsel
MM
Melissa Malmgren
New York Law School · Immigration Lead
New York Bar DC Bar AILA Member
Melissa has guided clients through naturalization including cases with prior complications, overseas travel concerns, and criminal record questions. She knows exactly where USCIS looks for disqualifying factors.
View Full Profile → SK
Sandy Khine
Cardozo Law · Immigration Attorney
New York Bar Burmese & Shan
Sandy assists clients from Southeast Asia through the naturalization process in their native language — ensuring every question is clearly understood and every answer accurately reflects the applicant's history.
View Full Profile → Common Questions About Naturalization & Citizenship
Can I apply if I have a prior arrest?
It depends entirely on the charge and outcome. Many prior arrests do not bar naturalization. We review your record thoroughly in the consultation.
What if I missed filing taxes?
Unfiled tax returns raise good moral character issues. We advise you on resolving this before filing the N-400.
My green card is through marriage — do I wait 3 or 5 years?
If you are still married to the U.S. citizen who sponsored you and living together, the 3-year rule applies.
Do I lose my original citizenship?
U.S. law does not require you to renounce prior citizenship. However, your home country may have its own rules — check with your country's consulate.
How long does naturalization take?
USCIS processing times vary by field office — typically 8 to 24 months from filing to oath ceremony. A complete, accurate application minimizes delays.
Immigration Notice: No immigration outcome is guaranteed. Every immigration case is unique and depends on individual circumstances, current regulations, and government processing times. We cannot predict outcomes or timelines with certainty. This website does not solicit cases from any jurisdiction where we are not admitted to practice law.