Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen

Speak with Our Columbus Immigration Attorneys

If you have had legal immigration status and resided in the United States for a specified number of years, Brown Immigration Law may be able to help you attain permanent citizenship through the process of naturalization. This is the process by which lawful permanent residents (LPR) can be naturalized into citizens of the United States.

Requirements for naturalized citizenship include:

• Reaching the age of 18 years or older
• Maintaining LPR status for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to applying
• Residing in the United States for a continuous period of at least 5 years immediately prior to applying
• Holding physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months within that 5-year period
• Continuously residing in the United States from the date of applying to the date of naturalization
• Demonstrating good moral character
• Demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak the English language
• Demonstrating a knowledge of U.S. history and government

Please note that being married to a U.S. citizen reduces the period of time required that a permanent resident must wait before applying. Such applicants are only required to wait for 3 years of LPR status before applying for naturalization and must prove their physical presence for only 18 months for eligibility. Applicants must show that they have “lived in marital union” for the entirety of the requisite 3-year period, which requires providing specific documents and argument to USCIS officers.

There are a number of exemptions and accommodations to the naturalization process that can apply to certain ages, disabilities, and employments. For example, the continuous residency requirements are not required if you have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces. Furthermore, the children of U.S. citizens can be eligible for naturalization if they were born outside the US. and continue to live outside its borders. Children may also be considered citizens by operation of law, permitting them to obtain citizenship without even having to submit an application to USCIS.

Brown Immigration Law can help you learn about your eligibility or whether or not you qualify for certain exemptions. Additionally, we have the resources and experience necessary to help you complete and submit all relevant documentation and can provide counsel and support at every stage of the application process. Becoming a naturalized citizen does not have to be stressful with our team of competent immigration attorneys in your corner.

Experience Award-Winning Counsel

There is plenty of fine print when proceeding through the naturalization process. Having an experienced and knowledgeable ally by your side can make the process much less stressful and time-consuming. The attorneys of Brown Immigration Law have been guiding clients through the naturalization process for decades. Along the way, we've been rated among the top 2.5% of all attorneys in Ohio Super Lawyers® Rising Stars ℠ and been given the highest AV® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. With our firm, you not only get experienced counsel, but you work directly with our Columbus natural citizenship lawyers from beginning to end.

To get the naturalization process started, dial (614) 698-1205 to speak with a Columbus immigration attorney at Brown Immigration Law.