How and When to Apply for Citizenship
Naturalization is the process of conferring U.S. citizenship by immigrant, born outside of the U.S. Naturalized U.S. citizens share equally in the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizenship offers immigrants the ability to:
- Vote in Federal elections
- Travel with a U.S. Passport
- Run for elective office where citizenship is required
- Participate on a jury
- Become eligible for federal and certain law enforcement jobs
- Obtain certain State and Federal benefits not available to non-citizens
- Obtain citizenship for minor children born abroad
- Expand and expedite their ability to bring family members to the United States (reunite with parents, spouse, children, siblings, etc.)
In order for an immigrant to go through the naturalization process and receive mentioned above privileges, an immigrant has to meet certain requirements: (1) has to be a permanent resident, (2) over 18 years old and meet (3) continues residence and (4) physical presence requirements. Review all U.S. citizenship requirements before filing, and check whether you qualify for exceptions to the English and civics test. If you have past criminal history, read about criminal acts and citizenship eligibility. Contact our office to discuss your naturalization eligibility today.
Process of Applying for Naturalization
- Application. Submitting an Application for Naturalization with supporting documents that may be required in applicant’s particular case and filing fee.
- Fingerpringting. After filing the application, USCIS will send an applicant notice of receipt and notice of an appointment for fingerprinting. Once the applicant is fingerprinted at the designated location, the USCIS will submit the fingerprint card to the FBI for a background check. If the applicant’s background check is clear, the applicant will be scheduled for an immigration interview with USCIS officer.
- Interview. On the interview date, USCIS officer will determine whether applicant meets all naturalization requirements. If the decision is favorable, then applicant is scheduled for swearing in date.
- Swearing in. You become a citizen after taking an oath. When you take the oath, you must promise to renounce foreign allegiances; support the Constitution; and serve the U.S. Army.
When to Apply for Naturalization
An applicant filing under the general naturalization provision may file his or her application up to 90 days before he or she would first meet the required 5-year period of continuous residence as a legal permanent resident. Although an applicant may file early according to the 90 day early filing provision, the applicant is not eligible for naturalization until he or she has reached the required 5 year period of continuous residence as a legal permanent resident.
USCIS calculates the early filing period by counting back 90 days from the day before the applicant would have first satisfied the continuous residence requirement for naturalization. For example, if the applicant would satisfy the five-year continuous residence requirement for the first time on June 10, 2015 USCIS will begin to calculate the 90-day early filing period from June 9, 2015. In such a case, the earliest that the applicant is allowed to file would be March 12, 2015 (90 calendar days earlier).
Why Work With Us for How to Apply for Citizenship?
Your case handled or personally overseen by a licensed immigration attorney — not a paralegal or document preparer.
We serve clients in English, Russian, and Ukrainian — explain your situation in the language you're most comfortable with.
High success rates guiding applicants through the N-400 process — from initial eligibility review to the oath ceremony.
No surprise billing. Most services are flat-fee so you know exactly what you pay from day one.
We care about your outcome, not just paperwork. You get a dedicated point of contact at every stage of the process.
Chicago office, clients in all 50 states and abroad. Trusted by U.S., Russian & Ukrainian communities for over a decade.
What We Do For You — Step by Step
- Initial Eligibility Assessment
Attorney-led review of your residency timeline, physical presence, continuous residence, moral character history, and all naturalization requirements. - Personalized Roadmap & Timeline
A clear written plan — optimal filing date, steps, required documents, and fees — so you know exactly what to expect and when. - Form N-400 Preparation
We prepare your N-400 application with precision — every question answered correctly and consistently with your immigration history. - Document Checklist & Evidence Planning
Custom checklist of green card copy, travel records, tax returns, and any required supporting documentation for your specific situation. - Document Review & Quality Control
Line-by-line attorney review of your application and all supporting evidence to eliminate errors before USCIS receives your file. - Filing & Receipt Confirmation
We file your application and confirm USCIS receipt, then track your case through each processing stage.
- Biometrics Appointment Prep
We explain what to bring, what to expect, and how background checks work so your biometrics appointment goes smoothly. - Interview Preparation & Mock Sessions
Comprehensive coaching on the civics test, English language interview, and officer questions — so you attend confident and prepared. - Proactive RFE Prevention & Response
We build filings to minimize RFEs. If one arrives, we respond quickly with legal analysis and supplemental evidence. - Advocacy on Complex Issues
If prior criminal history, travel gaps, tax issues, or selective service questions arise, we advise on how to address them effectively. - Post-Oath Guidance
After the ceremony, we advise on obtaining your passport, updating records, and any post-naturalization steps needed. - Continuous Communication
Timely updates, direct access to our team, and a dedicated contact so you always know where your case stands.