Please read through our website for detailed information on applying for and obtaining U.S. citizenship. You may also wish to try the search utility, or visit the sitemap for quick links to specific content.
Below we have attempted to answer questions frequently asked by both our existing and potential clients. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly and promptly respond. Remember, every question is important.
FAQs about Attorney Services
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Yes. The immigration regulations do not require you to use the services of an attorney.
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An experienced immigration attorney is well versed in the nuances of the visa process including petition and application preparation, responses to requests for evidence, documentation collection, government communication, consular interviews and advocacy. The attorney can successfully overcome possible issues by providing clients with solid advice based upon education and experience. If you are unsure as to whether you should hire an attorney, you may wish to read our page: Why hire an attorney?
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CLG clients can verify the status of a case online at anytime. At the beginning of the process, CLG clients register with our website by selecting a username and password and creating an individual account. You can verify the status of your case by logging in to the client section of the Choquette Law website. Enter your username (email address) and password into the ‘Login’ box. Once logged in to your account, you can view the status of your case as well as any notices issued by government entities. At all times, your information remains secure and private. Please view our privacy policy.
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FAQs about the Application for Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)
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An application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) is filed by a conditional or permanent resident for the purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
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- You must be a conditional or permanent resident.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a continuous resident for 5 years subsequent to obtaining lawful resident status. If you are married to a U.S. citizen the residency requirement is 3 years: if your spouse is a U.S. citizen for 3 years and you have been ‘living in marital union’ for 3 years.
- You must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one half of the 5 years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen you must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one half of the 3 years.
- You must have resided in the state where the application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) is filed for at least 3 months prior to filing.
- You must have resided continuously in the U.S. from the date of filing of the application until being granted U.S. citizenship.
- You must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history. If you are physically or developmentally disabled or have a mental impairment you are exempt from the U.S. government and history and English language requirements.
- You must demonstrate knowledge of English. The English language requirement does not apply if you are over 50 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years in lawful resident status or you are over 55 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years in lawful resident status.
- You must be a person of good moral character for 5 years prior to filing the application until being granted U.S. citizenship (3 years for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or 1 year for a person in the military).
- You must publicly swear allegiance to the U.S. and renounce allegiance to other sovereigns.
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No. You must be a conditional or permanent resident of the United States.
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You must be a continuous resident for 5 years subsequent to obtaining lawful resident status. If you are married to a U.S. citizen the residency requirement is 3 years: if your spouse is a U.S. citizen for 3 years and you have been ‘living in marital union’ for 3 years.
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You must be 18 years of age or older.
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You must be a person of good moral character for 5 years prior to filing the application until being granted U.S. citizenship (3 years for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or 1 year for a person in the military).
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At present, the filing fee for an application for naturalization is $680. We have provided a complete list of fees applicable to the naturalization (U.S. citizenship) process on our naturalization (U.S. citizenship) fees page.
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No. You must have resided in the state where the application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) is filed for at least 3 months prior to filing.
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You are sent a notice to appear at the USCIS District Office (local) in order for biometrics (fingerprints) to be captured.
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If you apply for naturalization 6 months or more before the expiration of your permanent residence card you are not required to renew the card. If you apply for naturalization 6 months or less before the expiration of your permanent residence card you are required to renew the card.
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Yes. If you present evidence of a legal name change (i.e. court order, marriage certificate) your ‘new’ name will appear on your certificate of naturalization. If you take the oath of allegiance in Court, you may request that the Court change your name.
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After the application is filed, the USCIS will issue a receipt notice. Next, you are sent a notice to appear at the USCIS District Office (local) in order for biometrics (fingerprints) to be captured. Finally, an interview is scheduled. Currently, the naturalization interview is scheduled (on average) within 4-5 months of filing.
FAQs about the Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship) Interview
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The USCIS might deny a permanent residence application a variety of reasons. From an administrative perspective, permanent residence applications can be denied for failing to present requested documents, a divorce decree for example; fraudulently completing documents, criminal history or failing to provide adequate evidence of ability to financially support the foreign spouse.
From a relationship perspective, permanent residence applications can be denied because the USCIS officer is not convinced that a bona-fide marriage exists between the U.S. citizen and their foreign spouse.
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At the interview, the USCIS officer will verify that all biographic information in the application is current and that the required documentation has been provided. Second, the USCIS officer will confirm that you are a person of good moral character. Third, the USCIS officer will test your knowledge of U.S. government and history and English. Assuming that you are a person of good moral character and demonstrate adequate knowledge of U.S. government and history and English, the USCIS officer will approve the application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship).
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You will be rescheduled for a second interview and provided another opportunity to pass the test of U.S. government and history.
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You will retain your conditional or permanent residence status and, depending on the reason for denial, you can request a hearing before a USCIS officer.
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Yes. However, you will be required to submit a new application and filing fee.
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No. Assuming that the application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) is approved, you must then publicly swear allegiance to the U.S. and renounce allegiance to other sovereigns. Upon taking the oath of allegiance the USCIS will issue you a certificate of naturalization (U.S. citizenship) and you will then relinquish your resident card.
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You are not required to reapply. However, you must file an application to replace the lost certificate of naturalization.
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You can present either a valid U.S. or a certificate of naturalization.
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No. You apply for a U.S. passport with the U.S. Department of State using the certificate of naturalization issued by the USCIS.
