Citizenship Attorney in Houston, TX
Get Support From an Experienced Lawyer
Obtaining a green card can be a very complicated process, and it can be difficult to navigate these immigration matters alone. Hiring an experienced Houston citizenship lawyer can be extremely beneficial, as your lawyer can ensure that you meet all of the criteria and that you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation.
What Are The Benefits Of Being A U.S. Citizen?
If you are able to become a U.S. citizen you will be able to vote in elections, run for most types of elected offices, apply for employment by the Federal Government, obtain a U.S. p
assport and freely come and go out of our country. Another significant advantage of obtaining citizenship is that you will be able to help your loved ones immigrate to the United States more easily. Your living situation is much more secure when you obtain legal citizenship, allowing you to start a new life right away.
Are You Eligible for Naturalization?
Requirements for naturalization that must be met, which include:
- You must have held a green card for at least 5 years
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have maintained at least 5 years of continuous residence in the U.S.
- You must pass a test which determines your ability to read, write and speak English and a test on basic U.S. history and government facts
- You must furnish proof that you are a person of good moral character
- You must affirm that you are willing to support "the good order and happiness of the United States" and the principles of the Constitution
At The Modi Law Firm, PLLC, we've helped individuals around the world—including Mexico, Canada, Iraq, England, and India. If you are seeking citizenship, contact our naturalization lawyer in Houston online or call (832) 514-4030!
Steps to the Naturalization Process
Below are the basics of the naturalization process:
- Confirm that you are eligible for citizenship in the United States.
- Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and additional documents requested in the form. Be sure you are sending photocopies of original documents when submitting your forms.
- Submit your application packet to the USCIS office and pay the $725 fee. This will cover your biometric verification or fingerprinting fee.
- Complete your fingerprinting appointment. Be sure to bring your original documents with you.
- Attend the naturalization interview.
- Take the U.S. citizenship test -- English and Civics
- Wait for a decision.
- Complete the Oath of Allegiance.
- Receive a Certificate of Naturalization.
After Fingerprints How Long to the Citizenship Interview?
When USCIS receives your citizenship application, the fingerprinting appointment is scheduled about 1 month later. After fingerprints, the citizenship interview may be scheduled anywhere between 9 to 14 months later.
The U.S. Citizenship Test
There are multiple steps to take to complete your application process when you are applying for naturalization. One of these steps is a naturalization test. The purpose of the naturalization test is to test your ability to write, read, and speak English, as well as to test your knowledge of U.S. government and history. Listed below are some criteria that you can expect from these examinations.
Language Test
One of the appointments at the USCIS office will be an English proficiency test. This test is meant to determine if you can participate in social aspects of life in the United States by maintaining and understanding conversations in English without too much difficulty. There are three parts to this test:
Writing: You may have to write one or two simple sentences to prove your proficiency in the English language.
Reading: The person conducting the interview may ask you to read some sections from the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).
Speaking: Answering questions about yourself will prove to the interviewer that you can hold a conversation in English.
Is English a requirement for U.S. citizenship?
Being fluent in English is not required for U.S. citizenship, but you must demonstrate that you know enough to interact with others without struggling. If you are worried about your knowledge of the English language, an English as a Second Language course can help you prepare for your exam and interview.
Civics Test
Another test that the USCIS officer may conduct is called the civics test. This test is conducted to determine your understanding of basic U.S. history and how the government functions. If you have a medical condition documented that impedes your ability to learn or understand, then you may be exempt from this portion of the test. Other reasons you may be exempt from this portion of the test would include if you have been living in the United States for more than 20 years or are over the age of 65 years old. The test itself covers significant dates for the U.S., how elections occur and how government officials are appointed into office, and simple questions regarding U.S. history. The USCIS provides study material to help prepare you for the test.
Successfully naturalizing in the U.S. takes a considerable amount of preparation and understanding of the process. Our Houston citizenship attorneys have helped many other clients successfully achieve their dreams of citizenship, and we are here to help you too.
Why You Need to Obtain Legal Help
Filing for a green card is not an easy process, but it can go a lot faster and smoother with a Houston citizenship attorney on your side. At The Modi Law Firm, PLLC, we help you understand everything you need to do in order to become a U.S. citizen and guide you through the entire process.
For more important information about the naturalization process, check out the following blog post:
Don't hesitate to contact us today. Our citizenship attorney in Houston is ready to answer your questions! Call now to schedule a consultation! We serve Harris County.
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