Pennsylvania Naturalization Attorney Helping Clients Become U.S. Citizens

If you're seeking guidance on becoming a U.S. citizen, the process can feel daunting. We're here to walk each step with you—answering questions, offering reassurance, and helping you move forward with clarity, hope, and confidence. GET HELP HERE

Coming to the United States and eventually becoming a citizen is a dream for many immigrants, and it’s a dream that can become a reality. The United States offers immigrants a path to citizenship, referred to as naturalization.

If you believe that you want to make the United States your permanent home and enjoy all of the benefits, rights, and responsibilities that natural-born citizens have, this may be a good option for you to consider. Find out more about the process of naturalization and get answers to common questions in this article.

Becoming a naturalized citizen can offer many benefits and help you solidify the United States as your home. But it’s also a lengthy process with many requirements, and it can be confusing to navigate on your own.

When you work with our legal team, you have access to an experienced immigration attorney who can help guide you through the naturalization process, answering your questions and providing peace of mind.

What Is Naturalization?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) defines naturalization as “the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”

In easy terms, it’s how immigrants are able to gain U.S. citizenship and all of the rights and responsibilities attached to that status.

Naturalization is open to lawful permanent residents — also known as green card holders — who are at least 18 years of age. You must have lived continuously in the United States for a minimum of five years and have been physically present in the country for the last 2.5 years.

These minimums can be lowered if you are married to a U.S. citizen. In that case, you only have to have lived continuously in the country for three years and been physically present for the last 18 months.

How Do You Apply for Naturalization?

To apply for naturalization, you must complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and submit it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to have a biometrics appointment, if you haven’t already, where you will have your fingerprint and photo taken.

This information is used to complete a background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure that you don’t have any past criminal history or other issues that may make you ineligible for U.S. citizenship. You will also need to go through the naturalization interview, pass a civics test, and demonstrate that you have adequate English proficiency, which are discussed in more detail below.

If your naturalization application is approved, you will need to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and after that, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Interview

The naturalization interview is generally held at the USCIS office that is closest to you. The interviewer will ask you questions about the information you provided on your application, which could include questions about how long you’ve been in the United States and your previous immigration background. During the interview, you will also take the civics test and demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.

However, there are some circumstances that allow for these requirements to be waived. If you are planning on asking for a medical exemption from this part of the interview, you will need to submit Form N-468.

Documents for a Naturalization Interview

You should bring copies of all the naturalization documents you submitted with your application to your interview. Additionally, bring:

A state-issued photo identification,
Records of your international travel, and
Any updates to previously submitted documents.

It is a good idea to bring a second copy of your documents to be safe.

Civics Test

The civics test is administered during your naturalization interview. It covers U.S. history and government and includes ten questions out of a possible 100. These questions are available online through the USCIS so that you can prepare beforehand and feel more confident when taking your test. You must get at least six of the questions correct for a passing score.

English Language Proficiency

To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you have to show a base proficiency in the English language, including being able to speak and understand the language as well as read and write in English. The speaking and understanding portions are taken care of via the interview itself, as the officer will be looking to see if you are able to clearly understand the questions that are being asked and respond appropriately.

The reading portion of the test involves having to read a passage of three sentences. If you can correctly read at least one of the sentences, that is a passing score. The writing test is similar, with the person being required to correctly write at least one out of three sentences that will be spoken to the applicant.

Engage an Experienced Naturalization Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you have questions about applying for naturalization or need help navigating the legal complexities, a naturalization attorney at The Law Offices of Rosina Stambaugh can help. Contact us today.

Naturalization FAQ

Becoming a naturalized citizen can take many years. After obtaining a green card, you must typically wait 3–5 years before applying. Once you apply, USCIS processing can take around one year or more depending on your case.

If your application is denied, you can appeal by filing Form N-336 within 30 days. The denial notice will explain the reasons, and an immigration attorney can help determine whether to appeal or reapply later.

Yes. U.S. citizens can sponsor immediate family members such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings, though each must still meet eligibility requirements for a visa.

Yes. Naturalized citizens can vote in elections and may qualify for federal jobs, student aid, and certain benefits, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

You must generally be at least 18, hold a green card for 3–5 years, meet residency requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass English and civics tests unless exempt.

A USCIS officer will review your application, ask questions about your background, and test your English and civics knowledge. Preparation is key to success.

Applicants must typically pass an English test and a civics test covering U.S. history and government. Some individuals may qualify for exemptions.

It depends on the offense. Some crimes can affect your eligibility by impacting your ability to show good moral character. An attorney can help evaluate your situation.

Yes. You must maintain continuous residence. Extended travel abroad may delay or negatively affect your application.

You will attend an oath ceremony, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.

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