Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship Attorney

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Naturalization is the process through which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen by meeting the eligibility, residency, and good moral character requirements set by USCIS. 

Most applicants qualify after five years as a lawful permanent resident (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Applicants must also meet continuous residence, physical presence, and English/civics knowledge requirements. 

USCIS has announced changes to make the civics test more standardized. The new format includes multiple-choice questions and an updated list of 128 topics covering U.S. history, government, and civics principles. 

Our firm provides one-on-one preparation sessions, mock interviews, and study resources reflecting the latest 2025 test structure. We help clients practice both the English and civics components to build confidence. 

Yes. USCIS officers are exercising heightened scrutiny in some cases — including verifying residence history and even contacting neighbors to confirm community ties or cohabitation. Having an attorney ensures your application is fully supported with consistent documentation. 

USCIS may investigate inconsistencies or verify information in cases involving possible fraud, extended absences, or complex living situations. This is not routine but can occur when details raise questions during background checks. 

Yes. We conduct pre-interview preparation to identify red flags — such as travel gaps, employment history issues, or previous immigration filings — and ensure consistent, credible responses. 

Yes. Representation at the interview is optional but encouraged for complex cases (e.g., with criminal history or prior denials). At Chaney Immigration Law Firm, clients may choose to have our attorney attend the interview for additional support and advocacy. 

Certain criminal offenses can affect your Good Moral Character (GMC) determination and, in some cases, may expose an applicant to deportability under U.S. immigration law. This means that filing an N-400 without a full legal review could inadvertently bring a removable offense to the attention of USCIS, triggering referral to ICE.

At Chaney Immigration Law Firm, we conduct a thorough pre-filing analysis before submitting any application. We review certified court dispositions, underlying police reports, and prior immigration filings to identify possible risks. Some convictions or admissions may require a statutory waiting period, post-rehabilitation evidence, or even declining to file until the danger of removal is resolved.

Our attorney helps you make an informed decision — explaining when it is safe to proceed, when to wait, and what legal options exist to protect your status before applying for naturalization.

A single DUI does not automatically disqualify you, but multiple DUIs or a recent DUI (within the past 5 years) may impact your GMC evaluation. USCIS reviews behavior during the statutory 5-year (or 3-year) period preceding the application. 

We assess any prior USCIS or CBP records and address issues through detailed explanations or waivers where appropriate. Full disclosure and documentation are key to avoiding delays or denials. 

Typical evidence includes:

• Copy of your green card (front/back)
• Travel records (5 years)
• Tax returns and proof of residence
• Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Selective Service registration (if applicable)

Processing times vary by field office. At USCIS Raleigh-Durham, we typically see cases take 2-4 months from filing to oath ceremony, though times can fluctuate depending on USCIS workload and background checks. Some field offices take significantly longer.

As of 2025, the USCIS filing fee for Form N-400 is $760 (including biometrics). Fee waivers or reductions may be available for qualifying applicants. 

An attorney ensures your N-400 is complete, consistent with your immigration record, and supported by strong evidence. We also help you avoid common errors that could cause delays or denials. 

Yes. If you fail either the English or civics portion of the naturalization test, USCIS will give you one additional opportunity to retake the failed section. The re-test usually occurs within 60–90 days of your first interview.

Our firm helps clients prepare thoroughly before both the initial interview and any re-test, using updated 2025 study materials and mock interviews that simulate real USCIS questioning. If you fail again, your N-400 will be denied — but you may reapply when you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to pass both components confidently.

Citizenship grants full voting rights, eligibility for federal jobs, the ability to petition more family members, and protection from removal. 

Contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your eligibility, recommend any necessary steps before filing, and guide you through the entire process — from N-400 submission to oath ceremony.