Experienced Naturalization lawyers in Atlanta GA
Experienced naturalization lawyers in Atlanta at Manji Law, P.C. can help you become a U.S. citizen and realize your American Dream. Contact us today!
Manji Law, P.C.
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 400 (4th Floor)
Decatur, GA 30030
Naturalization Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia
Becoming citizens of the United States of America is the dream of many in and across the world.
The good news is you can naturalize as a U.S. citizen if you’ve been a permanent resident for a long time. Otherwise, you have to work on becoming a permanent resident first.
Although applying for citizenship in the United States appears simple, it is not always easy. There are lots of requirements to meet and paperwork to file.
To avoid mistakes that could cost you time, money, and other resources, you might want to consider getting professional help with your naturalization application.
Working with immigration attorneys can ease your stress as they’ll work on your behalf to see your citizenship dreams come true, using their knowledge of U.S. immigration law.
Continue reading to get more insight into the naturalization process and how a top-rated immigration attorney in Atlanta can help you.
Requirements for Naturalization in the U.S.
Naturalization refers to the immigration process that allows foreign nationals or anyone born outside the U.S. to become citizens.
This is important as there are numerous benefits that American citizens enjoy, including:
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The right to vote
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Becoming eligible for federal government jobs and benefits
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Bringing your immediate family members to live in the U.S. as permanent residents
The process, however, is not automatic. To be considered an applicant must:
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Be at least 18 years at the time of their application.
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Maintain lawful immigration status and be a lawful permanent resident for a predetermined time, usually more than five years.
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Be a resident of the state or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district from where they plan to apply.
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Be of “good moral character.”
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Be able to communicate and write basic English.
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Demonstrate your knowledge of American history and government procedures by taking a civics test.
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Demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and willingness to take the oath of allegiance.
Spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been married for at least three years are also eligible to apply for citizenship.
How to Apply for Naturalization
The USCIS offers two ways to file for naturalization: online and by mail.
You must create a USCIS online account to complete your application online. From there, you can pay fees, submit evidence, and get updated on your application. Visit this page for more information on creating an online account with USCIS.
To file for naturalization by mail, you must carefully complete and sign USCIS Form N-400. You can do this yourself or with the help of your citizenship attorney. You must also pay the filing fee and provide other relevant documents to support your application.
Once the USCIS receives your application, they’ll process it and let you know if anything else is required, after which they’ll decide.
How a Naturalization Attorney Can Help You
Generally, you don’t need a citizenship lawyer to file Form N-400 for citizenship, as USCIS service centers accept self-filed forms.
However, working with Atlanta immigration lawyers with significant experience in legal immigration compliance could help simplify things for you and resolve any legal issues that may arise with your application, sometimes even before they occur.
Self-filed naturalization applications are more likely to experience processing delays due to errors and inconsistencies in the forms and documents submitted to the USCIS. Your GA lawyers can significantly reduce your error margin by ensuring all your application details are in order, thereby increasing your chances of getting approval.
If you’ve already started the process on your own and you’ve hit a brick wall, your immigration lawyer can help you resolve the issues that are stalling your application, including:
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Inconsistencies or errors with Form N-400
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Problems with the timely and proper filing of documents
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Failing to meet other USCIS requirements.
If, for some reason, the naturalization process isn’t working out for you, your attorney can evaluate your options and help you determine the appropriate course of action.
By working with an immigration attorney, you get to avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with the government and any potential problems or frustrations that could arise.
Manji Law, P.C.: Your Naturalization and Immigration Law Firm in GA, Atlanta
Our attorneys at Manji Law, P.C. can answer additional questions about naturalization applications or help you get started.
With our immigration law experience, we can answer your questions and guide you throughout the naturalization process. If necessary, we can liaise with the USCIS in Atlanta on your behalf.
Contact an immigration lawyer in Marietta, GA, from Manji Law, P.C., today for immigration law solutions you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions on Naturalization
Can I Take Trips Outside the US During the Naturalization Process?
Citizenship procedures typically allow for international travel. Given that you are already a permanent resident of the United States and a green card holder, you are free to travel as you wait for your citizenship.
What Does Continuous Residence Mean?
To qualify for U.S. citizenship, you must have maintained continuous residence for at least five years. Although the general rule is that you must wait five years, exceptions exist, such as if your spouse is a U.S. citizen.
This doesn’t mean you can’t travel outside the U.S. within those five years. Instead, you must have lived in the United States continuously for at least 30 months out of the preceding five years.
To avoid any issues with your application, try to avoid traveling outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time, or better still, consult your immigration attorney for advice before you go.
What Is the ‘Physical Presence’ Requirement in Naturalization?
The applicant’s physical presence in the U.S. is essential for naturalization. It means that the applicant must be physically present in the U.S. for at least half the time for which continuous residence in the U.S. is required. An applicant can establish a physical presence by producing documents like employment records.
Any trips taken throughout the citizenship application process would likely count against your physical presence. Verify that your trip won’t result in the refusal of your N-400 application by speaking with trusted immigration lawyers before you go.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Us Naturalization?
It is not a requirement to have an immigration lawyer when applying for U.S. naturalization, but having one on your side can be beneficial.
Your attorney can help you understand the process, ensure that all documents and forms are properly prepared and filled out, review your application for accuracy, and meet all deadlines.
Immigration lawyers can also provide helpful advice on increasing your chances of approval and keep you informed on any changes to the naturalization process.