Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer | Nationwide Representation
Ready to become a U.S. citizen? An experienced naturalization attorney can guide you through every step.
At Marcano Legal, Grace Marcano, Esq. represents lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. We handle the entire N-400 process — from eligibility review and application preparation to civics test coaching and interview preparation.
Immigration law is federal, so we represent clients in all 50 states through virtual consultations.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
Schedule a Personalized Consultation Today
Schedule a consultation to discuss your naturalization eligibility and timeline. We serve clients nationwide via secure video consultations.
Understanding the Naturalization Process
Naturalization is the legal process through which eligible lawful permanent residents (green card holders) become U.S. citizens. Once you are naturalized, you gain the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, sponsor additional family members for immigration, and receive protection from deportation in most circumstances.
The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While the steps may appear straightforward, each applicant’s situation is different — and issues with eligibility, criminal history, travel absences, or tax compliance can complicate or delay your case.
An experienced naturalization attorney reviews your full history before filing to identify and address potential issues early.
Key Steps in the Naturalization Process
The path from green card holder to U.S. citizen involves several stages:
- Eligibility review — Confirm that you meet all statutory requirements before filing
- Filing Form N-400 — The Application for Naturalization, submitted to USCIS with supporting documents and the required filing fee. (For current fees, visit the USCIS N-400 page.)
- Biometrics appointment — USCIS collects your fingerprints and photographs for background checks
- Naturalization interview — A USCIS officer reviews your application, tests your English proficiency, and administers the civics test
- Decision — The officer approves, denies, or continues your application (if additional evidence is needed)
- Oath of Allegiance ceremony — You take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, completing your journey to citizenship
Grace Marcano, Esq. guides clients through each of these stages, preparing thorough applications and conducting detailed interview preparation sessions.
Eligibility for Naturalization
To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must generally meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years — or 3 years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and are still married to and living with that spouse
- Demonstrate continuous residence — you must have lived continuously in the U.S. for the required period, with no single trip abroad of 6 months or longer (trips over 6 months may disrupt continuous residence)
- Meet the physical presence requirement — you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the past 5 years (or 18 months of the past 3 years for the marriage-based exception)
- Demonstrate good moral character — certain criminal convictions, fraud, or failure to pay taxes can affect this determination
- Pass the English language test — you must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English (limited exceptions apply for older long-term residents)
- Pass the U.S. civics test — you will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 about U.S. history and government, and must answer at least 6 correctly
Eligibility rules have specific exceptions and nuances. We evaluate each client’s full immigration and personal history to confirm eligibility before filing.
Preparing for the Naturalization Interview
The naturalization interview is the most important step in the process. During the interview, a USCIS officer will:
- Review your N-400 application under oath and ask you to confirm or correct your answers
- Ask about your background, travel history, employment, and any issues that may affect good moral character
- Test your ability to read, write, and speak English
- Administer the civics test — asking up to 10 questions from the official USCIS list
Thorough preparation makes a significant difference. Grace Marcano, Esq. conducts mock interviews with every naturalization client, reviewing potential problem areas and ensuring you are comfortable with the format and types of questions you will face.
If you do not pass the English or civics test on your first attempt, USCIS provides one additional opportunity to retake the failed portion within 60 to 90 days.
Overcoming Challenges in the Naturalization Process
Not every naturalization case is straightforward. Common challenges include:
- Extended trips abroad — trips of 6 months or more can break continuous residence, and trips over 1 year almost certainly will. A re-entry permit or N-470 application may be needed for applicants who must travel for extended periods.
- Criminal history — certain offenses can make you ineligible for naturalization or trigger removal proceedings. It is critical to have an attorney review your record before filing.
- Tax issues — failure to file tax returns or pay owed taxes can affect the good moral character determination. Resolve any outstanding tax issues before applying.
- Previous immigration violations — past overstays, unauthorized employment, or misrepresentations on prior applications may create eligibility issues.
- English and civics test anxiety — some applicants, particularly older residents, worry about the testing requirement. Accommodations exist for certain applicants, and preparation resources are available through USCIS study materials.
We identify potential problems during the initial consultation and develop a strategy to address them before they cause delays or denials.
The 3-Year Rule: Naturalization Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization after just 3 years (instead of 5) if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
- You have been married to the same U.S. citizen spouse for all 3 years
- You have been living in marital union with your spouse during the entire 3-year period
- Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3 years
- You meet all other naturalization requirements (physical presence, good moral character, etc.)
This accelerated timeline is one of the benefits of marriage-based green cards. However, if your marriage ends (through divorce or separation) before you complete the naturalization process, you may need to wait the full 5 years.
Grace Marcano, Esq. carefully evaluates whether the 3-year rule applies to your situation and advises on optimal filing timing.
Contact our law firm today to start building your Citizenship Strategy.
Ready to begin your citizenship journey? Contact Marcano Legal to discuss your eligibility and next steps with Grace Marcano, Esq.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization
Generally, you must hold a green card for at least 5 years. If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and remain married and living with that spouse, you may be eligible to apply after 3 years. You can file your N-400 up to 90 days before meeting the residency requirement.
Yes, most applicants must pass both an English language test (reading, writing, and speaking) and a U.S. civics test (up to 10 questions from a list of 100). Limited exceptions exist: applicants age 50 or older with 20+ years as a permanent resident, or age 55 or older with 15+ years, may take the civics test in their native language. Applicants with qualifying medical conditions may request a disability waiver using Form N-648.
It depends on the nature and severity of the offense. Some crimes permanently bar naturalization, while others may affect the good moral character determination for a specific period. Certain convictions can also trigger removal proceedings. It is essential to have an immigration attorney review your criminal history before filing Form N-400.
If USCIS denies your N-400, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. You have the right to file a Request for a Hearing (Form N-336) within 30 days of the denial. A different USCIS officer will review your case. If the denial is upheld, you may file a new N-400 application or, in some cases, seek judicial review in federal court. An attorney can evaluate whether an appeal or refiling is the better strategy.
Yes. Trips outside the U.S. of 6 months or more may break your continuous residence requirement, and trips over 1 year generally do. If you must travel for extended periods, you may need a re-entry permit or an application to preserve residence for naturalization purposes (Form N-470). We review your complete travel history during your consultation to identify any potential issues.
After your naturalization interview is approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the oath, surrender your green card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Some ceremonies happen the same day as the interview, while others are scheduled separately. Once you take the oath, you are officially a U.S. citizen and can immediately apply for a U.S. passport.
USCIS filing fees are subject to change. For the most current fee information, visit the USCIS Fee Calculator. Fee waivers or reduced fees may be available for eligible applicants based on income. Attorney fees for naturalization representation are discussed during your initial consultation.
Government Agencies Involved in Citizenship and Naturalization
Several federal agencies play a role in the naturalization process:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — Processes Form N-400, conducts biometrics appointments and naturalization interviews, and makes eligibility decisions
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — Conducts background checks using biometric data collected by USCIS
- U.S. District Courts — Many naturalization oath ceremonies are administered by federal courts, though USCIS also conducts administrative ceremonies
Marcano Legal coordinates with these agencies on your behalf, monitors your case status, and responds to any requests for additional evidence or documentation.
Why Choose Marcano Legal for Your Citizenship Case?
Immigration law is federal — your attorney can represent you from anywhere in the country.
- Nationwide representation — we serve clients in all 50 states through virtual consultations and video appointments
- Direct attorney access — you work with Grace Marcano, Esq. directly throughout your case, not a paralegal or call center
- Full eligibility review before filing — we review your immigration, criminal, tax, and travel history before submitting your N-400 to avoid preventable denials
- Interview preparation — we conduct mock interviews so you know exactly what to expect
- Bilingual service — full representation in English and Spanish (se habla español)
- Available by phone and WhatsApp — Call (786) 314-7330 or WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
Virtual Consultation: Start Your Path to U.S. Citizenship Today
Contact Marcano Legal to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the naturalization process. Grace Marcano, Esq. represents naturalization applicants nationwide.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
Disclaimer: This website contains general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a formal agreement is signed. Past results do not predict future outcomes. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.