With affordability and relatively lower crime than nearby Chicago, Elgin is a popular place for individuals and families to settle, including those who are planning to become US citizens. The process of becoming a citizen is referred to as “naturalization” and while it is the goal for many, navigating the naturalization process can be difficult.
If you or your loved one are in this situation, an Elgin citizenship and naturalization lawyer could provide several types of services to assist you with this process. Reach out to our team of experienced immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office to schedule an initial consultation.
While citizenship is attainable for most people, not everyone qualifies. A key requirement is that you must first have lawful permanent resident status—commonly known as having a Green Card—before you can begin the naturalization process.
The basic requirements to become a US citizen start with being at least 18 years old and a permanent resident of the US who has been issued a Permanent Resident Card. In most cases, the person needs to have been a lawful permanent resident for five years or more. However, it is possible for people to undergo the naturalization process after three years of permanent residency if they have been married to a US citizen for at least three years and have resided with their spouse for that time. Citizenship eligibility also includes not being out of the US for an extended period of time over the past three to five years.
In addition to meeting the permanent residency (Green Card) requirement, to apply for citizenship in Elgin, you must:
You must also be of good moral character and not have been a deserter in the US military. Male applicants must register with the Selective Service if they are between the ages of 18-26. All applicants must agree to perform military or civilian service for the US and to support the US Constitution.
Once a person has determined their eligibility to become a US citizen, they begin the process by filing a form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This document must be submitted with supporting information and the payment of related fees. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will then ask the applicant to make a biometrics appointment and attend an interview.
Once these steps are complete, the USCIS will render a decision on the application. If it is approved, the applicant will take the Oath of Allegiance and become a citizen. If the application is continued, consideration will be paused until needed information has been submitted. If it is denied, the applicant has 30 days to appeal the decision. Currently, the time limit on becoming a US citizen in Elgin after filing the application is around 10 months.
An experienced Elgin citizenship and naturalization attorney can provide services to assist you with every part of the process—from understanding if you’re eligible to apply for citizenship to gathering documents, filing forms, and communicating with the government on your behalf. Our diligent team of attorneys can help you prepare for your interview, and can represent you during appeal hearings and other legal matters.
Elgin is a welcoming place for new US citizens and those who are going through the naturalization process. To learn more about this process and how an Elgin citizenship and naturalization lawyer from Godoy Law Office can help, contact us today.
