Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney
From lawful permanent resident to United States citizen.
Naturalization is the final step of most U.S. immigration journeys — the moment a lawful permanent resident becomes a United States citizen with the right to vote, the right to a U.S. passport, and a status that cannot be taken away short of denaturalization for fraud. The N-400 application looks simple, but it opens the entire immigration file to USCIS scrutiny. Old issues that did not surface at the green card stage can come up now, and a denied or referred application can in some cases trigger removal proceedings. Naturalization done right starts with an audit before the application is filed.
What naturalization actually requires
The N-400 looks simple, but it opens your entire immigration file to USCIS scrutiny. An honest audit before filing protects against surprises.
As an LPR — or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
Physical presence in the U.S. during the qualifying period
Civics study questions; 10 asked, 6 needed to pass
Right to vote, U.S. passport, and irrevocable status
Source: USCIS N-400 Policy Manual & Civics Test Updates
An audit, then the application
Every naturalization case begins with a complete review of immigration, criminal, tax, and travel history before the N-400 is filed.
- Step 1
Eligibility audit
Continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and prior filings reviewed.
- Step 2
N-400 preparation
Form completed in collaboration with you, with every supporting document organized.
- Step 3
Civics & English prep
Study materials, practice tests, and accommodations through N-648 where applicable.
- Step 4
Interview
Mock interview covering every application question, plus walk-through of the day.
- Step 5
Oath ceremony
Certificate of naturalization issued — passport and voter registration follow.
Eligibility — continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character
To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must generally have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for that time), must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the qualifying period, must have continuously resided in the United States during that time, must be a person of good moral character, and must demonstrate basic English ability and knowledge of U.S. civics. There are exceptions and accommodations — for older applicants, for those with disabilities, and for U.S. military service members and their families.
Each element has its own evidentiary requirements. Continuous residence is broken by absences of six months or more, and may be broken by absences of one year or more depending on intent. Physical presence is calculated to the day. Good moral character is reviewed for the entire qualifying period — and in some contexts, more broadly. We confirm each element before filing.
Why an eligibility audit matters more than people expect
Many naturalization applicants never had a problem during their green card years, and assume the N-400 will be just as smooth. In fact, USCIS reviews the entire immigration history at naturalization — every prior filing, every prior visa, every entry and exit, every prior arrest or charge. Issues that were dormant can surface. Misstatements on the original I-485 can be revisited. Tax noncompliance can become a moral character problem. Convictions that were too old to bar adjustment may still come up.
In the most serious cases, an N-400 filed without a careful audit can result not just in denial but in referral to removal proceedings. The audit is preventive — it identifies risk factors, addresses them with documentation or legal arguments, and either clears the way for filing or advises against it. We never file an N-400 without it.
The N-400 application and supporting documents
The N-400 itself is a substantial form covering personal history, residence and employment over five years, all international travel during that period, every arrest or interaction with law enforcement, marital history, tax filings, selective service registration where applicable, and a long series of yes-or-no questions about good moral character grounds. Each question must be answered honestly and completely.
We prepare the N-400 in collaboration with the client, walking through every question and every required document — passport biographical pages, travel records, tax transcripts, court dispositions for any prior arrests, evidence of selective service registration. The packet we file is designed to anticipate the questions the officer will ask, with the supporting documentation already in hand.
The civics test, the English test, and the interview itself
At the naturalization interview, USCIS officers test English ability through everyday conversation about the application itself, ask the applicant to read a short sentence aloud and write a short sentence to dictation, and administer a civics test consisting of up to ten questions drawn from a published list of one hundred. Six correct answers pass the civics test. There are exemptions and accommodations for older long-term LPRs and for those with qualifying medical conditions through Form N-648.
The interview is also where the officer reviews the application question by question, often under oath. Inconsistency between answers given in the interview and answers given on the form is one of the most common causes of denials and referrals. We prepare every client through mock interviews and through a complete review of the application before the interview date.
At the naturalization interview, USCIS officers test English ability through everyday conversation about the application itself, ask the applicant to read a short sentence aloud and write a short sentence to dictation, and administer a civics test consisting of up to ten questions drawn from a published list of one hundred. Six correct answers pass the civics test. There are exemptions and accommodations for older long-term LPRs and for those with qualifying medical conditions through Form N-648.
— Wogwu Law
What happens after approval — and what to do if something goes wrong
After approval, the applicant is scheduled for a naturalization oath ceremony, where the oath of allegiance is administered and the certificate of naturalization is issued. Most ceremonies happen within weeks of the interview. The new citizen can then apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and update Social Security records.
If the application is denied, USCIS issues a written decision setting out the basis. Most denials can be appealed to a USCIS hearing officer through Form N-336 within thirty days, and from there to federal district court. Many denials are correctable. Even where they are not, knowing what went wrong allows the applicant to address the underlying issue before re-applying.
Working with our office on a naturalization case
Every naturalization case in our office begins with a complete review of immigration history, criminal record, tax history, travel record, and prior filings. Where issues exist, we address them with documentation and legal arguments before filing. Where they do not, we move forward with confidence, knowing that we have eliminated the surprises.
We stay engaged through the interview and the oath ceremony. After naturalization, we are available for the next-stage matters that often follow — passport applications, sponsorship of immediate relatives now that the client is a citizen, and any prior derivative cases that benefit from the new status. Naturalization is the goal of the journey, and we treat it that way.
Naturalization questions we hear most
- When can I apply for citizenship?
- Generally 5 years after becoming an LPR — or 3 years if you've been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for that time. You may file 90 days before the eligibility date.
- Will old arrests or tax issues hurt my N-400?
- Possibly. USCIS reviews your full history at naturalization. We audit and address issues before filing — not after the officer raises them at the interview.
- What if I've spent long periods outside the U.S.?
- Absences of 6 months or more can break continuous residence. Absences of a year or more usually do, unless preserved through Form N-470. We map your travel history first.
- Can I be exempted from the English test?
- Long-term older LPRs (50/20, 55/15, 65/20) qualify for various exemptions. Medical disability exemptions are available through Form N-648 for qualifying conditions.
- What happens if my N-400 is denied?
- Most denials can be appealed through Form N-336 within 30 days, then to federal district court. Many denials are correctable, and even when they aren't, knowing why allows a stronger re-application.
What clients say about working with us
"My journey started in 2006. I will spare you all the details of the long hard road, but I would like to say how appreciative I am of my lawyer. When I was in doubt of what my future was, she assured me everything was going to work out. She was God-sent and truly amazing in her craft."
"By far the best service I've ever gotten from any law firm. Lisa is simply amazing! She was so knowledgeable and listened to me attentively answering all my questions. If you're looking for someone who's on top of their game give Wogwu Law a call now!"
"Attorney Wogwu is detailed and upfront about explaining your options. She speaks in everyday language that I can understand. She is honest and easy to talk to — and more importantly, she listens without rushing you. I have no hesitation about trusting her for legal help."
Embark on your immigration journey with Wogwu Law.
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