Citizenship & Naturalization
Your Path to U.S. Citizenship in Connecticut & New York
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a profound milestone. The firm provides clear, step-by-step guidance through the naturalization process — from filing the N-400 application to preparing for the citizenship test and interview.
- New York Licensed
- 14+ Years Experience
- 5 Languages
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Naturalization — quick answer
Naturalization is governed by INA §§ 316 and 319 and 8 CFR Part 316. Most lawful permanent residents qualify after 5 years as an LPR (3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), with 30 monthsof physical presence in the U.S., continuous residence, and good moral character. USCIS's national median processing time for Form N-400 is approximately 7.6 months per the USCIS processing times page. The filing fee under the 2024 fee rule is $760 (paper) or $710 (online), plus an $85 biometric services fee.
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Our Services
Citizenship & Naturalization Services We Provide
- N-400 Naturalization Application filing and support
- Eligibility and Good Moral Character assessments for CT & NY applicants
- Continuous Residence and Physical Presence analysis
- U.S. Citizenship Test and Interview preparation
- Derivative and Acquired Citizenship claims (N-600)
- Representation for naturalization cases with criminal records
- Medical Disability Exceptions (N-648) for the English and civics tests
- Citizenship for military members and their spouses
Why It Matters
The Value of U.S. Citizenship
As a U.S. citizen, you are granted the ultimate rights and privileges our nation offers.
The Right to Vote
Participate in federal, state, and local elections and have your voice heard in shaping the country's future.
Sponsor Family for Green Cards
As a U.S. citizen, you can petition for a wider range of family members — parents, married children, and siblings.
Protection from Deportation
Secure your permanent place in the United States with the ultimate protection from removal proceedings.
Eligibility
Key Eligibility Requirements
Age & Status
Be at least 18 years old and a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Residency
Meet the 3 or 5-year continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
Good Moral Character
Demonstrate good moral character for the required statutory period.
English & Civics
Pass the mandatory English (reading, writing, speaking) and U.S. civics tests.
Attachment to Constitution
Show an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
Our Process
How We Handle Your Citizenship & Naturalization Case
- 1
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment
We conduct a detailed review of your immigration history, time as a permanent resident, and any potential issues to confirm your eligibility and create a clear strategy.
- 2
Meticulous Application Preparation
We prepare and file a flawless Form N-400, ensuring all information is accurate and supported by the necessary documentation to avoid delays or RFEs.
- 3
Interview & Test Preparation
We provide you with study materials and conduct mock interviews to ensure you are fully prepared for both the English/civics test and the questions from the USCIS officer.
- 4
Final Steps to Citizenship
We represent you at the naturalization interview and guide you through the final steps, culminating in the Oath of Allegiance ceremony where you officially become a U.S. citizen.
Documents
What you'll need to file Form N-400
The N-400 packet is straightforward when paperwork is organized in advance. Bring originals and copies to your interview.
- • Permanent resident card (both sides) and any prior green cards
- • State-issued ID or driver's license
- • All passports (current and expired) covering the 5- or 3-year statutory period
- • Tax returns for the past 5 years (3 years if filing under INA § 319(a))
- • Selective Service registration for male applicants between ages 18-25
- • Marriage certificates and any divorce decrees (all marriages, current and prior)
- • Spouse's naturalization certificate or birth certificate (3-year filings)
- • Certified court dispositions for every arrest, charge, or conviction — ever
- • Form N-648 medical disability waiver (if seeking English / civics exemption)
- • Form I-912 fee waiver request if income ≤ 150% of federal poverty guidelines
Common pitfalls
Where N-400 cases go sideways
Broken continuous residence
Trips of 6+ months raise a rebuttable presumption of abandonment; trips of 1 year+ generally break continuous residence under INA § 316(b). Document U.S. ties for every long trip.
Undisclosed criminal history
Even sealed, expunged, or vacated cases must be disclosed on Form N-400 Part 12. Omissions are treated as misrepresentation and can trigger denaturalization.
Selective Service gap
Failure to register for Selective Service (males 18-25) can defeat good moral character. A status letter from SSS is required to argue the gap.
Tax-debt issues
Failure to file federal or state returns, or an active IRS payment plan with no payments made, can block good moral character. Bring transcripts and proof of compliance.
Costs & fees
Filing fees for naturalization
Per the 2024 USCIS fee rule (89 FR 6194). Attorney fees vary by complexity, especially where prior criminal history or extended absences require additional briefing.
N-400 (online)
$710
Includes $85 biometric fee
N-400 (paper)
$760
Reduced fee or waiver via Form I-942 / I-912
N-600 derivative citizenship
$1,385
Online filings receive a $50 discount
By the numbers
USCIS naturalized approximately 818,500 new U.S. citizens in FY2024.
Per the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. The national median N-400 processing time was approximately 7.6 months, with overall test pass rates above 95% per USCIS public data.
“No person shall hereafter be naturalized as a citizen of the United States upon his own application who cannot demonstrate ... an understanding of the English language ... and a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.”
— Immigration and Nationality Act § 312(a), 8 U.S.C. § 1423(a)
FAQ
Naturalization FAQ
How long does naturalization take in 2025?
USCIS reports a national median processing time of approximately 7.6 months for Form N-400 in FY2024 per the USCIS processing times page (egov.uscis.gov/processing-times). Actual times vary materially by field office; Hartford and Albany typically process within the national median range.
What is the N-400 filing fee?
Under the 2024 USCIS fee rule (89 Fed. Reg. 6194, effective April 1, 2024), the N-400 filing fee is $760 when filed on paper or $710 when filed online, plus an $85 biometric services fee for most applicants. Fee reductions and waivers are available for qualifying low-income applicants under Form I-912.
What are the residency requirements for naturalization?
Under INA § 316(a), an applicant must have been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident, resided continuously in the U.S. for at least five years (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen under INA § 319(a)), been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of that period (18 months under § 319(a)), and resided for at least three months in the state of filing.
Does the Form N-648 medical disability exception still apply?
Yes. Under INA § 312(b)(1), applicants who are unable to comply with the English-language or civics testing requirements due to a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may request an exception by filing Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by a licensed medical professional.
What changes are coming to the civics test in 2025?
USCIS announced that applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 will take the 2025 version of the naturalization civics test (announced September 18, 2025). The 2025 test draws from 128 possible questions; applicants are asked up to 20 questions and must answer 12 correctly to pass. Applicants filing before October 20, 2025 generally remain on the prior 2008 test (10 questions, 6 correct required).
What is the good moral character (GMC) period?
INA § 316(a)(3) and 8 CFR § 316.10 require an applicant to demonstrate good moral character during the five-year (or three-year for INA § 319(a) spouses) statutory period preceding filing, and continuing through the oath of allegiance. USCIS may also consider conduct outside the statutory period that bears on present GMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Citizenship & Naturalization FAQ
Related Topics
Related Immigration Topics
- Adjustment of Status — Path from LPR to citizenship begins with I-485
- Marriage Green Card — 3-year naturalization for U.S. citizen spouses
- Removal of Conditions (I-751) — Complete before N-400 filing
- Family Immigration — Sponsor parents, siblings, married children as a U.S. citizen
- Immigration Appeals — N-336 hearings on naturalization denial
- Deportation Defense — Naturalization with prior removal or criminal history
- All Immigration Practice Areas — Full scope of services across CT & NY
Talk to an immigration attorney
Get clear answers about your immigration case
Schedule a confidential consultation with M. Riaz Musani. Offices in West Hartford, CT and Latham, NY. Multilingual representation in five languages.