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IL 60540

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com
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In Need of a Naturalization & Citizenship Lawyer?

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg naturalization and citizenship attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, is a proud first-generation immigrant who practices immigration law to give a voice to those who need it most.

As someone who has undergone the naturalization process, Shobhana has first-hand knowledge of how daunting the passage to U.S. citizenship can seem. She thoroughly explains the process, the necessary documentation, and the overall requirements. She even attends the naturalization interviews with our clients so they have a partner throughout their essential journeys.

From our primary office in the Chicago metropolitan area, our immigration law firm assists individuals and families throughout Illinois and neighboring states in understanding the importance of the naturalization process so they can confidently pursue U.S. citizenship.

Naturalization Citizenship

What is the Naturalization & Citizenship Process?

Naturalization is the process by which individuals who are legal permanent residents meeting specific requirements can seek U.S. Citizenship. In contrast, those individuals born in the United States are citizens by birth.

The naturalization and citizenship process in the United States involves several steps, including:

  • Eligibility Determination

Individuals must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying for naturalization.

Generally, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for a certain period (usually five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Have continuous residence in the United States.
  • Demonstrate good moral character.
  • Pass English and civics tests.
  • Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

The steps continue once an individual is eligible to undergo the naturalization process.

  • Submit Form N-400

Eligible individuals must complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the form, applicants must provide supporting documentation, including a copy of their green card, photographs, and any additional required evidence.

  • Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS receives the N-400 application, applicants are typically scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). During the appointment, applicants provide fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for identity verification.

  • Interview and Naturalization Test

USCIS schedules an interview to review the applicant’s N-400 application, verify the information provided, and assess their eligibility for naturalization. During the interview, applicants also take the English and civics tests unless exempted due to age or certain medical conditions.

  • Decision on Application

USCIS decides on the N-400 application after the interview and tests. If approved, applicants receive a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, scheduling them for the oath ceremony. USCIS provides reasons for the denial if denied, and applicants have the right to appeal the decision.

  • Oath of Allegiance

At the naturalization oath ceremony, applicants take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, renouncing allegiance to foreign countries and pledging allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. After taking the oath, applicants receive a Certificate of Naturalization, officially granting them U.S. citizenship.

Our immigration attorneys also focus following areas:

How Can Attorney Shobhana Kasturi at Kasturi Law, LLC Help with My Naturalization & Citizenship Journey?

When you partner with Shobhana Kasturi, attorney and law firm founder at Kasturi Law, LLC, she will thoroughly discuss the timeframe, process, and cost involved in pursuing naturalization and citizenship before:

  • Submitting the N-400 Form.
  • Providing a detailed checklist of documents needed.
  • Reviewing ALL documentation related to the filing.
  • Preparing you for the naturalization interview.
  • Attending the naturalization interview with you.
  • Keeping you informed of every step in the process.

Call our skilled naturalization and citizenship attorney in Schaumburg for help today at 630-392-8101. Learning how her first-hand immigration journey led to her becoming a U.S. citizen can help you achieve the same status as efficiently as possible. We provide in-office, phone, and Zoom consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your immigration journey.

We believe in you, your immigration journey, and your success.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Naturalization & Citizenship Questions

What are the naturalization requirements for Green Card Holders or Legal Permanent Residents?

Currently, there are some basic requirements:

  • Must be a Legal Permanent Resident;
  • Must be 18 years old;
  • Must have good moral character;
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English;
  • Must be able to pass a test on US history and government;
  • Should have been residing in the US as a LPR for at least the last five years;
  • Should have been physically present in the US for at least half of the five year period;
  • Should not have disrupted continuous residence in the US for any of the last five years;
  • Take an oath of Loy

I am a Legal Permanent Resident. What is the need for me to apply for citizenship?

The rights of a LPR and that of a Citizen do vary. One of the key differences is with regards to residency requirements. For example, should a US Citizen choose to leave the United States for two years for employment in another part of the world, he/she can return to the Unites States without having to demonstrate that they abandoned their residency in the United States. A Legal Permanent Resident (in a similar situation) risks the chance of having to prove that he/she did not abandon their residency. Permanent Residents can be removed (deported) from the United States for a number of reasons. legal infractions. Ultimately, it is your decision to pursue this option. Please contact me to discuss your case. As a U.S. citizen you have a right to vote.

I have travelled outside the United States for more than 6 months but less than a year during the last 5 years. Can I still apply?

You may still be eligible, but you should contact an attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.

I am married to a USC and have had my green card for the last 3 years. Can I still apply for my citizenship?

Yes, you may apply presuming you meet the other requirements (which would need to be assessed). You should consult with an attorney to review all your options.

Can one acquire or derive citizenship?

Yes, if you are a child born outside of the U.S. and one of your parents is a United States Citizen, you may acquire U.S. Citizenship at birth. There are also certain requirements of residency that the US Citizen parent must meet. Requirements for Children born out of wedlock and adopted children are different and you should consult an attorney to discuss your case specifics.

What if I cannot take the test in English? Can I still apply for citizenship?

Yes you may still apply for citizenship depending on whether you qualify for one the waivers for this requirement. The waivers are as such:

  • If a person has lived in the United States as an Legal Permanent Resident 20 years and is 50 years of age.
  • If a person is over 55 years of age and lived in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents for the last 15 years.
  • Persons who have a mental impairment or are physically/developmentally disabled are exempt from the entire written/oral test.
  • Persons who are over age 65 years and have lived in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents for the last 20 years are exempt from taking the Civics part of the exam.

What steps can I take to prepare for the test and improve my English skills?

You can take English language classes and practice the potential test questions and how to answer them. Sample Civic test questions are listed on the USCIS website.

What if I have a criminal or traffic infraction? Can I still apply for citizenship?

You may be still eligible to apply, however, the nature of infraction would need to be assessed. In addition, the steps you have taken to rehabilitate will also need to be assessed. Kasturi law, LLC (Shobhana Kasturi) has experience dealing with such cases.

How can Kasturi Law, LLC (Attorney Shobhana Kasturi) assist you?

  • Discuss in detail the time frame and process or cost involved.
  • Submitting the N-400 Form.
  • Providing a detailed checklist of documents needed.
  • Reviewing ALL documentation related to the filing.
  • Preparing you for the naturalization interview.
  • Attending the naturalization interview with you.
  • Keeping you informed of every step in the process.

I have myself gone through the naturalization process and understand how daunting the process or documentation can seem. I will be there during every step of the process and attend all naturalization interviews with my clients. I have had success with filing naturalization cases for my clients.

Feel free to call me today at (630) 392-8101 or email me at info@kasturilaw.com

 

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