Do I need to hire an attorney to apply for Naturalization?
No! You can apply for Naturalization without an attorney. However, many applicants run into issues by making simple mistakes, or not understanding how a wide range of topics may impact an application. As a result having an attorney support your journey can be invaluable giving you security everything is being done correctly.
What factors may impact my N-400 application?
Travel outside the U.S., “dual” residency, traffic violations, not accurately providing your address history, arrests/charges/convictions/plea deals, relocation to a new state, tax issues, child support, and/or prior marriages/divorces.
Will USCIS only consider the information on my filed N-400?
No! USCIS can and will review all information you have provided since entering the U.S., this is why it is very important to be honest and consistent.
Is it possible to change my name legally while applying for Naturalization?
Yes! If you would like to legally change your name when you apply to Naturalize you can select this option on the N-400.
At your interview, the USCIS officer will record the name change request and ask you to sign a name change petition. USCIS files the Petition with a court, the court signs and seals the petition. The petition is later presented to you during the judicial naturalization ceremony.
What do I need to know for me Naturalization exams?
There are two portions of the exam, English and Civics.
For the English portion you need to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. For the English reading test you must read out loud one out of three sentences correctly, and for writing, you must demonstrate one of three sentences correctly. During your interview your ability to speak English will be tested.
For the civics portion (it is conducted orally) you will be ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics questions.
What if I am unable to speak English, can I still apply to Naturalize?
Yes! There are two potential exceptions categories you can apply for if you qualify:
1. The first potential exception is related to your age and number of years living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. You are exempt from the English language requirement if you can meet one of the following exceptions:
50/20: If you are age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 20 years; OR
55/15: If you are age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 15 years.
2. The second is if you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment with a medical diagnosis that prevents you from learning new things or retaining information you may be able to qualify for an exception using the N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exception prepared by a qualified medical professional.
If I have medical condition that prevents me from learning new things or retaining information can I still Naturalize?
Yes! If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment with a medical diagnosis that prevents you from learning new things or retaining information you may be able to qualify for an exception using the N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exception prepared by a qualified medical professional.
What if I do not qualify for a Naturalization Civics test exception, are there other options?
Yes! If you If you are age 65 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 20 years you can take an easier version of the Civics exam requiring you to only study 20 of the 100 civics exam questions.
Can I still apply to Naturalize if my lawful permanent resident card is expired?
Yes! You can apply, however it is important to first state that all lawful permanent residents must have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in their possession at all times.
What happens if I fail part of the Naturalization test?
You will be given two opportunities to pass. If you fail any portion of the english and civic requirements you will be retested during a new interview on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.
How many times can I apply for Naturalization?
There is no limit to the number of times you can apply to Naturalize, however, you will need to pay the filing fee each time. This is why it is so important to be sure you are prepared before filing for Naturalization and before your interview.
How many years do I need to be a resident to apply for Naturalization?
Naturalization is typically available after meeting the 5 year residency requirement, however if you have been living in “marital union” with a U.S. citizen “spouse” you can qualify for the reduced 3 year residency requirement for filing earlier.
Can same-sex marriages, like opposite-sex marriages, reduce the residence period mentioned above required for naturalization?
Yes! When it comes to naturalization, same-sex marriages will be treated exactly the same as opposite-sex marriages.
Is it very expensive to hire an attorney to represent me with my N-400 application?
Attorneys charge a wide range of fees for various levels of service. Julianne’s fee is in a range from $750.00 to $1,250.00 for full representation depending on your individual circumstances, this does not include presence at your N-400 Interview.
If I hire an immigration attorney for my N-400 application does the attorney need to live in my state?
No! When it comes to immigration your attorney can be licensed by any U.S. State living anywhere, just be sure they are licensed and in good standing in the state of licensure.
How much is an N-400 Consultation with New York Licensed Immigration Attorney Julianne M. Kinsey?
A full telephone consultation is typically $150.00, if you hire Julianne for full representation this will be applied to reducing the total fee due for representation. You can also use the consultation if you have questions about your eligibility, potential issues, or anything N-400 related.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Please fill out and submit this contact form, and you will be redirected to a page with a link for scheduling and directions for payment.
