Understanding Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which citizenship is acquired by an individual who was not a citizen at the time of birth. Naturalization is difficult to achieve alone and thus, an immigration and naturalization service is often employed by those seeking such status.

Naturalization requirements

To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:

• Lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident holding a green card for at least five years
• Been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the past five years
• Must not have spent more than a year outside of the U.S. during that period
• Primary home must not be in another country

If you are applying for naturalization in Corpus Christi, you must have lived in Texas for at least three months.  You also must be at least 18 years of age and willing to swear your loyalty to the U.S. and belief in its principles and Constitution.

Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen

The naturalization process involves a series of steps that can become confusing, which is why many applicants seek aid from an immigration and naturalization service.  In Corpus Christi, the experienced professionals at The Whittle Law Firm can guide you through this process.  After initial submission of the naturalization forms, supporting documents, and required application fees, the applicant will be contacted for a fingerprint appointment and then for an interview appointment where the naturalization test is administered.

Passing the naturalization test

Your Corpus Christi immigration lawyer can help you prepare for the interview appointment, in which you will be tested in reading, writing, and speaking English, as well as in U.S. history and government.  Your ability to speak English will be assessed in the interview as you answer questions about your background and application. 

It is required that you read at least one out of three sentences correctly in English and write at least one of three sentences correctly in English.  Finally, six out of ten questions pertaining to U.S. history and government must be answered correctly to pass the test.

Corpus Christi immigration service

While the USCIS offers study materials for the naturalization test, your immigration lawyer in Corpus Christi will assist you with other resources in preparation for the naturalization process.  In your efforts to acquire United States citizenship, the attorneys at The Whittle Law Firm can support you along the way.  From understanding and interpreting the complex and dynamic laws of naturalization to preparing you and your case for review, the immigration lawyers in Corpus Christi of The Whittle Law Firm, PLLC are here to help you succeed. Contact us for a free consultation today.