how to apply for citizenship without an attorney

by Prof. Bradly Hessel 7 min read

If you were arrested or convicted for something minor more than five years ago (or more than years ago if you're applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen), you might not need a lawyer when applying for citizenship. Just make sure you tell USCIS

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. It is a successor to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was dissolved by the Homeland S…

what happened, even if your record was sealed or expunged.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship
U.S. citizenship
USCIS is the government agency that administers lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS has nearly 20,000 government employees and contractors working at more than 200 offices around the world.
https://www.uscis.gov › volume-1-part-a-chapter-1
? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400
Form N-400
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is an application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. If your biological or legal adoptive mother or father is a U.S. citizen by birth, or was naturalized before you reached your 18th birthday, you may already be a U.S. citizen.
https://www.uscis.gov › default › files › document › forms
, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online
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Sep 16, 2021

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?

The good news is that the USCIS makes it simple to apply for most immigration processes and even citizenship without a US immigration attorney. For example, if you want to apply for a US visa, such as a K-1 visa or the popular B-1 visa, you can simply visit the USCIS website, download the latest forms and instructions, and carefully follow the instructions in order to correctly file …

How do I apply for US citizenship?

Oct 28, 2021 · Get a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization. Replace Your Citizenship or Naturalization Certificates.

Do I need an attorney to apply for a green card?

Nov 06, 2021 · Apply for Citizenship. Apply for U.S. citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is available to file online . There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Can I apply for citizenship if I have been arrested?

Jun 16, 2017 · No, you don’t need a lawyer to help you file your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you are able to understand and answer all questions on the form, you can complete the form without help. However, some applicants choose to consult with an attorney when there are red flags that include tax issues, previous dismissed convictions or charges, or …

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Who can help me fill out my citizenship papers?

California's Central Valley Campaign SiteCalifornia Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton.Central California Legal Services.Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative.Centro Binacional Para El Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueno.Centro La Familia Advocacy Services.More items...

How long does it take to get citizenship after applying 2021?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?

How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

Can you just pay for citizenship?

You can pay the Citizenship by Naturalization application fees with a credit card, check or money order. USCIS will not accept cash. You must submit fee payment together with your Form N-400 when you file. ‍You must stick to only one payment method for both the filing fee and the biometrics fee.Oct 15, 2020

What is the fastest way to get U.S. citizenship?

Expedited Naturalization by MarriageHold a green card for three years;Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;Live within the state that you're applying in for three months; and.Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.

What is the N-400 process?

Form N-400 is used to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States who meet the eligibility requirements can file form N-400 to request citizenship. If you need to apply for citizenship, get started here.Jan 15, 2020

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.Jun 23, 2021

Do I need a lawyer to become a U.S. citizen?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.Sep 16, 2021

Can you buy a U.S. citizenship?

Investors can obtain US citizenship, however, it is better to use a US passport when traveling abroad to maintain status. If a person wants to get another citizenship after the American one, he will lose his US passport. Details about the difference between second and dual citizenship.

How much is the citizenship fee?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

How many questions are on the citizenship test 2021?

The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.

Do you need tax return for citizenship interview?

Have you reported your income on your income tax forms? Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).