why should you have an attorney through naturalization process

by Geovanni Lueilwitz Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 3 min read

Hiring an immigration attorney is probably your safest bet in getting through the naturalization process. The expert advice of the lawyers will help you answer any questions that you may have about your citizenship status. A lawyer, who is familiar with naturalization can you in the help preparation required for your interview.

The government also doesn't process attorney cases any faster, so hiring an attorney won't usually get you a faster interview. For the most part your attorney is there to help you spot issues, counsel you on whether and when to file, and prepare you for what to expect at the interview.Apr 25, 2016

Full Answer

Do I need an immigration lawyer to naturalize?

If you're planning on taking advantage of special rules to naturalize, or you're not sure if you can, you need to consult with an immigration lawyer to find out what's involved.

Why do I need an immigration lawyer?

You are going to need an immigration lawyer's help to know whether you should apply now, apply later, or never apply at all. The lawyer can also help explain to USCIS what happened and why it might not matter.

How to apply for naturalization?

To apply for naturalization, the attorney will file form N-400. It is expensive to hire a lawyer but it will be worth it since sometimes it can turn out to be complex to complete. If you fill the form incorrectly or in a way that will create suspicion, your application will automatically be rejected.

Why do I need a lawyer to get a green card?

Hiring a lawyer will make it easy to handle some issues like; prior convictions of felonies, prior arrests, if you are not proficient in English or if you lack the necessary documentation. If your green card was obtained when you were married then you separated due to problems with your marriage,...

Can a lawyer speed up citizenship process?

The immigration process can be intimidating and take a long time, but hiring an immigration attorney to support you with your case can speed up the process and help you meet your goals.

What 3 things are required of all applicants for naturalization?

Be of the minimum required age (typically, at least 18) Continuously and physically live in the United States as a green card holder for a certain number of years. Establish residency in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they intend to apply. Have “good moral character”

Do you need a lawyer for U.S. naturalization?

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.

Should I bring attorney to my citizenship interview?

One of the benefits of having a lawyer at a citizenship interview is that we are allowed to ask for clarification. If you are ever confused by one of the questions the USCIS officer asks, your attorney can communicate the issue with the question.

How many years of tax returns are required for citizenship?

5 yearsYour 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).

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?

The 4-year 1 day rule is simple. If you break continuous residence (travel outside the US), a new period starts to run when you return. From the day of return, you must stay in America for at least 4-years and a day before you are eligible to reapply for naturalization.

Should I bring attorney to my green card interview?

But, in general, I do want to say that for most people, you don't need an attorney. But if it's going to give you peace of mind, there's nothing preventing you from doing it either. There are immigration attorneys who will agree to attend just for an interview as long as they can review the file ahead of time.

How long is the US naturalization interview?

about 20 minutesThe interview itself usually lasts about 20 minutes. The officer will go over the N-400 that you filled out, and ask you questions about the same information that's on the form.

What should I expect at a naturalization interview?

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking.

Does USCIS know everything about you?

The simple answer, of course, is that it is impossible to know whether USCIS knows if an applicant for a green card or for naturalization is lying to them. The safe assumption is that they DO know everything about you and that, if you lie in the interview, you will be caught.

Can USCIS check my bank account?

Yes USCIS may verify information about your bank account with bank.

What should I bring to my citizenship interview 2020?

Documents to bring to your naturalization interviewProof of green card holder (permanent resident) status. ... State-issued identification. ... Travel Records. ... Proof of current marital status and termination of your prior marriages. ... Proof of termination of your spouse's previous marriages, if any.More items...

What are the documents required for naturalization?

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

To become a U.S. citizen you must meet the following requirements:You must be 18 years of age or older.You must have authorization to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis (informally known as a green card) for at least five years (or three years, if married to a United States citizen).More items...

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.

What documents do I need to bring to my naturalization interview?

Bring the following documents to the appointment:Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;Appointment notice; and.A second form of identification (driver's license, passport, or state identification card). Your second form of identification must have your photograph on it.

What does USCIS look for in a person before granting citizenship?

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) looks at your current situation and a lot of things that happened in your past to see whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Some of those things can delay or even prevent you from getting U.S. citizenship unless you understand how to explain them to USCIS. ...

What happens if USCIS denies citizenship?

If USCIS denies your citizenship application, it will send you a notice telling you what the problems were. If you don't want to give up trying for citizenship, you definitely need to see an immigration lawyer at this point.

Why is USCIS so special?

USCIS has special rules making it easier and quicker to apply for U.S. citizenship in certain situations. Most of these situations involve persons who are overseas because they or their spouse is working for the U.S. government, or they're in (or have been in) the U.S. armed forces. If you're planning on taking advantage ...

Can USCIS deny my application?

A " yes" answer to any of them doesn't mean USCIS will definitely deny your application, but depending on your explanation, it could. You are going to need an immigration lawyer's help to know whether you should apply now, apply later, or never apply at all.