Citizenship and Naturalization

Naturalization is usually the final step in a long process, and it deserves the same care as every step that came before it. We represent lawful permanent residents seeking naturalization, and we handle Certificate of Citizenship applications for people who acquired citizenship automatically through a parent but have never had the paperwork to prove it. Some of our strongest work has been in the harder naturalization cases: an applicant with a prior conviction on the record, or a gap in continuous residence from time spent outside the country. Those files need a close read of the record and a clear, honest explanation to USCIS of what happened and why it should not stand in the way. We build that explanation from your actual history, not a template, and we walk you through what the agency is likely to ask before the interview does.

What naturalization actually requires

Generally, naturalization requires five years as a lawful permanent resident, or three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen, along with the continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character standards USCIS applies to every case. The process runs through a filed application, biometrics, and an interview that covers your file along with the civics and English tests, followed by an oath ceremony if you are approved. A denial is not automatically the end of the road. Depending on the reason, you may be able to request review before a different officer or refile once the underlying issue is resolved. We read denial notices closely before recommending which path fits.

Ghoshal Law has taken on citizenship cases most firms decline, including those involving a prior conviction or a disrupted residence history. Call (512) 456-3536 to talk through where your case stands.