Application for Naturalization in Charlotte

If you have been living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident and have a Green Card, you know the benefits and opportunities that come with that status. However, becoming a U.S. citizen may provide further protection. The process of going from a lawful permanent resident to a citizen is called naturalization, and you may be able to apply depending on your eligibility.

If you believe you may be eligible and want to be a citizen of the country you now call home, the team at Sussman Law Firm could help you with your application for naturalization in Charlotte. Our attorneys are passionate about helping families achieve their goals of becoming citizens.

Eligibility Check

Naturalization is available to those who have a Green Card and are over 18 years old. Though there are paths to citizenship for people under 18, that is a different process involving the individual’s parents.

In general, as a potential applicant, you must be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. As an exception, residents who are married to a U.S. citizen could be eligible for naturalization after three years if your spouse has been a citizen for at least three years, you are living with your citizen spouse, and have been married for at least the past three years.

You must also satisfy a continuous presence requirement. This means you have not been out of the country for more than a total of 30 months during the five or more years you have been a lawful permanent resident, or 18 months during the three years you have been a resident if applying for the three-year exception. Additionally, you must not have taken a trip outside the U.S. that lasted more than one year.

As a potential applicant, you must also have a general understanding of U.S. history and government and be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are, of course, some exceptions for age and certain disabilities. The requirement for good moral character is vague but usually refers to convictions for certain crimes.

Anyone in Charlotte who has satisfied these criteria could be eligible to apply for naturalized citizenship. Once you are eligible, the preparation can begin, and an experienced attorney could provide guidance and advice throughout the process.

Required Documentation

First, you must complete the application form, which is officially called a Form N-400. This form requires you to provide personal information, including all residences, education, and marital history. You must include photocopies of your Green Card and payment for the fees.

Copies of marriage certificates are also needed, especially if you are applying under the three-year eligibility exception. A copy of your divorce decree or your former spouse’s death certificate is also required for any prior marriages.

While being arrested or convicted of a crime is not an automatic barrier under the good moral character requirement, you must provide certain court documents depending on your case’s status in the criminal justice system. For example, if you were arrested but had no charges filed against you, a certified arrest report and an official statement from the law enforcement agency are needed.

Tax transcripts and other documents from the IRS may be necessary in some circumstances. Applicants in Charlotte who are represented by an attorney in their citizenship request must also complete Form G-28 to officially register their lawyer with the case.

Get Naturalization Assistance From a Charlotte Immigration Attorney

An application for naturalization in Charlotte requires collecting and preparing a lot of paperwork, and the process can take months to complete. But the end goal is worth the effort, and our team of attorneys at Sussman Law Firm could be by your side from start to finish.

If you think you are eligible for naturalization, talk to an immigration attorney about your options. Call Sussman Law Firm to take the first step on your path to citizenship.