Naturalization & Citizenship – Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Form N-400)
At Khashmati Law, P.C., our experienced citizenship attorney helps lawful permanent residents take the final step toward becoming United States citizens through the naturalization process. Based in Queens, New York, our immigration lawyer represents clients throughout New York City and across all 50 states in matters involving citizenship applications, naturalization interviews, English and civics exam preparation, and complex immigration issues that may affect eligibility for U.S. citizenship. Applying for citizenship through Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be a major milestone, but mistakes, delays, prior immigration violations, or criminal history can create serious complications. Our citizenship attorney provides personalized legal guidance, strategic case preparation, and direct attorney access to help clients pursue citizenship with confidence while protecting their rights throughout the process.
Paths to U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), foreign nationals may apply for citizenship through several different routes. The most common include:
Green Card Holders
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for naturalization if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 18 years or older
- You have held a green card for at least 5 years
- You have lived in your current state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before applying
- You have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years
- You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during that time
- You have maintained continuous residence from the time of application to the time of naturalization
- You can read, write, and speak English
- You have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
- You are a person of good moral character and loyal to the principles of the Constitution
Green Card Holders Married to U.S. Citizens
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply after just three years of permanent residency—provided you have remained married to the same U.S. citizen spouse and meet all other residency and physical presence requirements.
Military Members and Their Families
If you have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, you and your eligible family members may qualify for expedited naturalization. In some cases, this process can be completed even while you are stationed overseas.
Citizenship Through Parents
Some individuals may obtain U.S. citizenship through their parents, either at birth or before turning 18. This can apply to:
- Children born abroad to one or more U.S. citizen parents
- Children who were under 18 when their parent(s) naturalized
- Adopted children of U.S. citizens, under certain conditions
Our attorneys will carefully assess your eligibility and help you gather the evidence required to support your claim to citizenship through your parent(s).
General Eligibility Overview
You may apply for U.S. citizenship if:
- You’ve been a green card holder for 5 years
- You’ve been a green card holder for 3 years, married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse
- You’re a child of U.S. citizen parents
- You have qualifying military service
- You’re a minor child whose parent(s) have naturalized
Let Khashmati Law, P. C. Help Protect Your Green Card
Removing conditions from your permanent resident status is not just paperwork—it’s a legal safeguard for your future. At Khashmati Law, P.C., we help clients prepare strong petitions, respond to RFEs, file for waivers, and protect their right to remain in the U.S.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get personalized help with your I-751 petition. You don’t have to navigate this process alone—we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.