What You Need to Know About the Naturalization Process in New Jersey

The Law Offices of Christoper T. Howell, Esq. are proud to help immigrants and their families through the naturalization process and toward their dream of becoming United States citizens. Our New Jersey immigration attorneys at the Law Offices of Christoper T. Howell, Esq. are experts in the field and are committed to guiding individuals to achieve their goals. Contact us today.

What are the requirements for naturalization in New Jersey?

There are various requirements that a prospective citizen of the United States must meet. Some of the requirements are dependant on the person’s immigration status up. For naturalization, the following steps are applicable. Permanent residents must have lived in the U.S. for 5 years before becoming eligible. Additionally, these individuals must have been physically present in the United States for 30 months out of those 5 years. If you come to the United States as a spouse of a citizen, you will only have to live in the United States for 3 years. United States military personnel must show that they were in the United States for 18 months out of the 3 year period. Additionally, the applicants need to show knowledge of the United States history, government, and English language. Finally, candidates also need to show they have good moral character and they are loyal to the United States.

How does the naturalization process work?

Applicants who have met the above criteria can start the naturalization process by filing form N-400. The N-400 is an application for naturalization that is affiliated with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) This application will include necessary documents and application fees in addition to the application itself. The next step of this process is to attend a biometrics appointment. Lastly, you will have to interview with a USCIS officer who will ask you questions about your application and your background. You will also be asked questions about United States history and the English language. If you are approved, you can conclude this process with a naturalization ceremony.

The naturalization ceremony is the end of the process and is a very momentous day. After the ceremony, you will return your Green Card, check-in with the immigration officer, take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and finally, receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Why would I want to become a United  States citizen?

There are countless amounts of opportunities that come with being a United States citizen, such as the ability to vote and run for public office. If you would like to become a United States citizen, it is important to have a skilled legal team to help you through this process. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today to get started.

Contact an Experienced Immigration Attorney in NJ

If you or a loved one is facing challenges presented by immigration laws in the United States, our firm can help. No matter the situation, we are ready to assess your case and give you trusted legal advice. With so much on the line, it is important to work with a legal team you can count on. Our firm is committed to staying up to date on all of the changes being made to immigration law in the United States. We make it a priority to know how these changes may impact our clients. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today to discuss your case.