SCHACH LAW GROUP, APC (916) 917-5217
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Contact Us: (916)917-5217

United States Citizenship/

Naturalization.

How do I get citizenship for my husband/wife?

​You must have held a green card for at least three years, living in the United States for the last three years with your spouse, have been physically present in the United States at least 18 months out of the last three years.  You also must be able to read/write/speak English (some exceptions exist), have knowledge of United States history and government, and have good moral character.  

How do I get citizenship for my child, father, mother, brother or sister?

​You are eligible for citizenship once you have been a green card holder for at least 5 years, as a permanent resident for at least three years. You also must be able to read/write/speak English (some exceptions exist), have knowledge of United States history and government, and have good moral character. 
​
It is possible to gain United States citizenship through qualifying service in the armed forces and as a child born to a United States citizen who is residing outside the United States.

How do I get citizenship for my boyfriend, girlfriend, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew?

​The first step will be gaining a permanent residency status (green card). See the section on green cards.

How much does it cost to get citizenship?

​The Application for Naturalization filing fee is $640.  There is a requirement for biometrics which is $85. It is possible to receive a reduced rate based on household income and a waiver on biometrics based on age.

How long does it take to get citizenship?

The processing time for naturalization depends on multiple factors.  The processing times may be found at this link: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

What is the difference between United States citizenship and naturalization?

Per USCIS, naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the citizenship requirements.

May I travel to my home country and come back while waiting for my naturalization interview?

Traveling with a valid passport from the country of origin, and a valid green card to allow admittance back to the United States, travel is allowed.  However, it is important to keep in mind there will be a mandatory biometrics appointment and a requirement to be physically present in the United States as part of the citizenship requirements.

May I travel to my home country and come back after my naturalization interview but before the swearing in ceremony?

See the question above.  This is allowed, but not advisable. 

Can my naturalization be taken away?

​Yes. If a person received citizenship illegally, conceals materials facts or willfully misrepresents, holds membership with certain organizations or gains citizenship through armed service and receives other than an honorable discharge, among the applicable reasons for revocation of citizenship.  

Do I need to renew my citizenship documents every couple of years?

No, once you receive your citizenship there is no requirement to renew.

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Contact Information

2555 3rd Street, Suite 215
Sacramento, California 95818
Phone: (916) 917-5217
Fax: (916) 299-3300
Email: info@slgsac.com
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
  • Home
  • Services
    • Asylum
    • Citizenship/Naturalization
    • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
    • Deportation Defense
    • Green Cards
    • Interview/Request for Evidence Preparation
    • U Visa
    • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • About
  • Español
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Agency Updates
  • Immigration Updates
  • Contact