Fairfax, VA Naturalization Requirements Lawyer

Attorney Helping Compile Evidence and Documentation for Naturalization Applications in Fairfax

Immigrants to the United States who have lawful permanent resident status (demonstrated through a valid Green Card) can take steps to become U.S. citizens through naturalization. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must meet several requirements and provide thorough documentation to demonstrate their eligibility. Failing to meet these criteria or provide sufficient evidence can lead to delays in the application process or the denial of citizenship. The Estevez Group, PC works with our clients to fulfill all of their requirements for naturalization, ensuring that they will have a smooth path to U.S. citizenship.

Eligibility for Naturalization

To successfully naturalize, an applicant will be required to meet certain criteria:

• Green Card: An applicant must be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before they can apply for naturalization. However, spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after three years, as long as they were married and living with their spouse during those three years, and their spouse was a U.S. citizen for that entire time.
• Continuous Residence: An applicant must have maintained a permanent home in the United States for at least five years before they file an application for naturalization. The continuous residence period for a person who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen is reduced to three years.
• Physical Presence: In addition to having a residence in the United States, an applicant must have actually been inside the country for at least 30 months during the five years before applying for naturalization. The physical presence for a person who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen is reduced to 18 months.
• Good Moral Character: An applicant will need to show that they have lived in a way that meets the standards of their community. In general, positive character involves refraining from illegal or immoral behavior. Issues such as criminal convictions, unpaid taxes, or false statements to immigration officials may be seen as a lack of moral character.
• Knowledge of U.S. Civics and Proficiency in English: In most cases, an applicant must pass a test that will include questions about the history of the United States and the structure of the country's government. They will also need to demonstrate that they have the ability to speak English and read and write the language at a basic level. Certain exemptions may apply for older applicants or those with qualifying medical conditions.
• Oath of Allegiance: After receiving approval for naturalization, an applicant must take an oath in which they pledge loyalty to the United States and state that they will uphold the Constitution.

Documents and Evidence Required

To demonstrate that they are eligible for naturalization, an applicant must provide comprehensive documentation with their naturalization application. Documents that address the eligibility criteria include:

• Proof of Lawful Permanent Residency: This may be provided through copies of the front and back of the applicant's Green Card.
• Evidence of Continuous Residence and Physical Presence: An applicant may provide copies of tax returns, utility bills, or rental agreements to show that they have resided in the United States during the required period. If necessary they can provide records of travel outside the U.S., including dates of travel and the reasons for these trips.
• Marital and Family Documents (If Applicable): A marriage certificate, a divorce decree from a previous marriage, or the death certificate of a former spouse may need to be provided to verify a person's marital history and show that they qualify for reduced periods of continuous residence and physical presence.
• Evidence of Good Moral Character: Tax returns and other tax documents can show that a person has met all of their tax obligations. Criminal records and other documentation related to arrests or convictions may need to be included. Evidence concerning the circumstances of an arrest or conviction or records showing that a sentence has been completed may demonstrate that encounters with law enforcement have not impacted a person's moral character.
• Evidence for Exemptions (If Applicable): Medical certifications may be provided for an applicant who is seeking a waiver of English or civics test requirements. Other documentation may also be needed to demonstrate eligibility for other exemptions.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Other forms of evidence included in an application may include employment verification letters or school records to support residency claims or legal documents addressing name changes or other relevant matters.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Citizenship Application Attorney

Obtaining citizenship through naturalization can be life-changing, but it will be important to provide all required documentation and complete the steps in the naturalization process. With the support of The Estevez Group, PC, clients can confidently navigate the naturalization process and achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship. Get in touch with us today at 703-829-5179 to arrange a free consultation.