Citizenship/Naturalization

Somewhere between the day your green card arrived and the day you raise your hand at an oath ceremony sits a lengthy application, a stack of records, and a face-to-face interview with USCIS.

 At The Shulman Law Group, LLC, we guide permanent residents through citizenship/naturalization with careful preparation and personal attention. Our attorneys take tremendous pride in helping clients become U.S. citizens. We treat every application as a milestone worth handling with care from the very first form.

Understanding Citizenship/Naturalization

Naturalization allows a lawful permanent resident to become a U.S. citizen after meeting federal requirements. The basic waiting period depends on how you obtained your green card:

• Five years: This standard waiting period applies to most permanent residents.
• Three years: Permanent residents married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse can apply sooner, along with those who obtained status through a battered spouse petition (VAWA).
• Military exceptions: Service members who serve during designated periods of hostilities may qualify without the usual waiting period.

Applicants also need to meet several additional requirements:

• Age 18 or older at the time of filing
• Continuous residence and physical presence in the United States during the required period
• Good moral character
• Passing results on the English test and the U.S. history and civics test
• Payment of the application fee or approval of a fee reduction or waiver

USCIS updated its civics test in 2025, so applicants should study the version that applies to their filing date.

How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help With Citizenship/Naturalization Cases

Plenty of permanent residents ask us about hiring an attorney for a naturalization application. Legal counsel becomes especially important when a case involves:

• A prior arrest or criminal conviction in the United States or another country
• Missing or incomplete records
• Limited English proficiency
• A green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, particularly after separation, abuse, or divorce
• Extended trips abroad, unpaid taxes, or missed Selective Service registration

Naturalization also opens a full review of your immigration history. If that review uncovers a deportable offense, USCIS can refer an applicant to removal proceedings. Our attorneys understand the consequences of criminal convictions on immigration status, and we assess those risks before anything reaches the government.

Even in straightforward cases, we advocate for every applicant and work to secure the best chance of approval, without delays or surprises. Here is what that preparation typically covers:

• Eligibility review: We confirm your residence dates, physical presence, and moral character history before filing.
• Record gathering: We collect tax transcripts, travel records, court dispositions, and marriage documents as needed.
• Interview coaching: We review your N-400 answers with you and practice the English and civics portions.

Immigration Support From The Shulman Law Group, LLC

Watching a client take the Oath of Allegiance stands among the most rewarding parts of our work, and we handle the process from start to finish. Our services include:

• Preparing your citizenship/naturalization application
• Acquiring all required documentation
• Accompanying you to your citizenship interview appointment

Our office runs efficiently and takes great care with every submission to prevent errors and rejections. We double-check dates, addresses, travel history, and supporting records so your file tells a consistent story. Clients who feel nervous about the interview often appreciate practicing with an attorney who speaks their language, and our team converses in Spanish, French, Russian, Ukrainian, and Portuguese.

Permanent residents from Elmwood Park, Paterson, Hackensack, and surrounding towns throughout Bergen and Passaic counties visit our office for naturalization help. We also assist applicants across New Jersey and beyond.

Move Forward With The Shulman Law Group, LLC

U.S. citizenship gives you the right to vote, a U.S. passport, and the chance to petition for more family members. Our team can help you reach that milestone with a well-prepared application and a calm, confident interview.

Schedule a naturalization eligibility review with The Shulman Law Group, LLC, and bring your green card, passport, and a list of your trips abroad from the past five years. You can also call 201-773-0100 to find out if you qualify to file now.

Frequently Asked Questions