Ready to become a U.S. citizen? Mandi Law Group provides experienced legal representation for naturalization applications, N-400 processing, citizenship interviews, and oath ceremonies throughout New York State.
Citizenship is the final step in your immigration journey. Attorney Musani Imtiaz guides clients through every stage of naturalization — from eligibility assessment to oath ceremony — ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and positioned for approval.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this site.
While you can file Form N-400 without an attorney, professional legal representation significantly improves your chances of approval and prevents costly mistakes that could delay or deny your citizenship.
Comprehensive review of residence requirements, criminal history, and moral character to identify issues before filing
Attorneys ensure N-400 accuracy, preventing delays and denials caused by incomplete or incorrect applications
Thorough preparation for USCIS interview, civics test, and English assessment with attorney representation at interview
If issues arise during naturalization, your attorney protects your rights and prevents triggering deportation proceedings
Comprehensive legal representation for all aspects of U.S. citizenship and naturalization in New York.
Form N-400 naturalization application preparation and filing
Citizenship eligibility assessment and requirement analysis
USCIS citizenship interview preparation and representation
Civics test and English language exam preparation support
N-336 appeals for denied naturalization applications
Oath ceremony coordination and citizenship certificate support
Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) for derivative citizenship
Naturalization based on military service (N-400)
Waiver requests for disability exemptions
Criminal record assessment for citizenship eligibility
Understanding citizenship eligibility is critical before filing Form N-400. Our attorneys assess each requirement to confirm your readiness to apply.
You must be a green card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Our attorneys verify your eligibility based on your green card date and marital status.
You must maintain continuous residence in the U.S. and be physically present for required periods. We analyze travel records to ensure compliance with USCIS residence requirements.
USCIS reviews your moral character for 5 years prior to application. We assess criminal history, tax compliance, child support obligations, and other factors affecting eligibility.
Most applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government. We provide test preparation resources and identify exemption eligibility.
From initial consultation to oath ceremony, we guide you through every stage of naturalization with professional legal oversight.
We conduct a comprehensive review of your green card status, residence history, travel records, criminal background, and moral character to determine naturalization eligibility and identify any potential issues.
Your attorney prepares and files Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with complete supporting documentation, residence calculations, and legal analysis of eligibility requirements.
USCIS schedules your biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks. We provide guidance on appointment procedures and what to expect during the process.
We prepare you for your USCIS citizenship interview, including civics test questions, English language assessment, and review of your N-400 application. Your attorney can attend the interview with you.
After approval, you attend the oath ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
U.S. citizenship provides rights and protections not available to green card holders.
Full voting rights in federal, state, and local elections
Cannot be deported or have citizenship revoked except in rare fraud cases
Obtain U.S. passport for international travel and consular protection
Sponsor immediate relatives with faster processing and no quotas
We represent citizenship applicants at USCIS field offices throughout New York State.
26 Federal Plaza, NYC
Garden City, Long Island
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
The naturalization process typically takes 8-14 months from filing Form N-400 to oath ceremony. Processing times vary by USCIS field office. New York City applicants generally wait 10-12 months, while upstate offices may process faster. Premium processing is not available for naturalization applications.
To qualify for naturalization, you must: (1) be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen), (2) be 18 or older, (3) maintain continuous residence and physical presence, (4) demonstrate good moral character, (5) pass English and civics tests, and (6) take the Oath of Allegiance. Certain exemptions apply based on age and disability.
Some criminal convictions affect citizenship eligibility and may result in denial or removal proceedings. USCIS reviews your moral character for the 5 years prior to application. Crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, and controlled substance violations are particularly problematic. A citizenship attorney should review your criminal history before filing N-400 to assess eligibility and potential risks.
Most applicants must pass English reading, writing, and speaking tests, plus a civics test covering U.S. history and government. Exemptions exist: (1) Age 50+ with 20 years as green card holder, (2) Age 55+ with 15 years as green card holder can take civics test in native language, (3) Age 65+ with 20 years can take easier version. Medical disability waivers (Form N-648) are available for those unable to meet requirements due to physical or developmental disability.
Generally, a denied citizenship application does not affect your green card status. However, if your N-400 application reveals fraud in obtaining the green card, unlawful presence, or criminal activity, USCIS may initiate removal proceedings. This is why attorney review is critical before filing — we identify issues that could trigger deportation and advise whether naturalization is safe to pursue.
If you fail the English or civics test during your citizenship interview, USCIS gives you one opportunity to retake the failed portion within 60-90 days. You only retake the section you failed. If you fail the retest, your N-400 application is denied, but you can reapply by filing a new Form N-400 and paying fees again. We provide test preparation resources to help you pass on the first attempt.
Citizenship attorney fees in New York typically range from $1,500-$4,000 for standard naturalization cases, depending on complexity. This includes N-400 preparation, filing, interview preparation, and attorney representation at your USCIS interview. USCIS filing fees are $760 (including $640 application fee and $120 biometrics fee). Cases involving criminal history, complex travel history, or prior denials may cost more. We offer consultations to review your case and provide transparent pricing.
Yes, green card holders can travel internationally while N-400 is pending. However, extended absences may affect your continuous residence requirement and delay processing. Trips over 6 months can break continuous residence. We recommend limiting international travel during the naturalization process and consulting your attorney before any trips exceeding 30 days to ensure compliance with residence requirements.
Bring to your citizenship interview: (1) green card, (2) state ID or driver's license, (3) valid passport, (4) re-entry permits (if applicable), (5) tax returns for past 5 years, (6) marriage certificate (if applicable), (7) divorce decrees from prior marriages, (8) children's birth certificates, (9) selective service registration (males 18-26), and (10) any documents related to arrests or citations. Your attorney will prepare a complete checklist specific to your case.
Your spouse cannot automatically become a citizen when you naturalize — they must file their own N-400 application. However, children under 18 automatically derive citizenship when you naturalize if they are green card holders and living with you in your legal and physical custody. You must obtain a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) to document their derivative citizenship status.
Schedule a consultation with Attorney Musani Imtiaz to discuss your citizenship eligibility, N-400 application process, and next steps toward naturalization.
Helpful government resources for naturalization and citizenship:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is created by visiting this website. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.