Mandi Law Group

§Citizenship Attorney

New York Citizenship Lawyer & U.S. Naturalization Attorney

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Quick answer

U.S. naturalization is the legal process under INA § 316 through which a permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400. Eligibility requires 5 years of continuous lawful permanent residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), physical presence, good moral character, and passing the English and civics examinations. Mandi Law Group handles these cases from its Latham, NY office — the firm's only office, minutes from the USCIS Albany Field Office and open to walk-ins Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 ET — and by phone or video anywhere in New York.

We guide you through every step of naturalization — from your N-400 filing and civics-test prep to the USCIS interview and oath ceremony. Get New York legal counsel on your side for the journey to U.S. citizenship.

Start Your Citizenship Application(518) 698-0347
  • Bar Admitted
  • N-400 Filing
  • Interview Prep

Led by M. Riaz Musani, Esq., who has practised immigration law since 2012 and is admitted in New York and Connecticut.

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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.

01Why hire an attorney

Why Hire a Citizenship Attorney?

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.

  1. Eligibility Assessment

    Comprehensive review of residence requirements, criminal history, and moral character to identify issues before filing

  2. Error Prevention

    Attorneys ensure N-400 accuracy, preventing delays and denials caused by incomplete or incorrect applications

  3. Interview Preparation

    Thorough preparation for USCIS interview, civics test, and English assessment with attorney representation at interview

  4. Legal Protection

    If issues arise during naturalization, your attorney protects your rights and prevents triggering deportation proceedings

02Services

What citizenship legal services do we provide?

Comprehensive legal representation for all aspects of U.S. citizenship and naturalization in New York.

03Eligibility

What are the naturalization eligibility requirements?

Understanding citizenship eligibility is critical before filing Form N-400. Our attorneys assess each requirement to confirm your readiness to apply.

  1. Lawful Permanent Residence

    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.

  2. Continuous Residence & Physical Presence

    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.

  3. Good Moral Character

    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.

  4. English Language & Civics Knowledge

    Most applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government. We provide test preparation resources and identify exemption eligibility.

04How it works

How does the citizenship application process work?

From initial consultation to oath ceremony, we guide you through every stage of naturalization with professional legal oversight.

  1. Step 1: Eligibility Consultation

    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.

  2. Step 2: Form N-400 Preparation

    Your attorney prepares and files Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with complete supporting documentation, residence calculations, and legal analysis of eligibility requirements.

  3. Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

    USCIS schedules your biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks. We provide guidance on appointment procedures and what to expect during the process.

  4. Step 4: Citizenship Interview Preparation

    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.

  5. Step 5: Oath Ceremony & Naturalization

    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.

05Benefits

What are the benefits of U.S. citizenship?

U.S. citizenship provides rights and protections not available to green card holders.

Voting Rights
Full voting rights in federal, state, and local elections
Deportation Protection
Cannot be deported or have citizenship revoked except in rare fraud cases
U.S. Passport
Obtain U.S. passport for international travel and consular protection
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor immediate relatives with faster processing and no quotas

06What goes wrong

Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny an N-400

Most naturalization problems are avoidable if they are caught before filing, not at the interview.

  1. An undisclosed arrest or citation

    USCIS cross-checks fingerprints against FBI and state records at biometrics. An arrest you didn't list — even one that was dismissed or sealed — reads as a misrepresentation on the N-400 and can trigger a denial that a disclosed one would not have.

  2. A trip that broke continuous residence without you realizing it

    A single absence of six months to a year creates a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence was broken; a year or more generally resets the residency clock entirely. Applicants often don't add up cumulative days abroad until an officer does it for them at the interview.

  3. Selective Service never registered

    Men who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 and did not register with Selective Service, when required to, face a good moral character question that has to be addressed directly, not left off the application.

  4. Child support or tax filings that don't match the record

    Unpaid child support and unfiled or inconsistent tax returns are common, quiet good-moral-character problems. They surface when USCIS asks for documentation you weren't expecting to need.

  5. Treating the interview as a formality

    The officer re-asks the entire N-400 under oath, not just the civics and English tests. Answers that drift from what was written on the form are the most common reason a straightforward-looking case still needs a second interview.

07Where we appear

New York USCIS Citizenship Offices

We represent citizenship applicants at USCIS field offices throughout New York State.

Manhattan USCIS Office
26 Federal Plaza, NYC
Garden City USCIS Office
Garden City, Long Island
Albany USCIS Office
Albany, NY
Buffalo USCIS Office
Buffalo, NY

08Questions clients ask

Citizenship Attorney FAQs

How long does the naturalization process take in New York?
An N-400 runs through four stages: filing, biometrics, the interview with the English and civics tests, and the oath ceremony. What sets the length is which field office holds the case — the Albany Field Office in Latham for the Capital Region, 26 Federal Plaza for New York City — and whether background checks or a Request for Evidence hold it up. Premium processing is not offered for the N-400. Processing times change regularly — check the current figure for your form and service centre on the USCIS processing-times page, or ask us at your consultation. The N-400 moves through filing, a biometrics appointment, an interview at your USCIS field office covering the application, the English test and the civics test, and then the oath ceremony. The interview office is set by where you live, and offices work through their calendars at different rates; background check holds and Requests for Evidence add time on top. There is no premium processing for naturalisation, so no fee shortens the queue. Processing times change regularly — check the current figure for your form and service centre on the USCIS processing-times page, or ask us at your consultation.
What are the basic requirements to become a U.S. citizen?
Applicants must be a lawful permanent resident for five years (three if married to a U.S. citizen), be at least 18, meet continuous residence and physical presence rules, demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and take the Oath of Allegiance. 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.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
Possibly, but criminal history is high-risk. USCIS reviews moral character over the past five years, and crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, or controlled-substance offenses can trigger denial or removal proceedings. Always have an attorney review your record before filing N-400. 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.
Do I need to take the citizenship test in English?
Most applicants must pass English reading, writing, and speaking plus a civics test. Exemptions: age 50+ with 20 years as an LPR, age 55+ with 15 years (civics in native language), age 65+ with 20 years (easier version). Form N-648 waivers cover qualifying medical disabilities. 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.
Can I lose my green card if my citizenship application is denied?
An N-400 denial alone does not strip LPR status. However, if your application surfaces fraud in obtaining the green card, unlawful presence, or criminal conduct, USCIS may refer the case to removal proceedings. Attorney pre-filing review is critical for risky histories. 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.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
USCIS allows one retake of the failed portion (English or civics) within 60-90 days, with only the failed section retested. A second failure results in N-400 denial, but you may reapply by filing a new N-400 and paying fees again. 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.
How much does a citizenship attorney cost in New York?
Citizenship attorney fees in New York depend on the case. A standard N-400 is usually a flat fee covering preparation, filing, interview preparation, and attorney representation at your USCIS interview; criminal history, complex travel records, or prior denials increase the work and the cost. Attorney fees depend on the type of case and how much of the record has to be built; flat fees are quoted in writing before work starts, and payment plans are available. Government filing fees are set by USCIS, published on uscis.gov, and listed separately from our fee. We review your case at the consultation and quote the fee for it in writing.
Can I travel while my citizenship application is pending?
Yes — LPRs may travel internationally during N-400 processing. Trips over six months can break continuous residence and jeopardize eligibility. We recommend limiting absences to under 30 days and consulting your attorney before any extended international travel during the case. 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.
What documents do I need for my citizenship interview?
Bring your green card, government ID, passport, re-entry permits, the past five years of tax returns, marriage certificate and any prior divorce decrees, children's birth certificates, selective service registration (males 18-26), and any arrest or citation records. Originals are required. 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.
Can my spouse and children become citizens through my naturalization?
Your spouse must file an independent N-400; naturalization does not transfer. Children under 18 who are LPRs and in your legal and physical custody automatically derive citizenship when you naturalize. File Form N-600 to document each child's derivative citizenship. 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.

§Talk to us

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Schedule a consultation with Attorney M. Riaz Musani to discuss your citizenship eligibility, N-400 application process, and next steps toward naturalization.

Schedule Citizenship Consultation(518) 698-0347

09Related services

Related Services

Official Citizenship Resources

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.