Expert citizenship and naturalization attorneys serving NYC green card holders in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Long Island. N-400 applications, civics test preparation, interview representation at 26 Federal Plaza, and oath ceremony guidance.
Complete naturalization support for New York City green card holders
Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) preparation for NYC green card holders. Review eligibility under 5-year rule or 3-year rule (if married to U.S. citizen). Calculate physical presence, continuous residence, and good moral character requirements. Document collection and application filing.
Comprehensive preparation for USCIS civics and English tests. Study materials for 100 civics questions, reading and writing practice. Special considerations for age 50+/20 years LPR and age 55+/15 years LPR exemptions. Interview question practice for NYC applicants.
Attorney representation at naturalization interviews at USCIS 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. Interview preparation covering all aspects of N-400 application. Guidance on answering questions about residence, employment, trips abroad, taxes, criminal history, and moral character.
Guidance through the final step of becoming a U.S. citizen. Oath ceremony scheduling and preparation. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a new citizen. Same-day passport application assistance. Certificate of naturalization protection.
Green card holder for 5 years, physically present 30+ months, continuous residence, good moral character.
Married to U.S. citizen for 3+ years, living together, spouse citizen for 3+ years, physically present 18+ months.
Must be physically present in U.S. for 50% of required period. Trips over 6 months can break continuous residence.
No serious crimes, pay taxes, register for Selective Service (males 18-26), truthfulness on application.
Ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Knowledge of U.S. history and government (100 civics questions).
Must have resided in NYC/New York State for at least 3 months before filing. Interview at 26 Federal Plaza.
NYC green card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship under two main timelines: (1) 5-Year Rule: If you've been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years, you can apply 90 days before your 5-year anniversary. You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during those 5 years and maintained continuous residence. (2) 3-Year Rule: If you've been married to a U.S. citizen and living together for 3 years, you can apply 90 days before your 3-year green card anniversary. You must have been physically present for at least 18 months during those 3 years. Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3 years. Special rules apply for military service members and their families. Calculate your eligibility date carefully—filing even one day early can result in denial.
The naturalization process for NYC residents typically takes 8-14 months from filing Form N-400 to taking the oath of allegiance. Timeline breakdown: (1) File N-400 and pay $725 fee ($640 application + $85 biometrics). (2) Biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, signature) 4-8 weeks after filing at USCIS Application Support Center. (3) Interview notice received 6-12 months after filing. (4) Interview at USCIS 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan covering your application, background, and civics/English test. (5) Decision (approved, continued for more evidence, or denied). (6) Oath ceremony scheduled 1-6 weeks after approval where you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You can apply for a U.S. passport immediately after the ceremony. Total timeline: 8-14 months on average for NYC applicants.
NYC naturalization interviews are held at USCIS 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278. The interview lasts 20-30 minutes and covers: (1) Verification of identity using your green card and ID. (2) Review of your N-400 application under oath—the officer goes through each question asking you to confirm accuracy. They ask about residence history, employment, trips abroad, family, and any criminal or tax issues. (3) English test: reading (read 1 of 3 sentences correctly), writing (write 1 of 3 sentences correctly), and speaking (demonstrated throughout interview). (4) Civics test: answer 6 of 10 questions correctly from the 100 civics questions. Questions are asked orally. (5) Decision: most NYC applicants receive same-day approval. At the end, the officer will tell you if you passed or if they need additional documentation. Bring all requested documents in original form. Our attorneys can accompany you to provide support.
Citizenship attorney fees in NYC typically range from $1,500-$3,000 for standard naturalization cases. This includes: complete N-400 application preparation, document review and collection, eligibility assessment, application filing with USCIS, civics test study materials, interview preparation (mock interview), and representation at the USCIS interview if requested. The $725 USCIS filing fee is separate and paid directly to USCIS. More complex cases may cost more: criminal history issues ($2,500-$5,000+), prior immigration violations ($2,000-$4,000), name change requests ($500-$1,000 additional), N-336 hearing for denied applications ($2,500-$5,000). We offer book consultations for NYC residents to assess your eligibility and provide transparent pricing. Many NYC residents find attorney assistance valuable for ensuring application accuracy, avoiding delays, and preparing for the interview.
The USCIS civics test covers U.S. history, government, and geography with 100 possible questions. During your NYC naturalization interview, the officer will ask 10 questions and you must answer 6 correctly to pass. Questions cover: American Government (principles, system, branches, checks and balances, rights and responsibilities), American History (colonial period, 1800s, recent history, important events and people), Geography (states, capitals, symbols), Holidays and Symbols. Example questions: 'What is the supreme law of the land?' (Constitution), 'How many U.S. Senators are there?' (100), 'Who was the first President?' (George Washington). USCIS provides the full list of 100 questions and answers—these never change. We provide study materials and practice tests to all our NYC citizenship clients. Test is given orally in English. Exemptions available for age 50+/20 years LPR or 55+/15 years LPR (can take test in native language). Age 65+/20 years LPR study only 20 designated questions.
Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship (also called dual nationality). When you naturalize as a U.S. citizen in NYC, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship—unless your home country requires it. During the naturalization oath ceremony, you swear allegiance to the United States and renounce allegiance to foreign governments, but this is symbolic and doesn't legally terminate your other citizenship. Many NYC residents maintain citizenship in their country of origin while becoming U.S. citizens. Benefits of dual citizenship: travel on either passport, own property in both countries, work in both countries without restrictions, vote in both countries (if allowed), cultural and family connections. Considerations: some countries don't recognize dual citizenship (India, China, Japan, Singapore, others) and may require you to renounce when naturalizing elsewhere. Check your country's laws. U.S. citizens must enter/exit the U.S. on their U.S. passport. Dual citizens may have tax obligations in both countries.
If you fail the English or civics test at your NYC naturalization interview at 26 Federal Plaza, you get a second chance. USCIS will schedule a retest (called a 're-examination') within 60-90 days. At the retest, you only retake the portion(s) you failed—if you passed English but failed civics, you only retake civics. If you fail either test a second time, your N-400 application is denied. However, you can immediately reapply by filing a new N-400 and paying the fee again—there's no waiting period. You can take the test as many times as needed. Most NYC applicants pass on the first try with proper preparation. If denied: you have 30 days to file Form N-336 (Request for Hearing on Decision in Naturalization Proceedings) to appeal. At the hearing, you get another chance to take the test before an immigration officer. Our attorneys help NYC residents prepare thoroughly to pass the first time, and we represent clients at N-336 hearings if needed.
It depends on the nature and timing of your criminal history. USCIS requires 'good moral character' for the 5 years before filing (or 3 years for spouse of U.S. citizen). Automatic bars to good moral character include: murder, aggravated felony, drug trafficking, prostitution, smuggling, two or more DUI convictions. Other crimes require case-by-case analysis: DUI/DWI (one may be okay if completed probation/rehab), domestic violence (often problematic), theft/fraud (depends on amount and circumstances), drug possession (marijuana under 30g may be okay in some cases). Even if your crime doesn't automatically bar citizenship, USCIS may find you lack good moral character if: you haven't paid court-ordered restitution, haven't completed probation, haven't paid taxes, or lied on your application. NYC residents with ANY criminal history should consult an immigration attorney before filing N-400. We review arrest records, court dispositions, and determine if/when you can safely apply. Filing too soon can result in denial and potentially trigger removal proceedings if you have deportable convictions.
Whether you qualify under the 5-year rule or 3-year rule, our experienced NYC citizenship attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the naturalization process.