Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer Serving New York City

01Services

NYC Citizenship Services

Complete naturalization support for New York City green card holders

1. 01

   N-400 Application Preparation

   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.

2. 02

   Civics & English Test Preparation

   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.

3. 03

   Interview Representation

   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.

4. 04

   Oath Ceremony Assistance

   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.

03Questions clients ask

Citizenship NYC FAQs

How long do I need to wait before applying for citizenship in NYC?

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.

What is the naturalization process timeline in NYC?

The stages are fixed even though the waiting between them is not. (1) File Form N-400 and pay the USCIS filing fee (the current amount is published on uscis.gov). (2) Attend the biometrics appointment for fingerprints, photo and signature at a USCIS Application Support Center, scheduled by notice after filing. (3) Receive the interview notice once the field office reaches your case. (4) Attend the interview at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, covering your application, your background, and the English and civics tests. (5) Receive a decision — approved, continued for more evidence, or denied. (6) Attend the oath ceremony, where you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization; you can apply for a U.S. passport immediately afterwards. What sets the length is the field office holding the case and whether background checks or a Request for Evidence intervene. 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 happens at the naturalization interview in NYC?

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.

How much does a citizenship lawyer cost in NYC?

Citizenship attorney fees in NYC depend on the case. A standard naturalization matter includes complete N-400 application preparation, document review and collection, eligibility assessment, filing with USCIS, civics test study materials, interview preparation (mock interview), and representation at the USCIS interview if requested. The USCIS filing fee is separate and paid directly to USCIS. Criminal history issues, prior immigration violations, name change requests, or an N-336 hearing for a denied application involve more work and cost more. 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 offer consultations for NYC residents to assess your eligibility and quote the fee in writing. Many NYC residents find attorney assistance valuable for ensuring application accuracy, avoiding delays, and preparing for the interview.

What are the 100 civics questions for the citizenship test?

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.

Can I have dual citizenship if I naturalize in NYC?

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.

What if I fail the citizenship test in NYC?

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.

Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record in NYC?

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.