Naturalization and Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident
Do you have questions about naturalization and becoming a lawful permanent resident? Check out this article for guidance, then give our office a call.
As a New Jersey Immigration Lawyer, I am often asked how to replace a lost naturalization certificate when wanting to sponsor a relative.
- The Naturalization Certificate is replaceable but takes up to a year to replace. You must fill out a N-565 form.
Translating Your Documents for an Embassy Interview
I am often asked if a person interviewing at the US Embassy should have their documents translated.
- It is necessary to translate your documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce judgments to English. These translated documents must be certified.
- The National Visa Center reviews to determine if someone has the proper paperwork needed for their interview.
Taking the Naturalization Exam in Your Native Language
- Exemption is based on your age and how long you have had your green card.
- Medical exemptions caused by a mental or physical disability which are approved by a doctor.
Applying for Citizenship
Do you have questions about applying for citizenship? Our Morristown immigration attorney is here to answer your questions. Here is what you should know before you call our office.
Applying for Citizenship | Certificate of Naturalization
After you have your green card for five years — or three if you are married to a U.S. citizen — you can apply for a Certificate of Naturalization. Our firm assists you with the applications and the interviews that follow to make the process go smoothly. Unlike a green card, naturalized residents are afforded the right to vote and cannot be deported for a crime.
Applying for Citizenship | Prior Arrests
Traffic violations will not make you ineligible for citizenship. Other minor violations or misdemeanors – for example, shoplifting – will probably not affect your application. Arrests and convictions for more serious offenses – like assault, sexual assault, or a drug crime – will negatively affect your application. You must be sure to have copies of all dispositions from prior arrests and bring these to your consultation with an immigration attorney.
Download Our Free Immigration Guide
Applying for Citizenship | Married to a U.S. Citizen
If you are married to a U.S. citizen you may apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) without having to leave the country and apply for an immigrant visa. You must:
- Have evidence that you entered the U.S. lawfully (e.g. a stamped passport).
- Demonstrate that your spouse is a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder).
- Demonstrate that yours is a legitimate marriage based in love (bring photo albums, evidence of shared address and bank accounts, birth certificates of any children, etc.).
- Demonstrate that you have a job and will not be a burden on the state.
If you are living abroad you must interview at the U.S. Embassy in your country. If you are living in the U.S. but not allowed to interview here, you will have to travel to your home country and interview at the Embassy there. If you want legal assistance with applying for citizenship, please call our Morristown immigration attorney Susan Scheer today.
What To Do When Becoming a US Citizen
Have you recently become a U.S. Citizen and have questions about what to do when becoming a US citizen? Contact our New Jersey lawyer today.
1) Sponsoring a Family Member
As a New Jersey Immigration Attorney, I am asked by a client who recently became a citizen, when they can start to sponsor their family.
- You have the eligibility to sponsor a spouse, children, adult children, and even siblings.
- Spouses and minor children can take up to six months, while married children cases can take up to seven years, and sibling sponsorships can take up to ten years.
2) Proving Your Children are Citizens
As a New Jersey Immigration Attorney, I am often asked what can be done to prove that any children of an immigrant who was recently appointed U.S. Citizenship are also citizens.
- You will need the N-600 form to apply for a certificate of citizenship.
- You will need to supply a copy of your naturalization document and that the child is biological yours or adopted.
- Stepchildren are not eligible to acquire citizenship.
3) I-601A Approval and it’s Time Frame
- You must have an I-130 Immigrant Visa Petition approved.
- You may only need to leave the U.S. for a period of 2-4 weeks.
4) Leaving the US Before Filing an I-601A Waiver
As a New Jersey Immigration Attorney, I am often asked “Now that my I-130 visa petition is approved, do I have to leave the U.S. in order to file the waiver?”
- The I-601A provisional waiver is not the same as the traditional I-601 Waiver.
- Once the I-130 petition is approved, you stay in the U.S until the waiver is approved.
- You then deal with the National Visa Center, and will have to remain outside of the U.S. for a very short time.
Download Our Free Immigration Guide
Do you have questions about naturalization and becoming a lawful permanent resident? Contact our experienced New Jersey Naturalization Lawyer to help you.