For many people, U.S. citizenship is a dream that millions have yet to achieve. But the process can feel confusing because many applicants do not know how long it will take or what steps are involved. This can cause delays and make the process stressful. In this guide, we explain how long it takes to become a U.S. citizen and how a skilled citizenship and naturalization lawyer can help you move faster.
How Much Time Does the U.S. Citizenship Process Take?
Usually, the process takes about 12–18 months, but several things can change this.
- Application Processing Times:
USCIS offices work at different speeds. For example, in Edison, NJ, it usually takes 12–16 months from when you submit your application to your citizenship interview.
- Background Checks and Biometrics:
After sending your application, you will get a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo) in 1–2 months.
- Interview and Citizenship Test:
Your interview and test usually happen 6–10 months after your application. Being ready helps avoid delays.
- Oath Ceremony:
Once your application is approved, you will attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, usually 1–2 months after the interview.
So, having an experienced immigration attorney for U.S. citizenship can help make each step easier and faster.
Understanding the U.S. Citizenship Process
First, you need to know the steps to become a citizen. Usually, you must:
- Hold a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in the U.S. continuously.
- Show good moral character.
- Pass the English and civics test.
Once you qualify, you can file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). Working with a skilled immigration attorney ensures your forms are correct and complete, helping avoid delays.
Things That Can Slow Down the Process
Some problems can make your citizenship application take longer. For example:
- Incomplete or wrong applications
- Missed or rescheduled appointments
- Problems with background checks
- USCIS backlogs
- Missing documents
A skilled immigration attorney in Edison, NJ can help you avoid these common problems.
How to Speed Up the Citizenship Process?
While you can’t control all USCIS timelines, you can do things to make the process smoother:
- Hire a U.S citizenship and naturalization lawyer to make sure forms are filled correctly.
- Send all required documents at the start.
- Keep track of USCIS updates and attend all appointments.
- Ask for faster processing if there is a strong reason.
- Prepare well for your interview and test to avoid rescheduling.
In short, using a professional immigration lawyer for U.S citizenship helps you avoid mistakes and delays.
Our Citizenship Services – How We Can Help
At Immigration Vision, we help with every step of the citizenship process. Our services include:
- N-400 Application Help: We guide you to fill out the application correctly.
- Eligibility Check: We review your travel history, any criminal records, and other details to make sure you qualify.
- Test Preparation: We provide materials and tips to prepare for the English and civics tests.
- N-600 Certificates of Citizenship: Help for children or dependents applying for citizenship.
- Parental Citizenship Check: We check if kids can get citizenship through their parents.
- Interview Support: Our attorneys guide you during the interview so you feel ready and calm.
- Appeals and Complicated Cases: We help with difficult cases to keep the process moving.
So, working with a U.S citizenship and naturalization lawyer at Immigration Vision makes your journey easier, faster, and less stressful.
Why Choose an Immigration Attorney in Edison, NJ?
If you live in New Jersey, a local immigration attorney in Edison, NJ, can help in many ways:
- Knows the local USCIS office and its timelines
- Can review your documents in person
- Can handle tricky cases better than public offices
Also, a skilled U.S. citizenship and naturalization lawyer can help with cases involving visa problems, past criminal issues, or long absences, helping you become a citizen without extra stress.
Begin Your Citizenship Process
There are numerous steps in becoming a U.S citizen, but knowing them all is easier since one is aware of the timeframe and requirements. Employing the services of an established U.S citizenship and naturalization attorney will have you fill out the right forms, minimize time wastage, and lead you in the right direction. When you are ready, call an experienced immigration lawyer at Immigration Vision today to begin your process.
More Queries Related to U.S Citizenship Process
Q1. What is the average time to become a U.S. citizen?
The procedure typically lasts 12-18 months. Our Edison, NJ, immigration lawyers can assist you through each process of immigration to make it quicker and simpler.
Q2. What is Form N-400, and do you need assistance in filing?
The official application for citizenship is Form N-400. We at Immigration Vision assist in filling it properly to minimize delays.
Q3. Can a lawyer assist me in preparing for the citizenship test?
Yes. An immigration lawyer can help you understand the civics and English requirements, check for any potential red flags in your history, conduct mock interviews, and make sure your application information is aligned with USCIS expectations before the test day.
Q4. How can lawyers at Immigration Vision help at my interview?
Lawyers at Immigration Vision help you prepare for the interview with a mock interview, checking your N-400 form, and organizing documentation to remove any chances of denial or delay.
Q5. What are some of the common problems that postpone citizenship applications?
The delays are usually caused by incomplete forms, missed appointments, USCIS backlog, or the absence of documents. Having an attorney in U.S citizenship and naturalization, such as Immigration Vision, can help keep your application out of these traps.
Q6. Why choose a local attorney in Edison, NJ?
A local attorney will be familiar with the procedures of the Newark USCIS field office, the regional processing times, and the interview styles typically encountered. The convenience of meeting and reviewing documents also enables faster communication and more personalized advice.
