Visa Focus Friday

​Welcome to Visa Focus Friday, where we spotlight key employment-based visas in U.S. immigration.  Each week, we will provide insights into visa categories for foreign workers, helping to navigate the complexities of the immigration process.

Visa Focus Friday: The Naturalization Process – A Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

This week, we are spotlighting the Naturalization process—the final step for many immigrants who have built their lives in the United States and wish to become U.S. citizens.  Naturalization is a powerful milestone that symbolizes full integration into American civic life, granting individuals not only the right to live and work in the United States permanently, but also the ability to vote, hold a U.S. passport, and fully participate in the democratic process.

Naturalization is available to Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), also known as green card holders, who meet certain eligibility criteria.  For many, this process represents the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and lawful residence in the United States.

Key Facts about the Naturalization Process:

Eligibility Requirements –  In most cases, an individual must be a permanent resident for at least five (5) years before applying for Naturalization.  If the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen, the required period is three (3) years.  In addition, applicants must demonstrate continuous residence, physical presence in the United States for the majority of that time, and good moral character.  They must also pass an English and civics test, unless they qualify for an exemption or waiver.

Form N-400 – The Naturalization process begins with the submission of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.  This form includes extensive biographic information and must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including a copy of the applicant’s green card, evidence of marital history (if applicable), and documentation of physical presence and residence history.

Biometrics Appointment – After filing Form N-400, applicants are typically scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a local USCIS Application Support Center.  During this appointment, the applicant’s fingerprints and photograph are taken and used for background checks conducted by the FBI and other agencies.

Naturalization Interview – Once background checks are completed, USCIS will schedule the applicant for a Naturalization interview.  At this interview, a USCIS officer will review the application, ask questions about the applicant’s background, and administer the English and civics test.  The civics portion consists of up to ten questions from a list of one hundred; applicants must answer at least six correctly to pass.

Oath of Allegiance – If the application is approved, the final step is attending a Naturalization ceremony, where the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance.  This ceremony marks the official moment of becoming a U.S. citizen. Upon taking the oath, the individual is issued a Certificate of Naturalization and is eligible to apply for a U.S. passport.

Special Considerations –

• Spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad by certain U.S. government agencies or American companies may be eligible for expedited Naturalization without the standard residency and physical presence requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is also available for children under age 18 through derivation or acquisition if certain conditions are met, allowing families to naturalize together under specific provisions of the law.

Why Naturalization Matters – Naturalization provides the highest level of legal immigration status available under U.S. law.  It offers security, mobility, and full access to the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.  For many immigrants, it is not only a legal status but a profound personal achievement that affirms their identity, contributions, and belonging within American society.

If you are considering applying for Naturalization, our team at Stommes Immigration is here to assist you. We guide our clients through every step—from eligibility review and application preparation to interview readiness and ceremony planning.

Stay tuned for next week’s Visa Focus Friday.  We look forward to supporting you on your journey to citizenship.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].